In California weed news, the state is set to legalize recreational marijuana beginning on Jan. 1, and the state has set up an online application licensing system for marijuana businesses. Cannabis testing labs, distributors, and cultivators are already submitting applications, according to the Bureau of Cannabis Control.
In an attempt to bring awareness to businesses and get pot shops registered with the state, Alex Padilla, the Secretary of State for California, has teamed up with none other than half of the doobie duo Cheech and Chong, Cheech Marin. The famous cannabis connoisseur is spreading the weed news by starring in a public service announcement that urges weed entrepreneurs to register with the state and apply for proper licenses online at cannabizfile. "The first stop for any business hoping to start up in California is the Secretary of State's office," said Padilla. "With the commercial cannabis businesses, that's certainly no exception." The website helps businesses with the steps needed to get legal and handles all of the paperwork online. Marin said that "Cheech" was the perfect person to spread the word.
Padilla also stars in the commercial with Marin. Padilla met Marin in a restaurant in Los Angeles and brought up the idea of helping to promote the website, and Marin was more than happy to help. Marin has a cannabis business himself called Cheech's Private Stash.
California is expected to generate at least $7 billion from legalizing recreational marijuana and the Los Angeles City Council laid out the new regulations in early December. Any license approved will not be valid until Jan. 1, and all businesses applying for a state license will need to have a local permit first because many local communities are banning recreational marijuana. Regulations allow adults 21 years of age and older to possess up to an ounce of marijuana at any time.
