Understanding California's Legal Cannabis Market: Insights from Recent Survey
Polling data revealed insights into how consumers understand and participate in the legal cannabis market in California.
On February 26, 2024, the California Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) released results and analysis from a survey conducted on perceptions of various aspects of the legal cannabis in the state since the passing of Proposition 64 in 2016 (1).
More than one thousand adults were surveyed on their views concerning legal recreational cannabis sales and purchasing habits (1). Two results highlighted by the DCC were: 86% of the respondents stated that purchasing from the legal market was important, and that 72% of participants said purchasing cannabis from a licensed dispensary was a responsibility of the consumer (1).
The survey was part of the DCC’s Real California Cannabis campaign to help educate consumers on how to identify licensed dispensaries and the benefits of purchasing from them as opposed to unlicensed dispensaries (1).
As explained on the Real CA Cannabis website, most communities in the state prohibit retail cannabis sales, and as a result, many unlicensed dispensaries operate in the state (2). “Education and enforcement are two of the key pillars that support a well-regulated cannabis market,” said Nicole Elliott, Director of the DCC, in the announcement (1). “The Real California Cannabis campaign will provide cannabis consumers with information that empowers them to make informed decisions regarding their cannabis purchases. These smart choices support safer communities, local businesses, and our continuous efforts to disrupt the illegal market.”
The survey included participants who lived in locations without legal retail cannabis and out of these respondents, 85% either “either incorrectly thought cannabis retail was allowed in their area, or had no idea about the local laws,” (1).
The DCC survey results also included the following list (1):
- 88% of respondents who have consumed cannabis said they would purchase cannabis products from a licensed retailer.
- 56% of respondents said they have used cannabis.
- 44% percent said it was easy to identify if a retailer was licensed.
- 42% said it was difficult to tell if a retailer was licensed or unlicensed.
Also recently in California cannabis news: a new cannabis beverage facility opened in Los Angeles and a settlement was reached over damages from an illegal cannabis cultivation operation.
References
- 86% of Californians who consume cannabis believe it is important to shop legally. Department of Cannabis Control California. February 26, 2024.
- https://real.cannabis.ca.gov/about/ (accessed Feb 27, 2024).
Collaboration, Gender Diversity, and Progress: Julie Kowalski on Advancing Cannabis Science
December 10th 2024In this interview with Cannabis Science and Technology, Julie Kowalski, an experienced analytical chemist, discusses her path into the cannabis industry, starting with early work in gas chromatography. Kowalski reflects on her perspectives as a female scientist, highlighting biases she’s experienced and the benefits of gender inclusivity in the cannabis space. Greater unity and professionalism could benefit the industry as a whole, she explains. She also encourages collaboration and more women in leadership positions in order to build a stronger scientific community, and also urges women to advocate for themselves, noting that women in cannabis face unique obstacles but often demonstrate consensus-building strategies and solutions.
Ep 24, Part I: Data Transparency in Cannabis Testing with Yasha Khan
November 21st 2024Evan Friedmann interviews Yasha Khan, co-founder of MCR Labs, about his journey into the cannabis industry and his efforts to promote transparency and integrity in laboratory practices. Yasha discusses the origins of MCR Labs, which began in Massachusetts to meet the needs of the soon-to-be legal medical cannabis market. He explains the challenges faced, including result manipulation by labs and the impact on public health. Yasha's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) project aimed to gather testing data from 37 states, revealed significant discrepancies in potency and mold results. Despite some states' reluctance to share data, Yasha has made much of this data public, leading to collaborative research and publications on various aspects of cannabis testing.
Gender Diversity and Innovation in the Cannabis Space: Insights from Tess Eidem, PhD
December 9th 2024Cannabis Science and Technology sat down with Tess Eidem, PhD, PCQI, member of Saturn Scientific, LLC, to discuss her journey from antibiotic research to cannabis microbiology and her observations throughout her career. Dr. Eidem highlights challenges women face in this male-dominated industry, including limited representation in leadership roles and frequent experiences of bias and discrimination. She emphasizes the importance of gender diversity in fostering innovation, improving product safety, and addressing women’s health needs in cannabis applications. Her advice to women scientists is to build strong professional relationships and carefully evaluate work environments to advance their careers in this evolving and often challenging space.
Ep 23, Part III: Accreditation in the Cannabis Industry with Susan Audino
October 24th 2024In Part III of this episode, host Evan Friedmann is joined by Susan Audino, PhD, founder of S.A. Audino & Associates, LLC, and co-founder of Saturn Scientific, LLC, to examine the complexities of sampling in the cannabis industry, emphasizing the need for proper sampling plans, and methods.
