NEWS & RESOURCES

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

Now comes the more complex work of building the legal cannabis market California deserves: one that expands access to safe, regulated products, unleashes innovation to create jobs, and generates sustainable tax revenue for the community programs that depend on it.

Today, Governor Gavin Newsom signed legislation, Assembly Bill 8 (Aguiar-Curry), establishing clear rules on how hemp should enter the licensed cannabis market while protecting our youth by keeping intoxicating hemp products out of the hands of children and ensuring those products are only sold through licensed dispensaries to qualifying adults.

“At the end of the day, you end up with a total tax burden of around 40%” when all cannabis taxes are added up, explained Tiffany Devitt, director of regulatory affairs for CannaCraft.

“We’re rolling back this cannabis tax hike so the legal market can continue to grow, consumers can access safe products, and our local communities see the benefits,” Newsom said in a statement.

“By stopping this misguided tax hike, the governor and Legislature chose smart policy that grows revenue by keeping the legal market viable instead of driving consumers back to dangerous, untested illicit products. This signing brings us closer to fulfilling Proposition 64’s promise: patients and consumers accessing safe, regulated cannabis while generating sustainable tax revenue for child care, youth prevention, and public health programs.”