AB 243 Summary

• Establishes state regulatory framework for medical marijuana cultivation through the Department of Food and Agriculture, with nine license types ranging from specialty outdoor (≤5,000 sq ft) to nursery operations, and requires local permits before state licensing.

• Creates the Medical Marijuana Regulation and Safety Act Fund and authorizes a $10 million initial operating loan from the General Fund, with licensing fees to repay the loan by January 1, 2022, and establishes a Medical Cannabis Fines and Penalties Account for enforcement grants.

• Requires the Department of Pesticide Regulation to develop pesticide use standards and maximum residue tolerances, and mandates the State Department of Public Health to establish standards for edible cannabis products.

• Directs state agencies (Department of Fish and Wildlife, State Water Resources Control Board, regional boards) to establish permanent multiagency task forces and enforcement programs to address environmental impacts of cannabis cultivation, including unlawful water diversions and habitat damage.

• Implements a unique identifier program for individual plants at licensed cultivation sites and imposes civil penalties up to twice the license fee for unlicensed cultivation, with collections directed to environmental mitigation efforts.