Marijuana

WhatMatters

Are California’s medical marijuana patients getting left behind?

After California legalized medical marijuana in 1996 and then recreational cannabis two decades later, one might think that for many patients, the state would be a sanctuary for seeking treatment.  But as CalMatters’ state Capitol reporter Alexei Koseff explains, those who rely on cannabis to treat pain, seizures, glaucoma and other ailments say that despite […]

By Lynn La • August 1, 2023

Commentary

Excessive taxes, local control allows California illicit cannabis market to thrive

Every rung of the cannabis supply chain in California is regressing as the illicit market continues to outpace the legal one. Excessive taxes and local control are to blame, argues a cannabis industry member.

By Guest Commentary • June 22, 2023

WhatMatters

The long wait for California families on police shootings

Spurred by public outcry for more police accountability following the 2020 death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, the Legislature ordered the California Department of Justice to investigate police killings of unarmed civilians. At the time, legislators who introduced the bill — including then-Assemblymember and current Attorney General Rob Bonta — pledged that investigations would be […]

By Lynn La • May 17, 2023

Inside the Newsroom

CalMatters 2023 events are bringing journalism directly to community members

The in-person and virtual CalMatters events this year will serve as unique gathering points for civically-engaged Californians.

By Sonya Quick • April 7, 2023

Economy

As emergency aid flows to flooded-out Californians, will thousands get the help they need?

California has sometimes moved to help victims of emergencies who are excluded from federal aid‚ such as undocumented workers and cannabis businesses.

By Lauren Hepler, Nicole Foy and Wendy Fry • March 15, 2023

Commentary

Many cannabis companies inflate THC numbers. Here’s how California can stop them

California regulations and consumer habits emphasize the THC content of cannabis products. This has encouraged bad actors to manipulate lab results and sell their products at a higher price.

By Guest Commentary • November 16, 2022

Politics

California cuts cannabis taxes to heal ailing industry

Gov. Newsom and the Legislature cut a California cannabis tax, but not everyone is convinced it's enough to stabilize the legal market. Social equity operators say the changes don't do nearly enough to help them.

By Alexei Koseff • July 5, 2022

Politics

California’s next cannabis battle may be coming to a city near you

Some California cannabis companies are going directly to voters to get around local officials opposed to dispensaries. The epicenter for the effort is in Manhattan Beach and three nearby cities in Southern California.

By Alexei Koseff • June 21, 2022

Commentary

Protect cannabis tax revenue to bolster children’s welfare

Cannabis revenue has become a major funding source for state services to children and families living in poverty. The Legislature needs to back the governor’s long-term solution to protect it.

By Guest Commentary • May 25, 2022

Commentary

Now, it’s the Legislature’s turn to prioritize access to legal cannabis

Newsom’s budget offers an opportunity to address California’s cannabis woes by providing local governments with a licensing framework.

By Guest Commentary • March 7, 2022