Assembly approves expansion of cannabis ‘pop‑up’ permits with local controls; debate centers on children and edibles

The Assembly on March 11 approved a chapter amendment to the cannabis law that authorizes regulated cannabis “pop‑up” events and tightens eligibility by requiring any permit holder to include both a cultivator and a processor alongside a retailer, sponsor Miss Lupardo said. "So we are making an amendment to the cannabis showcase event permit bill that we passed last year," the sponsor said during her explanation of the changes.

Opponents pressed the sponsor on potential exposure of children and the presence of edibles at crowded venues such as farmers markets. Miss Walsh said she would vote against the chapter amendment, arguing, "I think that this opens the door to further normalizing cannabis to our children, and this is one of those instances…" Members also sought assurances about enforcement, sampling and seed‑to‑sale tracking; Lupardo said the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) will issue regulations and that existing retail protections — including bans on free samples and seed‑to‑sale tracking — will carry through to pop‑ups. The sponsor said municipalities retain control: local opt‑outs remain effective, and farmers markets would have to opt in.

Lawmakers cited figures from last year’s showcase pilot to illustrate scale: members referenced roughly $4,800,000 in sales at growers’ showcases after a late 2023 rollout and noted there were only about 22 adult‑use dispensaries available prior to the 2023 harvest season. After party statements and explanations of votes, the clerk announced the recorded result: Ayes 98, Noes 49; the bill passed.