California Senator and pediatrician Richard Pan has introduced SB 1097, that will require stronger and clearer health warnings on cannabis products and cannabis advertising inspired by front of pack tobacco graphic warnings. This legislation is sponsored by the Getting it Right from the Start Project at the California Public Health Institute and by Youth Forward, with support from the American Academy of Pediatrics and over 40 other organizations.
As detailed in this brochure summarizing the bill, current law requires nearly-invisible 6 point warnings with no requirement for placement.
It is scheduled for a hearing at the California Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee. PHI is asking organizations and concerned California residents to sign a letter to Senator Richard Roth, Chair of the chair of the Business, Professions and Economic Development. The deadline to sign on to the letter is Thursday , March 10, 2022.
PHI expects vigorous opposition from the cannabis industry on this bill. This bill will put important protections in place, and it also creates an opportunity to educate legislators and their staff on the health research on cannabis. This dialogue and debate has yet to take place in the Legislature. This is a groundbreaking moment for all of us working on these issues. Please forward this email to other organizations in your community and in your networks.
If you have any questions or feedback, please contact Dr Lynn Silver at PHI: lsilver@phi.org.
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