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.