Skip to main content

Marijuana Watershed Protection Act Moves to Senate

For immediate release:

Sacramento today – Assemblyman Wood’s landmark Medical Marijuana Bill, The Marijuana Watershed Protection Act (AB 243), was passed by the Assembly today and now moves on to the State Senate.  The passage of AB 243 marks the first medical marijuana bill this year that made it to the next house – State Senate.

Assemblyman Wood said, “The cultivation and sale of medical cannabis in my district isn’t just the elephant in the room, it’s the whole house.  My district is also one of the most environmentally conscious regions in the state and we must continue fighting to protect it.  That’s what AB 243 is all about, ensuring cannabis cultivation and cultivators are respecting the environment and protecting our natural resources.”

AB 243 would create guidelines and regulations for medical cannabis cultivators.  The nine regional water quality control boards in California would be charged with developing regulations for water, chemical, and sediment use and discharge.  Additionally AB 243 gives local jurisdictions (Cities and Counties) the authority to require permits for cultivation and set restrictions on the number, and location of plants.  The bill would also provide a funding mechanism to support the enforcement of the new regulations.

“A lot of people have put a lot of thought and effort into crafting this legislation.  I am grateful to have the support of my colleagues on this legislation that is so important to my district,” said Wood.

AB 243 will be heard next in Senate Rules Committee.

###

Elected in 2014, Assemblymember Jim Wood (D- Healdsburg) represents the 2nd Assembly District, which includes all of Del Norte, Trinity, Humboldt and Mendocino counties, plus northern and coastal Sonoma County, including the northern half of Santa Rosa.

CONTACT: Liz Snow, O) 916-319-2002