A bill proposed in California would allow cannabis to be sold at farmers markets and establish permits for offering cannabis at temporary state-licensed events, KCRA 3 reports. The measure passed the Assembly Business and Professions Committee on Tuesday.
The bill’s sponsor, Assemblyman Jim Wood (D), told KCRA 3 that the focus of the legislation “is to help legal cannabis farmers who grow less than 1 acre of cannabis get consumer recognition for their unique products” as the state has done for its craft beer, artisanal wine, and family farm industries.
“Giving these smaller farmers opportunities at locally approved events to expose the public to their products increases consumer choice and offers farmers a better chance to reach retail shelves which is their ultimate goal. This is not about circumventing retailers, but growing the industry overall.” – Wood in a statement to KCRA 3
The measure is opposed by the United Cannabis Business Association which argues that it violates the state’s adult-use cannabis law.
Genine Coleman, executive director of Origins Council – an advocacy organization that represents the historic rural cannabis-producing regions across California with about 900 members – told KCRA 3 that she supports the bill, saying that it is “really critical” for smaller producers “to have direct marketing and sales opportunities with consumers.”
Davis Farmers Market Alliance Executive Director Randii MacNear said, though, that even if the bill passes, the farmers market is a “food business” and that “cannabis is not a food.” She added that the final decision would come down to the Davis City Council.
The bill has been sent to the Assembly Appropriations Committee.
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