NEWS & RESOURCES

Cannabis industry leaders also praised the outcome. Amy O’Gorman Jenkins, executive director of the California Cannabis Operators Association, said the legislation reflects “sound policy” that prioritizes a stable and regulated market over expanding the illicit trade. (California marijuana)

By stopping this misguided tax hike, the Legislature recognized that smart policy grows revenue by keeping the legal market viable. Driving consumers away from regulated dispensaries would have only undermined public safety and reduced funding for the very programs we all want to protect.” (California AB 564)

EXCERPT: "By stopping this misguided tax hike, the Legislature recognized that smart policy grows revenue by keeping the legal market...

Today's passage of AB 564 proves that sound policy wins when lawmakers listen to data over rhetoric. This bill protects consumers from dangerous illicit products while preserving the tax revenue that supports essential programs like childcare and community reinvestment. (California cannabis)

he California State Senate voted 38-1 to pass Assembly Bill 564 (Haney), which rolls back the cannabis excise tax from 19% to 15% starting October 1, 2025, through June 30, 2028. 

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.