Sacramento, California - The California State Board of Food and Agriculture will hold a discussion on the state’s regulatory and licensing framework for medical cannabis on August 2 in Sacramento. The board will also be discussing GMO labeling following the recent passage of federal legislation. The meeting will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. at the California Department of Food and Agriculture – Main Auditorium, 1220 N Sacramento.

“California’s agricultural diversity continues to grow as medical cannabis production enters the regulatory arena,” said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross. “In state government, we are working in collaboration with other agencies to develop a robust framework that protects consumers, growers and the environment.”

Last year, California passed the Medical Marijuana Regulation and Safety Act that allows the commercial cultivation and sale of medical cannabis. Several state agencies, including the Department of Food and Agriculture, Department of Public Health, Department of Pesticide Residue and the California Bureau of Medical Cannabis Regulation have an integral role in developing the regulatory framework that will be in place by January 1, 2018. This meeting provides an opportunity for each department to give an update on current progress.

Invited speakers include: Steve DeAngelo, Arcview Group; Dan Grace, Dark Heart; Hezekiah Allen, California Growers Association; Nate Bradley, California Cannabis Industry; Amber Morris, California Department of Food and Agriculture; George Farnsworth, California Department of Pesticide Regulation; Asif Maan, California Department of Public Health; and Lori Ajax, California Bureau of Medical Marijuana Regulation.

The board will also be hearing about the labeling of genetically engineered foods (GMOs) with representatives from Just Label It! and the Coalition for Safe Affordable Food.

The California State Board of Food and Agriculture advises the governor and the CDFA secretary on agricultural issues and consumer needs. The state board conducts forums that bring together local, state and federal government officials, agricultural representatives and citizens to discuss current issues of concern to California agriculture.

All meetings are open to the public and attendance is welcome. This meeting will be streamed online at: http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/LiveMediaStream.html