New bill could force local governments to allow cannabis businesses

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — A new bill could force local governments that have banned marijuana shops in Kern County to allow them to operate.

Supporters of the bill say there is a need for access to safe and legal marijuana in California.

Officials say despite the passage of Prop 64 which legalized recreational pot in the state about 77% of local governments, including Kern County, have passed laws to ban pot shops.

Lawmakers say these bans do not reflect the will of the voters.

The legislation would override those local ordinances in areas of the state where a majority of the voters approved of Prop 64.