Senate OKs Bill To Regulate Medical Marijuana Shops

On Monday, the California Senate voted 22-12 to approve a bill (SB 439) that would shield medical marijuana dispensaries from prosecution for marijuana sale or possession. Senate President Pro Tempore Darrell Steinberg (D-Sacramento) said the legislation aims to bar criminals from the medical marijuana business and clarify confusion between state and federal law. The bill now moves to the Assembly.

• "CA Senate Approves Bill To Regulate Medical Marijuana Shops" (Rosenhall, "Capitol Alert," Sacramento Bee, 5/20).
• "California Senate Passes Bill To Clear Up State Laws on Medical Pot" (Small, "Represent!," KPCC , 5/20)
• "California Senate Acts To Clarify Legality of Medical Cannabis" (McGreevy, Los Angeles Times, 5/20)