A proposal in California to prohibit licensed cannabis businesses from using advertising or promotional items to market their products has died in the state legislature. The state Assembly’s Appropriations Committee put the bill on hold without explanation, effectively ending its advancement through the legislative process.

The bill, authored by California state Sen. Ben Allen, would have prohibited “medical cannabis and non-medical marijuana licensees from advertising or using branded merchandise,” according to the bill. The measure had earlier passed unanimously through the state Senate, before moving to the Assembly.

PPAI had joined California promotional products businesses and regional associations in opposing the law. “While we certainly can’t take 100 percent of the credit for swaying the committee’s decision, this outcome highlights the importance of coming together to collectively support or push back against legislation that may affect our industry,” says PPAI President and CEO Paul Bellantone, CAE. “While PPAI has no position on the legalization of cannabis, the Association opposes any limitations on the use of promotional products to market or promote business activities that are permitted by law.”