California Assembly Advances Bill Permitting Drive-Thru Cannabis Sales to Assembly Floor

California lawmakers have moved forward with legislation that would permit licensed cannabis dispensaries to operate drive-thru windows, following a decisive 13-1 vote in the Assembly Appropriations Committee. The bill, AB 2697, sponsored by Assemblymember Gail Pellerin, is now set for a full Assembly floor vote. If approved, licensed cannabis retailers and microbusinesses with storefronts could sell marijuana products directly to customers in vehicles, provided they receive approval from their local jurisdictions

The push for drive-thru service seeks to resolve a regulatory inconsistency: while curbside pickup remains a pandemic-era adaptation for dispensaries, traditional drive-thru sales are currently prohibited. Assemblymember Jessica Caloza highlighted the importance of the change, stating, 'The bill will address a regulatory inconsistency under which licensed cannabis retailers can offer curbside pickup as a remnant of COVID pandemic adaptations but generally cannot fulfill orders for customers sitting in their car at a drive-thru.' Caloza further emphasized that the legislation would make the legal cannabis market more accessible and competitive against illicit operators

Retailers and industry advocates argue that drive-thrus will significantly improve access for vulnerable populations. Mark Smith of Chuck’s Wellness Center noted, 'A significant portion of customers rely on cannabis as medicine, including seniors, veterans and individuals living with chronic conditions that affect mobility—exactly the population this regulated system is meant to serve.' He added, 'A drive-thru model addresses this gap in a controlled, compliant manner.' Amy O’Gorman Jenkins of the California Cannabis Operators Association also pointed out that the measure could help reverse declining cannabis tax revenues by keeping consumers in legal stores

The bill's progress comes as California continues to refine its cannabis regulations and adapt to shifting market conditions. Recent policy changes have included efforts to streamline licensing and research, as well as a temporary pause on marijuana product tax increases. However, Governor Gavin Newsom has shown selectivity in cannabis reforms, recently vetoing a proposal to allow microbusinesses to ship medical cannabis directly to patients, citing administrative complexity

From the OG Lab newsroom perspective, California’s drive-thru bill could set a precedent for other states seeking to modernize cannabis retail and improve accessibility. As legal markets face pressure from illicit competition and shifting consumer preferences, regulatory flexibility—such as drive-thru service—could prove crucial for industry sustainability. This measure is worth monitoring as it could reshape retail models and expand access for medical and adult-use cannabis consumers alike