NEWS & RESOURCES

California Cannabis Operator Association's (CaCOA) Executive Director Amy O'Gorman Jenkins breaks down California's 2026 cannabis legislative session: 21 bills, enforcement reform, the packaging debate, tribal cannabis, and why the policy conversation has finally matured.

California law bans cannabis packaging that is “attractive to children.” Everyone agrees with that goal. The problem is that nobody can agree on what the rule actually means, and that ambiguity is imposing real costs on licensed cannabis operators trying to comply in good faith.

CaCOA supports the Department's efforts to modernize cannabis testing requirements based on emerging science and data. The proposed changes include positive updates, such as clarifying outdated action levels, expanding the pesticide testing panel, and adjusting thresholds where strong safety data justifies the changes.

Thanks to consistent advocacy by CaCOA and our members, the DCC has taken a thoughtful and practical step to ensure cannabis infused product sales remain compliant and manageable for retailers across the state.

CaCOA submitted comprehensive feedback to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) regarding their proposed industrial hemp regulations. Our comments focused on the critical need to establish clear definitions before addressing serving sizes and age restrictions for hemp products.