- The Bluntness
- Posts
- California’s Cannabis Tax Hike Is a Death Blow to the Legal Market
California’s Cannabis Tax Hike Is a Death Blow to the Legal Market
The Golden State just made it harder for cannabis businesses to survive — again. Here’s why this 26% tax hike is a gift to the illicit market.


We cover the industry with an expertise and tone you won’t find anywhere else.
On July 1, 2025, the state’s cannabis excise tax will rise from 15% to 19% — a staggering 26% increase — marking the maximum rate allowed under current state law. This decision, mandated by a revenue trigger in a 2022 law signed by Governor Gavin Newsom, reflects the grim reality: California’s legal cannabis industry is in free fall.
In a city packed with dispensaries, The Travel Agency isn’t just selling weed—it’s curating wonder. And with its latest destination at 598 Broadway, right in the heart of SoHo, the brand doubles down on its mission to elevate cannabis retail into an immersive, sensory, and cultural experience.
Join over 4 million Americans who start their day with 1440 – your daily digest for unbiased, fact-centric news. From politics to sports, we cover it all by analyzing over 100 sources. Our concise, 5-minute read lands in your inbox each morning at no cost. Experience news without the noise; let 1440 help you make up your own mind. Sign up now and invite your friends and family to be part of the informed.
On Tuesday, in a razor-thin 102-101 vote, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives advanced House Bill 1200, a cannabis legalization proposal with a twist: sales would flow through state-run stores, mimicking the Commonwealth’s alcohol distribution system. If passed, Pennsylvania would become the first state in the U.S. to fully legalize marijuana and control its retail sales through a government-run operation..
An honest letter to new age psychedelic culture. We’re outshining the fire — and losing our way in the process.