Craft cannabis industry in California is 'on the brink of collapse,' advocates say

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. “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. Thursday’s rally built on momentum created by industry leaders who also demand that California change the way it taxes cannabis. “75% of cannabis in California is consumed in the illicit market and is untested and unsafe.”The state’s tax system has burdened small businesses from the start, operators and experts say. Unveiling his 2022-23 budget proposal Monday, he said he supported cannabis tax reform and planned to work with the Legislature to modify policy.