California Cannabis Faces Critical Tax Decision: Insights from Goldenhour Podcast

In this episode of the Goldenhour Podcast, David Spradlin, CEO of Goldenhour Collective, and Amy O'Gorman Jenkins, Executive Director of the California Cannabis Operators Association, discussed California’s scheduled cannabis excise tax increase from 15% to 19%, which is set for July 1, 2025.

The conversation focused on protecting cannabis consumers and patients, who will ultimately bear the tax increase during challenging economic times. Jenkins explained how the tax increase threatens public health and safety by driving Californians to dangerous products in the unregulated market.

Research shows that even a 1% price differential can push consumers away from legal cannabis. Spradlin offered insight from a retailer's perspective, emphasizing how price increases could push consumers to the illicit market.

Jenkins explained how the industry has united to prevent this tax hike through Assembly Bill 564 (Haney), which they hope to incorporate into the state budget process before the June 15th deadline.