Two decades after legalization of medical pot, Calif. is finally ready to step in to regulate industry

California, the first state to legalize medical marijuana in 1996, is poised to implement comprehensive regulations for its cannabis industry. Lawmakers have reached an agreement to establish a Bureau of Medical Marijuana Regulation, tasked with overseeing licensing and ensuring compliance with state laws. This move aims to address the longstanding absence of a unified regulatory framework, which has led to inconsistent enforcement and challenges in managing the state's vast medical marijuana market. The new bureau will provide structure and oversight, facilitating a more organized and accountable industry. This development marks a significant step toward aligning California's cannabis policies with the evolving landscape of medical marijuana use and distribution.