SACRAMENTO, CA – The California Assembly today approved a bill by Assemblywoman Blanca E. Rubio (D-Baldwin Park) that would create civil penalties for individuals caught aiding and abetting unlicensed cannabis activity.
With studies estimating that the illegal cannabis market accounts for as much as 80% of cannabis sales, AB 2122 will provide a new tool for enforcement agencies cracking down on the illicit market. The bill is supported by the California Attorney General, local governments, law enforcement, legal cannabis operations and labor unions.
“Despite some success during the first two years of legalized cannabis sales, the illicit market has flourished,” said Assemblywoman Rubio. “Research has estimated as much as 80% of the cannabis sold in California is done via the illegal market. In addition to dwindling tax revenues, the underground market presents public safety and health threats to California. Cannabis products sold at these locations does not meet established standards, evades state testing and puts people at risk.”
“The civil penalties included in AB 2122 will encourage operators to make smart business decisions and join the legal market so they can serve our communities and fulfill what California voters intended to create by passing Proposition 64.”
The bill now heads to the Senate.
Assemblywoman Rubio represents the 48th Assembly District, which is comprised of the cities of Azusa, Baldwin Park, Bradbury, City of Industry, Covina, Duarte, El Monte, Glendora, Irwindale, Monrovia, West Covina, and the San Gabriel Valley unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County, including Bassett, Charter Oak, Citrus, East Arcadia, Ramona, Valinda and West La Puente.
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