California Gov. Vetoes Bill to Let Some Cannabis Microbusinesses Ship Directly to Patients

California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) last week vetoed legislation that would
have allowed a limited number of microbusinesses with a medical cannabis
license to ship products to patients using common or commercial carriers.

In his veto message, Newsom said that while he appreciated “the author’s
goal of expanding patient access, the proposed direct-shipping program
would be burdensome and over complex to administer.” Newsom said that were
the bill to take effect, the state Department of Cannabis
Control (DCC) would have to revamp its seed-to-sale tracking system, which
the governor said would “take significant resources and time.”

“Moreover, this measure includes numerous restrictions on eligible products
– many of which are unclear, overly narrow, or unworkable, adding to the
implementation challenge. Given that the measure allows just two businesses
to ship medical cannabis directly to patients, the costs of administering
this program far outweigh the possible benefits to patients.” — Newsom in
the veto message

Newsom added that while he is “open to working with” lawmakers on medical
cannabis access issues, the bill would shift limited DCC resources away
from its other priorities.

The legislation had passed both the state House and Senate unanimously.