It’s been four years since the cannabis industry began the transition from medical to legal adult-use in California.
One reason is California’s dual licensing structure, which means cannabis retailers must obtain two licenses to operate: one from the state and one from their local city or county.
And, despite full legalization, consumers — many being veterans and patients — are left to travel long distances to purchase legal cannabis or turn to the illicit market for lack of legal options.
The budget proposal includes a “grant program” to “aid local governments in, at a minimum, opening up legal retail access to consumers.” The budget puts real stock in this growing industry by outlining additional support for Department of Cannabis Control programs, which will strengthen this new entity in offering state services and oversight.
It’s true that allowing cannabis businesses to operate in their jurisdiction can provide tax revenue; it’s also true that creating a regulatory framework is a heavy lift and requires staff and funding – two things that Prop.
This grant program will help local governments get the legal marketplace off the ground and provide the necessary infrastructure to begin licensing cannabis while awaiting tax revenue from the first year of sales.