Sacramento, CA – Today, the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Western States Council applauded the California State Senate for passing AB 564 (Haney). AB 564 will allow California’s legal cannabis industry to survive against the growing threat of the illegal market by reverting the cannabis excise tax rate to 15 percent for three years. The following statement may be attributed to Mark Ramos, president, UFCW Western States Council and UFCW Local 1428:
“California’s cannabis businesses are facing serious challenges due to the overwhelming tax burden required to operate legally in our state. With the cannabis excise tax increase to 19% as of July 1, 2025, the situation has worsened – threatening the survival of licensed operators and driving more consumers toward the unregulated, illicit market. AB 564 is a vital piece of legislation that aims to protect consumers from unsafe, untested products while supporting the legal cannabis industry. UFCW strongly supports this bill and urges the Governor to sign it into law without delay.”
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 10, 2025
Contact: Jenna Thompson, [email protected], 949.246.1620