Californians can smoke and vape weed in parks, on beaches, decides gov
Published: Oct 9, 2017, 7:46 am • Updated: Oct 9, 2017, 10:59 am
By The Associated Press
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Smoking and vaping will still be allowed at California state parks and beaches, despite lawmakers’ attempts to ban it.
Gov. Jerry Brown vetoed two bills Friday that would have banned lighting up in a park or at the beach. In a veto message, he writes, “if people can’t smoke even on a deserted beach, where can they? There must be some limit to the coercive power of government.”
One bill would’ve imposed a $100 fine for people caught smoking tobacco, marijuana, or even electronic cigarettes.
Related stories
- Denver considers ban on vaping, smoking in downtown open-air mall
- Florida attorney will sue state over legislation that bans patients from smoking medical cannabis
- Florida GOP lawmakers shoot down bid to allow smoking of medical marijuana
Supporters hoped to mitigate the effects of nicotine and secondhand smoke while preventing litter from discarded cigarette butts. Brown has vetoed a similar bill before.
Last year, lawmakers raised the smoking age to 21 and voters approved a $2-per-pack increase in tobacco taxes.
Topics: California, california regulations, Jerry Brown, public smoking, public use, smoking
