California relaxes cannabis trade rules (a little)

In response to the outcry from cannabis retailers, the State of California has published new rules. According to industry professionals, they are intended to make the current regulations, which are far too bureaucratic, more flexible. Visit Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) - the Californian regulator - must now walk a tightrope, if it is not to lose touch with the industry altogether.

The first new feature, which has long been called for, is that retailers will be able to selling «appellation d'origine» cannabis», if they so request. These appellations will reward the quality of a terroir, as you can with wine or cheese in France.

The DCC will also enable cannabis consumers to collect their products directly from the sidewalk, similar to the in-store collection system used by many businesses during the covid-19 pandemic.

Finally, it will be easier to transport cannabis in one's car, whether for the consumer, the retailer or the delivery person. For example, Californians will be able to transport their cannabis to their homes, as long as it's in a car. «secure zone» of the car, such as the glove compartment.

California's cannabis system is a «national joke»

The Department of Cannabis Control wants to listen to the cannabis industry. «These proposals are the result of feedback we have received by mail, meetings or conversations.», says its director in a press release.

Recently, the Governor of California and the DCC came under heavy attack. The cannabis business in the state is a «national joke», according to a petition of the sector's manufacturers. «California's cannabis system is a public policy lesson in what not to do. California's world-renowned cannabis artisans are literally killing themselves. They're trying to survive on a chessboard you invited them onto, but which is rigged.»

California legalized cannabis in 2017. But since then, the legal market struggling to compete with the black market, much cheaper. To reverse this trend, a law should soon lower taxes on cannabis, particularly high in the state.