Dear Esteemed Members of the California Cannabis Community, Elliot Lewis
In navigating the intricate tapestry of California's cannabis industry, I write to you with a profound sense of passion and sincerity, reflecting on the trajectory that our community has embarked upon. The winds of change are palpable, and it is my hope that this open letter serves as a heartfelt plea for collective introspection and action.
Our community, once a beacon of diversity, is undergoing a transformation marked by consolidation and monopolization spearheaded by major industry players. Examining the journey from the rise and fall of Herbal to the ascendancy of Nabis in cannabis distribution and the proposed Cresco and Columbia Care merger, it becomes apparent that a strategic recalibration is in motion. Unfortunately, this recalibration, driven by price deflation to eliminate competitors and secure market dominance, is not without its consequences.
We bear witness to a discernible decline in cannabis product quality and a visible reduction in genetic variety. Strains that once painted our landscape with vibrant hues are being overshadowed by a select few – Gelato, Runtz, and Gorilla Glue #4 – championed by major suppliers. This comes at the cost of our diverse community, as smaller competitors gradually fade away in the wake of an expanding recreational market.
The implications extend beyond the industry's product landscape; they reverberate through our local economies. California, once a beacon of a thriving cannabis sector, now grapples with the aftermath of an economic downturn. Our vibrant community, once sustained by diverse genetics and dedicated craft growers, faces an existential crisis. The inaugural year of recreational legalization witnessed the disappearance of smaller growers and the onset of industrialization, erasing local cannabis events and transforming legalization from a boon to a major challenge for our community.
This evolution has also resulted in the concentration of licenses in the hands of a select few, leaving smaller growers marginalized and unable to participate. The result is a profound impact on families that once significantly contributed to the local economy. The once symbiotic relationship between local growers and cannabis stores has unraveled, having left local economic repercussions in its wake.
Our industry, as it stands, demands our collective attention and action. I implore you, esteemed members of the cannabis community, to engage in a sincere and passionate dialogue about the path forward. Let us advocate for growth while preserving the richness and diversity that define our essence. Together, we possess the power to shape the trajectory of our community and ensure a sustainable and vibrant future for the cannabis industry in California.
With genuine sincerity and shared commitment,
Andrew j Marto
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