Big milestone for California’s legal cannabis industry! CCIA co-sponsored bill AB 564 (Haney)—to stop the cannabis excise tax from increasing to 19%—unanimously passed out of the California Assembly's Revenue & Taxation Committee yesterday. This bill freezes the excise tax at the existing 15%—halting an increase of 25% scheduled to begin July 1, 2025. This is critical step to help stabilize the many businesses already struggling under the weight of an over regulated and over taxed legal market—one that is still losing 60% of all cannabis sales to the illicit market. Thank you to Assemblymember Haney for his leadership on this issue and to all who are making their voices heard. Ready to get involved? Since 2013, CCIA has represented cannabis growers, manufacturers, distributors, retailers and ancillary businesses on critical cannabis policy. Become a member today and join the fight. (fb)

🌟 New Board Member Spotlight: Sam Rodriguez 🌟 CCIA is proud to welcome Sam Rodriguez to our Board of Directors! A seasoned policy advocate and public affairs strategist, Sam brings decades of experience at the national, state, and local levels, and a track record of shaping policies that drive impact. From serving in Governor Bill Richardson’s office to leading workforce development programs under California’s Governor and Speaker of the Assembly, he has been a force for progress. Sam’s contributions to cannabis in California have been instrumental, drafting key provisions in medical and adult-use regulations to protect workers, advancing social equity, and supporting farmers. Now, as the policy lead for a Santa Barbara County cannabis trade association, he continues working to strengthen the industry’s future. With a background spanning energy, telecommunications, and global community engagement—including work in Latin America, Cuba, and Israel—Sam’s perspective is invaluable in advancing CCIA’s mission. Join us in welcoming Sam to the board! 👏💚 (fb)