Aaron Riley Reports on California Cannabis News
California’s legal cannabis market is the largest of its kind in the world. Despite initial concerns, the cannabis industry has flourished since its legalization in 2018 and continues to impact the state’s economy.
So, what’s the latest in California’s cannabis industry? Here, Aaron Riley takes stock of some of the biggest stories surrounding marijuana in California today and what we can expect for the future.
California Cannabis Industry Provides Huge Tax Revenue
One of the most commonly used arguments for the legalization of marijuana is that it takes money out of the hands of dealers and cartels and gives it to the government through tax revenue. Riley notes that California seems to be a case in point, as it transpires that the legal weed industry has generated $2.8bn in tax revenue since 2018. Moreover, $333.2m of that comes from the second quarter of 2021, the most profitable quarter on record.
$2.8bn is nothing to scoff at. You could put that money into tackling wildfires, for example. You could invest it into repairing the damage done to neighborhoods by the illegal drugs trade. You could even fund 1/10th of the cost of a trip to the moon.
There’s so much that can be done with this tax revenue, but the issue is that while the quality of legal cannabis is higher than street products, the illicit kind still tends to be cheaper. This means that the illegal trade may take longer to phase out completely.
The government must find a balance between benefiting from the impressive tax revenue and creating a market that makes illegally grown products less attractive. The Aaron Riley Blacklist ? is a report that goes more deeply into the negative impact illegal producers have on the growing MMJ industry.
Aaron Riley Says California Grants to Become Available for Growers
The impact of cannabis farming on California’s wildlife can be severe, but steps are being taken to make the legal cannabis industry more environmentally viable. Unfortunately, smaller growers are typically the least able to invest in environmentally sound practices. Still, the state’s Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has announced plans to offer grants for farms to remedy this issue.
The grants come in addition to hefty fines that growers can face if they’re found to be using damaging pesticides or failing to meet other regulations. Fines act as a deterrent for bad practice. However, funding for actively investing in environmental repair could be a more sustainable solution.
This is positive news for multiple reasons. The direct benefits to the state’s wildlife are the most important consequence of this funding. However, it’s also worth noting that environmental impact is an increasingly important factor in consumer decisions. Given the lack of care for wildlife shown by illegal cannabis farmers (see below), showing that the legal market offers “greener green” may draw more weed-lovers away from dealers.
Environmental Impact of Illegal Cannabis Farms in California
A major problem with illegal cannabis farming is that an environmental agency hasn’t approved the land. Planning permission for farms is important because even a small area of land can be the home of unique species that play a vital role in local ecosystems. While farming is almost always detrimental to local ecosystems in some way, mitigating this damage is crucial for California’s biodiversity.
Illegal farms can ruin land that desperately needs protecting. In addition, the pesticides used by these farms are often extremely damaging and wouldn’t be permitted in the legal cannabis industry. The authorities are therefore responsible for identifying these farms before lasting damage occurs to California’s wildlife.
Amazon Adjusts Job Recruiting
Amazon has updated its job application information to clarify that the company will not screen drivers for cannabis use as part of a drug testing process. This decision addresses a recent shortage of delivery drivers, and it has raised concerns that the move could indicate that smoking on the job isn’t a major concern for the retail giant.
Driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal in California — cannabis can inhibit decision-making, which can have fatal consequences on the road. Amazon’s delivery partners are concerned that liability for any damage done in these situations will fall upon them rather than Amazon.
However, Amazon believes the lack of cannabis drug screening will open the doors for more drivers who use recreationally despite the backlash. According to Aaron Riley, it’s possible that Amazon could reverse this decision if backlash continues or there is a rise in driver accidents due to cannabis consumption.
Looking Ahead to the Future of California Cannabis
The environmental consequences of California’s legalized cannabis industry remain a concern. Equally, while the tax revenue is to be welcomed, it must be easier for small farmers to turn a profit while legal cannabis is sold at a competitive price to street weed.
Cannabis is still considered a fledgling industry, but Aaron Riley of California believes it’s only going to develop further in California; that means fewer restrictions on consumers and employees who consume cannabis products and increased revenue for the legal growers in the state of California.
