California Senate approves fix for pot licensing snag

California is trying to fix another problem in the state's shaky legal marijuana industry.

Scores of pot growers have seen their temporary licenses expire before the state has been able to replace them. That has left those businesses in a legal lurch — technically unable to do business in the state's legal marketplace.

The state Senate has passed a bill that would allow California to extend those temporary licenses until replacements are approved.

State regulators have also taken steps to try to close the gap.

The bill's sponsor, Democratic Sen. Mike McGuire from Healdsburg, warns that growers could fall into the illicit market without valid licenses.

He says the proposal will create a short-term bridge "to avoid an impending crisis."

California broadly legalized marijuana last year.