Sun, Dec 31, 2017 page15

• California has high hopes for ‘green rush’ with advent of legal pot

  The legal marijuana industry is expected to be worth US$5.8 billion in 2021, but challenges lie ahead, as cities need to impose their own regulations

  • By Javier Tovar / AFP, LOS ANGELES
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  At the stroke of midnight tonight, pot lovers in California may raise a joint, instead of a glass of champagne.

  The US’ wealthiest state is legalizing the growth, sale and consumption of recreational marijuana, opening the door to the world’s biggest market.

  With authorities looking to cash in via heavy taxes, the stakes are high — and the Golden State’s so-called “green rush” will be watched closely.

  

  United Cannabis Business Association president and owner of The Higher Path medical marijuana dispensary Jerred Kiloh poses outside the dispensary in the San Fernando Valley area in Los Angeles on Wednesday.

  Photo: AFP

  The Arcview Group, a firm that studies the global cannabis market, has estimated that it will be worth US$22.6 billion in 2021, up from US$6.7 billion last year.

  In California alone, the industry is expected to be worth US$5.8 billion in 2021, with almost 75 percent of that from recreational use.

  However, next year’s transition will not be automatic — or simple.

  Although eight other US states and the capital, Washington, have already legalized recreational marijuana use, none compare to the sheer size of California.

  “The first year, two years are going to be a mess,” as cities determine their own regulations, and supply and demand is established, Arcview chief executive officer Troy Dayton said.

  California already pioneered the legalization of medicinal cannabis in 1996, and approved the current law last year.

  However, the herb is still considered illegal under US federal law and the administration of US President Donald Trump has been hostile on the issue.

  According to the new law in California, anyone older than 21 can buy up to 28.5g of cannabis without a prescription and grow up to six plants per residence.

  It cannot be consumed in public places or while driving — nor can it be used within 300m of a school or other place for children.

  The production, distribution and sale of marijuana also requires municipal and state permits.

  Cities such as San Francisco, San Diego and San Jose have wasted no time, already issuing licenses to several dispensaries that can start selling recreational marijuana tomorrow.

  However, in Los Angeles, there is a wait.

  Seller Jerred Kiloh, who runs a thriving medical dispensary, will not be able to join the New Year’s party as authorities will only begin to accept applications on Wednesday.

  Cat Packer, chief of Los Angeles’ cannabis regulation department, said the process “is not going to happen overnight.”

  On one afternoon this month, Kiloh’s dispensary was full.

  Leaving the shop, a man said: “I love your store,” which has a distinctive smell and products ranging from cannabis flowers to creams, cakes and candies.

  Kiloh, who has been in the industry for a decade, said his biggest concern is that while he is closed awaiting a license, hundreds of other shops will be operating without one — offering attractive prices and drawing customers away.

  Dispensaries can be seen on every corner, but it is hard to know which ones are legal.

  Kiloh — who is also an economist and president of the United Cannabis Business Association — said “about 80 percent of the industry that operates in Los Angeles right now operates without a permit and without paying taxes.”

  He also estimated that only 135 shops operate above board.

  According to Arcview, the illegal market generated US$5.1 billion last year.

  Authorities in Los Angeles have said they are working on a plan to combat illicit drug trading.

  For example, the police have the power to cut off electricity and water at illegal vendors.

  Other more conservative cities will simply prohibit sales.

  Meanwhile, some projections estimate that costs could hike up to 70 percent — due to state tax set at 15 percent, 10 percent sales tax and municipal taxes of up to 10 percent on top of that — as well as license requirements and required technology, such as trackers for each plant.

  “You could see some crazy fluctuation in price over the first year or two,” Dayton said.

  Marijuana for medical use should become cheaper and available for purchase in more quantities.

  Kiloh estimated that to meet demand, “you’d probably have to have 10,000 licenses available right now” in California.

  In neighboring Nevada in July, when recreational marijuana went on sale, emergency measures had to be implemented to allow distributors to meet the astronomical demand.
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