New California Laws Crack Down on Illicit Cannabis Sales

Illegal cannabis dealers will face stiffer penalties and fines under legislation recently signed into law by California Gov. Gavin Newsom.

A customer buys cannabis products at a store in West Hollywood, Calif., on Jan. 2, 2018. David McNew/Getty Images

Illegal cannabis dealers will face stiffer penalties and fines under legislation that California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed into law on Oct. 8.

The three new laws—Assembly Bills 1684, 1126, and 1171—will take effect on Jan. 1, 2024.

Assembly Bill 1126

The Cannabis: citation and fine law, authored by Assemblyman Tom Lackey, a Republican, will increase penalties for unlicensed cannabis dealers caught using the universal cannabis symbol—which is required for licensed cannabis businesses—in their business dealings and on their illicit products.