Gov. Newsom Signs AB 8, Banning Synthetic Cannabinoids and Regulating Hemp THC
Gov. Newsom Signs AB 8, Banning Synthetic Cannabinoids and Regulating Hemp THC
2 Oct, 2025 - California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed Assembly Bill 8 into law, integrating intoxicating hemp products into the state’s cannabis market, banning synthetic cannabinoids, restricting inhalable hemp items, and strengthening enforcement, with major provisions taking effect by January 2028.
Gov. Gavin Newsom Reverses Cannabis Excise Tax Increase in California, Rolling Back Cannabis Tax Hike to 15%
22 Sep, 2025 - California Governor Gavin Newsom signs AB 564, reversing a cannabis excise tax hike and setting the rate at 15 percent until 2028, providing relief to licensed businesses while strengthening enforcement against illegal operators.
San Diego’s First Cannabis Lounge Opens in National City
16 April, 2025 – San Diego County’s first cannabis consumption lounge, Sessions by the Bay, opened in National City on 4/20 weekend. The Sycuan-backed venue offers dining, art, and rooftop cannabis experiences while supporting public safety and local economic growth.
California Cannabis Industry Could Be Spared 25% Tax Hike Under New Bill
24 Mar, 2025 – A new California bill, AB 564, introduced by Assembly member Matt Haney, aims to prevent a 25% cannabis tax increase set for July, in an effort to protect the struggling legal marijuana industry from collapse.
Beverly Hills Man Sentenced to 25 Years for $18M Cannabis Investment Scam
26 March, 2025 – A Beverly Hills man has been sentenced to 25 years in federal prison for defrauding investors of nearly $18.4 million through fake hemp and CBD businesses. The case highlights risks in the growing cannabis industry.
California Supreme Court Upholds State Cannabis Laws Against Federal Challenge
20 Mar, 2025 - The California Supreme Court has ruled that federal cannabis prohibition does not override state marijuana laws, securing legal protections for the state’s regulated cannabis industry. The decision reverses a lower court ruling that had threatened cannabis business operations.
California Authorities Seize $20 Million in Illegal Cannabis from Oakland Warehouse
12 March, 2025 – California authorities seized over $20 million worth of illegal cannabis plants from a West Oakland warehouse, uncovering more than 25,000 plants, firearms, and unregulated pesticides. The bust highlights the ongoing fight against black-market marijuana operations undermining the legal cannabis industry.
California Expands Cannabis Equity Program with $18.4 Million in Funding
4 Mar, 2025 – California has awarded $18.4 million in cannabis equity grants to 18 jurisdictions, helping social equity applicants access funding, technical support, and licensing assistance in the legal cannabis market. The initiative aims to foster an inclusive industry while reducing illicit trade.
Traffic Stop in East Bay Leads to 125-Pound Marijuana Seizure
16 February 2025 – California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers in Contra Costa County seized over 125 pounds of marijuana during a traffic stop for speeding. The driver and passenger were arrested on drug possession charges, as California law prohibits large-scale cannabis transportation without a license. Read more about the case and California’s cannabis enforcement efforts.
Cannabis Job Training Program Shut Down as Oakland Faces Budget Deficit
6 Feb 2025 - Oakland has canceled its $1.78 million Cannabis Workforce and On-the-Job Training Initiative due to a severe budget deficit. The program, which provided education and paid internships for equity-eligible individuals, primarily impacted Black and Latino job seekers. Cannabis businesses may now face hiring challenges as a result of the program's loss
