Navigating the turbulent legalization waters
The legal cannabis industry — especially on the West Coast — has seen its fair share of challenges since the pioneering days of legalization in Washington and Colorado back in 2012. With the surge of legalization across multiple states, there has been an explosion of cannabis supply, leading to falling prices and financial hardships for many growers and producers. Now, as the industry grapples with oversupply and fierce competition, some are looking to the possibility of interstate trade as a potential solution.
One of the main issues plaguing legal cannabis growers in Washington and Oregon is oversupply. The ideal growing conditions on the West Coast, along with a wealth of expertise, have resulted in a flood of cannabis products in the market. While this might be great news for consumers who can now purchase cannabis products at lower prices, it has created a tough environment for growers to survive and thrive.
Jeremy Moberg, owner of CannaSol Farms in Washington, laments that the state’s hefty 37 percent cannabis tax leaves growers with almost no profit margin. The situation is similar in Oregon, where some licensed growers have allegedly resorted to funneling their products to the out-of-state black market just to stay afloat. However, illegal operations financed by foreign cartels have also been a problem in Oregon, casting a shadow over the industry’s reputation.
The hope of many in the cannabis industry now lies in the possibility of interstate trade, which would enable states with an oversupply to sell their products to markets facing shortages. This could potentially breathe new life into struggling businesses and alleviate the burden of oversupply. With President Joe Biden’s administration set to announce a new marijuana policy, some are pinning their hopes on the approval of marijuana trade among regulated states.
However, the prospect of interstate trade faces significant challenges. While lawmakers in Washington, Oregon, and California have approved “trigger bills” that would allow their states to enter into interstate cannabis agreements, there’s no guarantee that the federal government will grant this permission. Drug policy experts believe that the federal stance might not go as far as permitting inter-state commerce, leaving the industry to grapple with its internal issues.
The varied approaches to cannabis legalization in different states have also influenced how the industry has developed. Washington and Colorado’s early regulations were designed to keep the Justice Department at bay, which helped smaller growers thrive. However, these same regulations might hinder their ability to compete in an interstate market alongside larger and more efficient producers from other states.
Meanwhile, in Oregon, where sales started in 2015, large growers have benefited from economies of scale, while also facing the challenge of the nation’s worst oversupply. The situation is similar in California, where the legal market lost nearly one-quarter of its total growing area since the start of 2022, leading to wholesale price fluctuations and uncertainty for producers.
Despite the struggles, some growers have managed to find a way to weather the storm. Indoor producer Doc & Yeti Urban Farms in Washington has managed to build brand loyalty and maintain a solid customer base, allowing them to survive and even profit in a challenging market.
As the cannabis industry looks to the future, the potential for interstate trade remains a glimmer of hope for struggling businesses. However, the uncertain regulatory landscape and the complexities of balancing supply and demand present significant hurdles. Whether the industry can find a balance between oversupply and demand or if it will continue to navigate choppy waters, only time will tell.
In the meantime, as the legal cannabis landscape continues to evolve, it’s essential to strike a delicate balance between regulating the industry, supporting responsible growers, and meeting the demand of consumers, all while ensuring that the benefits of legalization are felt not just on the West Coast but throughout the nation. The journey to finding that balance may be challenging, but it’s essential for the future success of the legal cannabis industry.
