Is California going to be ready when legalization goes into effect in January? I have been hearing mixed reports. -Les Skoalreddy
I have no idea. I too have been hearing mixed reports. If you ask the state, everything is on track. The California Bureau of Cannabis Control plans to start accepting license applications this month, and State Treasurer John Chiang has just released a report that contains recommendations for banks and cannabis businesses. These are all good signs that there is progress in Sacramento – but – well, there are a few buts.
Legalization is only about six weeks away, and the state has yet to release its full set of rules and regulations. Plus, the state only plans to issue temporary licenses, so many businesses will be stuck in limbo for a while.
It may be worse in the cities and counties. There are plenty of localities that have banned cannabusinesses completely (see: Pacific Grove, Carmel), even though it means they won’t get any cannabis tax revenue or cannabis jobs.
There are some expected guidelines posted on the CBCC’s website (cannabis.ca.gov), but you know those are going to change by the time the state starts accepting applications. Also, how are the dispensaries going to maintain a steady supply of product if they aren’t allowed to purchase from unlicensed providers? And, the distribution system is still not in place. Remember what happened in Nevada? And Colorado. And Oregon. And every other place that has legalized cannabis. The demand far outstrips the supply at least for the first few months.
Things are still way up in the air.
However, there are things are still moving forward. The CBCC is holding its first committee meeting on Nov. 16, from 10am-4pm at the Masonic Temple in Sacramento. If you plan on going, get there early because seating is limited. They are going to webcast the meeting here: thedcapage.blog/webcasts.
In just under two months, cannabusinesses will be legal throughout most of California. If your city or county is being all recalcitrant, this is the time to talk to your elected officials. Remind them that other states have already legalized cannabis and that the benefits far outweigh any perceived disadvantages. Cannabis is expected to be a $7 billion industry in California. It would be a shame if your town misses out.