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Cancer Advocates Applaud Gov. Newsom’s Veto to Protect Californian’s Right to Breathe Clean, Smoke-free Air

October 9, 2023

SACRAMENTO, Calif. –  On Sunday, Governor Gavin Newsom announced he had vetoed Assembly Bill 374, which aimed to allow local jurisdictions to permit cannabis retailers to prepare and sell food and beverages that do not contain cannabis. 

The following is a statement from Jim Knox, California managing director for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN): 

“We commend Governor Newsom for prioritizing public health and protecting Californians’ right to breathe clean, smoke-free air.  

“The cancer-causing substances found in marijuana smoke pose numerous health hazards to the individual using and others in their presence. Additionally, secondhand marijuana smoke can pass THC, exposing non-users to its psychoactive effects. 

“Allowing marijuana smoking in public places and expanding where smoking is allowed, as this legislation intended, would have undermined the effectiveness of California’s smoke-free restaurants law and compromised its enforcement.” 

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