A newly proposed bill in California would give some cannabis growers additional licensed outlets like farmers markets for selling their products.
Assembly Member Jim Wood, D-Santa Rosa, who is sponsoring the bill, told KCRA 3 that the bill would help growers with less than 1 acre of cannabis get the kind of consumer recognition that other products like wine and craft beer enjoy.
“Giving these smaller farmers opportunities at locally approved events to expose the public to their products increases consumer choice and offers farmers a better chance to reach retail shelves which is their ultimate goal. This is not about circumventing retailers, but growing the industry overall. My office has always been open to those who may have concerns about this bill and I’m here to listen to their concerns and their proposed solutions,” he said in a statement obtained by the station.
The Origins Council, an advocacy group for rural cannabis-producing regions, supports the bill and said that the “vast majority” of its about 900 members are growing cannabis on half an acre or less.
Not everyone is on board with the proposed legislation. The United Cannabis Business Association said the bill would violate Proposition 64, the state’s Adult Use of Marijuana Act that passed in 2016. Opponents have also said the bill would not expand market access for cannabis products.