NEWS & RESOURCES

Ultimately, AB 8 ensures that California’s cannabis and hemp policies advance together, grounded in science, fairness, and, most importantly, public safety.

A recent op-ed opposing Assembly Bill 564 (Haney) misunderstands both Proposition 64's intent and how cannabis taxes actually work. The record deserves clarification on both the law's purpose and the economic realities facing California's legal cannabis market and community programs that rely on these tax revenues.

California's licensed cannabis industry takes child-resistant packaging and labeling laws extremely seriously. The overwhelming evidence shows that most violations related to youth-attractive packaging occur in the illicit cannabis and unregulated hemp markets, not within our licensed industry. 

The choice is clear: support sustainable tax policy that protects communities, consumers, and public safety, or watch California's legal cannabis market disappear entirely, taking community programs and tax revenue down with it.

Governor Newsom’s revised 2025–26 state budget proposes a comprehensive strategy to combat California’s persistent illicit cannabis market. This strategy is operationalized through two complementary trailer bills: (1) expanded enforcement authority for the Department of Cannabis Control (DCC), and (2) amendments to Proposition 64 to reallocate enforcement funding.

Cannabis businesses haven’t just integrated into our community—they’ve become valuable partners in building a stronger, healthier Alameda.

Without immediate policy reforms to 1) halt the scheduled excise tax increase, 2) crack down on unlicensed operations, and 3) expand consumer access to legal retail, many more California cannabis businesses will not survive to see future 420 celebrations.