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Cannabis Delivery Sparks Turf War in California

Sjm L Potlicense
Sjm L Potlicense

Cannabis delivery sounds great, but 20-odd communities are taking the state of California to court over it.Santa Cruz Sues State on Cannabis Delivery Regulations – LPC

When California recently changed its cannabis regulations to include cannabis delivery, it was to ensure everyone could get cannabis legally. Housebound people or others who couldn’t travel can now have cannabis delivery directly to their private residence.

One side effect is that these companies can now deliver in the 80 per cent of California communities that voted to keep cannabis out. That has made places like Beverly Hills and Riverside unhappy with the new rule, and they are taking the state to court over it.

Morgan Fox, spokesperson for the United States’ National Cannabis Industry Association, has little sympathy for the communities who don’t want cannabis delivery.

“If California cities want to lose out on the benefits of having regulated cannabis businesses within their jurisdictions, that’s their decision,” Fox said. “However, making it harder for local residents to legally obtain cannabis will create an unnecessary burden on consumers and prop up illicit markets.”

Strange Bedfellows in Statewide Dispute – LPC

Also joining that suit against cannabis delivery is one of the most cannabis-friendly jurisdictions in California: Santa Cruz. Their argument is that now “interlopers” can drive in from anywhere in the state – and the city doesn’t receive any tax revenue.

“Our local businesses are being undermined,” said Ryan Coonerty, chair of the Board of Supervisors of Santa Cruz County. “It’s not a level playing field.”

There are currently 311 cannabis delivery companies licensed in California including Eaze and 831 Delivery. That makes it as easy as ordering Chinese takeout, according to a recent San Jose Mercury article (please see link to full article below).

Disputes within new industries are nothing new. Canada has seen its own share of legal cannabis retail challenges including a so-called cannabis shortage. When Canada announced regulations around cannabis edibles, it fully expected changes and gave 60 days for consultations to resolve disputes ahead of time. Cannabis delivery in Canada is no problem legally, but logistically it has been difficult.

This editorial content from the LPC News Editor is meant to provide analysis, insight, and perspective on current news articles. To read the source article this commentary is based upon, please click on the link below.

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