Santa Barbara County sees continued decrease in cannabis tax revenues

The county has reported multiple quarters of increasing tax revenues until mid-2021, when it reported a 45% decrease compared to the previous year. Yee said that the number of licensed retail locations statewide remains an issue when compared to the amount of cannabis product being reduced, in addition to the demand from consumers. The fact that cannabis product cannot cross state lines due to commerce laws further limits the ability of growers in California to bring their product to market, he added. County staff will also focus on phasing out legal non-conforming operators, who have been cultivating without county permits or business licenses. There were 22 projects in the appeal process for the first quarter, Yee noted, adding that permits cannot be issued until an appeal is resolved.