California’s Supreme Court has overturned a lower court decision, reinforcing the state’s marijuana laws by rejecting the argument that federal cannabis prohibition could invalidate local cannabis regulations. The ruling resolves a critical lawsuit involving a Santa Barbara County company that contested the transportation of state-legal cannabis across a property easement, claiming federal law preempted state law.
Earlier, a California appellate court sided with the company, asserting federal prohibition blocked the easement’s use for cannabis transport. However, the state Supreme Court reversed this decision, safeguarding California’s legal cannabis framework.
Nicole Elliott, Director of the California Department of Cannabis Control (DCC), applauded the Supreme Court’s decision, highlighting its importance in supporting state cannabis laws and the legal marijuana industry. The earlier appellate ruling risked undermining California’s broader cannabis regulations by suggesting they conflicted with federal law.
This Supreme Court decision also aligns with longstanding California court interpretations affirming that state cannabis regulations do not conflict with federal prohibition. The legislature has explicitly stated that cannabis activities compliant with state and local laws are legally valid, including property easements.
This development coincides with recent state efforts to strengthen California’s legal cannabis market, including $18.4 million in cannabis tax-funded grants dedicated to promoting equity and reducing barriers within the industry.
The ruling also comes after California officials noted that federal prohibitions limiting interstate cannabis trade inadvertently bolster illicit markets, underscoring ongoing regulatory challenges.
Previously, Governor Gavin Newsom had signed legislation to allow interstate cannabis agreements pending federal authorization. However, in 2023, California Attorney General Rob Bonta advised against implementing such agreements due to potential federal enforcement risks.
