So you’re a cannabis patient or delivery operator in California and you haven’t been following the regulation process? Haven’t hired a lobbyist to fight for your business model? Haven’t joined a business association? Haven’t written to protect your right to have cannabis delivered to your home? Rut Roh!
Luckily, it’s not too late. The State of California is currently in the middle of the first of two 45 day comment periods after which the cannabis regulations will be all but set in stone. You may think there’s not much to be done this late in the game, however, unlike state legislators, state regulators are required by law to read every letter sent to them. So, if you have any issues with the current regulations, you have until August 26th (less than a week) to comment or forever hold your peace.
If you support “Cannabis Delivery Permanent Regulation § 5416(d)”, click this link and sign on as either a “consumer” or as a “business.” 5416(d) would provide protection for employees, patients, and consumers by clarifying that drivers of licensed cannabis delivery businesses can travel on public roads and deliver into any jurisdiction within the State of California.
“How do I know this?” you may ask, “what’s a ganja somm doing mixed up in a bunch of politics?” It seems nowadays if you’re in cannabis and not mixed up in politics, you’re probably behind the eight ball. Regulations are changing fast and if you’re not on top of it, it could cost you a lot of money or even shut down your business.
As president of Lucky Box Club (a subscription model delivery service) and Secretary on the Board of Directors of the California Cannabis Couriers Association, it’s my job to stay up to date on the state and local regulations. It’s a unique situation relative to an industry in its infancy. If we want laws that support the success of our subscription model, then it behooves us to participate in the regulation-writing process and to lobby for our interests.
Thankfully, it’s a full-time job for a badass lobbyist like Caity Maple of The Quintana Cruz Company, one of California’s top cannabis lobbying firms. Maple stays on top of everything happening inside the capital region and across the state so we don’t miss a beat when it comes to the almost daily regulatory updates.
Keeping up with Maple takes work in the best kind of way. She’s the type that goes from testifying in the state Capitol to climbing mountains on her weekends to star speaking engagements at industry conferences, all while digesting 4 podcasts before breakfast. Best to have a copy of the regulations, an audio recorder, an industry acronym dictionary, and a red bull on hand when meeting her.
“We are lobbying for regulation 5416(d) which would allow delivery into every city and county in California – and while we have the entire delivery sector behind us, there is still opposition from some groups,” says Maple. “To win, we need as many signatures and comments as humanly possible BEFORE AUGUST 26th to support statewide delivery.”
The list of business associations in any industry is long and diverse let alone an infant industry such as cannabis. Add to that every association has at least one “C” in their name (for either “California” or “cannabis), and your head will start to spin.
Maple went on to break down the brass tacks of the major issues facing delivery operators. Here’s a list of the main points:
Hours of Operation: Let’s face it, a lot of people have alternative schedules nowadays, especially when it comes to cannabis. The current program doesn’t account for a mass majority of American workers who work alternative hours.
Exit Bags: Single use, large plastic exit bags add more trash to an already plastic filled planet. Just say no to exit bags and more single-use plastic!
Trunk: Shouldn’t a trunk suffice as a locked container? Needing to have another locked container inside of an already locked trunk is redundant.
Delivery Receipt: A delivery service needs to protect its location for obvious reasons. Including its address on the receipt is a distinct liability.
Delivery Process/Employees: Having time to make deliveries and return to the office safely is the primary concern for the safety of our drivers and the general public.
If delivery isn’t your sector, check out these other cannabis business association on how to get involved in your sector: National Cannabis Industry Association, California Cannabis Industry Association, California Growers Association, and California Cannabis Manufacturers Association.
Alright, you’re in the know and back up to speed. Go add your voice in support of your cannabis model. Get involved and find out how to participate in the comment period. Either that or live with it.
