California continues to uphold its progressive stance on cannabis.
On March 19, the California Supreme Court reaffirmed the state’s legalization of cannabis by de-publishing a prior appellate ruling that declared cannabis illegal in California due to its federal status. The case originated from a lawsuit filed by Lompoc property owner Janna Caron Crandall of JCCrandall LLC against Santa Barbara County. She challenged the county’s decision to permit cannabis transportation on an easement road crossing her land.
Although Crandall and the county remain bound by the previous ruling, its de-publication means it can no longer serve as legal precedent.
The lawsuit dates back to 2021, when Santa Barbara County granted a conditional-use permit to Santa Rita Holdings, which leased land from the Hughes family adjacent to Crandall’s property. The only access route to the Hughes property is the easement road running through Crandall’s land.
Crandall argued that the 1998 easement terms prohibited activities illegal under federal law, making the county’s permit approval unlawful. However, Santa Barbara Superior Court Judge Jed Beebe dismissed her claims in 2023.
Her attorney, Ernest Guadiana, appealed to the District Court of Appeals in Ventura, asserting that the county acted unlawfully.
In October 2024, the appellate court reversed Judge Beebe’s decision. Judge Arthur Gilbert ruled that since cannabis remains illegal under federal law, its cultivation and transportation in California are also illegal. Citing the U.S. Constitution’s Supremacy Clause, he concluded that the easement did not allow cannabis transport. This ruling resulted in Santa Rita’s permit being revoked and was poised to set a legal precedent.
However, Santa Barbara County challenged the decision before the California Supreme Court in February 2025. Shortly after, the state’s Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) intervened, requesting the appellate ruling’s de-publication.
While the state Supreme Court declined to review the case, it granted the request to depublish the appellate ruling. Though Santa Rita’s permit remains revoked, Judge Gilbert’s decision can no longer be cited as precedent.
In simpler terms—cannabis is still legal in California.
“We are pleased that the Court agreed to address that Court of Appeal decision at the Department of Cannabis Control’s request, supporting California law and its legal cannabis industry,” said DCC Director Nicole Elliot.
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