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Cannabis growers don’t merit a ‘tax holiday’

Posted on February 3, 2022 by Sonoma Valley Sun

The cannabis industry continues to whine because they are burdened with regulation and taxes. So now officials are considering lowering or eliminating taxes.

Our state and local governments rushed to enact pot ordinances because of the lure of easy money, i.e. greed, in the form of taxes and fees. Cannabis growers were motivated by the lure of easy money, i.e. greed, in the form of cash revenue.

Growers are discovering that money is not so easily earned due to taxes, licensing, inspections and reduced profits due to an oversupply. Our county officials are ignoring all kinds of unintended consequences such as water and environmental degradation. Yet, still, there is a feeling that the industry needs a boost.

No one is forced to grow pot. And the poor small farmer here in Sonoma County is a myth. Canna-craft and Sparc are huge entities with the loudest voices crying for help.

There are far more significant county issues that need to be addressed. Why is this getting such a fast track at the state (Senator McGuire) and county level? follow the money, I say. It’s all about greed.

— Rachel Zierdt, Sebastopol




Sonoma Sun | Sonoma, CA