‘On the brink of collapse,’ California pot businesses call for tax overhaul – By Alicia Victoria Lozano (NBC News) / January 13, 2022
Small cannabis growers and operators say the state’s hefty taxes are shutting them out despite promises to expand the industry and make it more inclusive.
LOS ANGELES — Cannabis advocates, small farmers and business owners called Thursday for an overhaul of the California marijuana tax system as they struggle to keep afloat amid rising operating and regulatory costs.
They gathered outside the State Capitol in Sacramento to make their case and warn that the industry could collapse if steps aren’t taken soon.
“We’re here today because the craft cannabis industry here in California is in crisis and on the brink of collapse,” said Amber Senter, a co-founder and the executive director of Supernova Women, a nonprofit organization that works to create opportunities for people of color in the industry.
“Not only has the state fallen short in promises to right the wrongs inflicted upon Black and brown communities impacted by the war on drugs, but it has also perpetuated regressive war-on-drugs 2.0 policies through oppressive taxation, which must end,” Senter said in a statement. “This is our cry and plea for help.”
