California lawmakers have unanimously approved legislation that would exclude qualifying cannabinol (CBN) isolate from the state’s definition of “cannabis concentrate,” sending the measure toward Governor Gavin Newsom’s desk.
Assembly Bill 2250, sponsored by Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry (D), passed the Senate 38 to 0 on August 25 before the Assembly voted 78 to 0 on August 26 to concur with Senate amendments. The measure is now in the enrollment process after clearing both chambers without a single opposing vote.
Under the bill, beginning January 1, 2028, CBN isolate would join cannabidiol (CBD) isolate as an explicit exception to California’s definition of concentrated cannabis or cannabis concentrate under the California Uniform Controlled Substances Act. Current law already calls for CBD isolate to receive that treatment beginning in 2028.
California law defines CBN isolate as a compound extracted from marijuana or industrial hemp consisting of cannabinol with a purity level greater than 99% and containing no form of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or synthetic cannabinoid.
The change is intended to align state law with provisions enacted last year through AB 8. That law allows industrial hemp raw extract to be incorporated into foods, beverages, dietary supplements and certain other products when it consists of CBD or CBN isolate at greater than 99% purity and contains no THC or synthetic cannabinoids. However, AB 8’s scheduled 2028 changes excluded only CBD isolate from the definition of cannabis concentrate, leaving CBN isolate out of the exemption. AB 2250 would correct that discrepancy.
Aguiar-Curry described AB 2250 during the legislative process as a “technical clean up bill” designed to ensure that AB 8 can be implemented effectively.
The legislation also makes several other changes related to enforcement of California’s cannabis and hemp laws. Among them, it clarifies state seizure authority involving cannabis products at unlicensed premises and specifies additional activities that must be captured through the state’s cannabis track-and-trace system, including cultivation, harvesting, processing, manufacturing, distribution, inventory, sales and delivery.
AB 2250 was introduced in February and advanced through every recorded legislative vote without opposition. If signed by Newsom, the CBN isolate exemption from the cannabis concentrate definition would take effect January 1, 2028.
