Economic Impacts of Cannabis on North Coast County Economies

This project provides an economic impact study to measure the cannabis business in six (6) counties in northern California--Del Norte, Humboldt, Trinity, Lake, Mendocino, and Sonoma counties. Surveys and interviews provide data-utilizing relationships with local advocacy and business groups to reach farmers and connect to supply-chain links: processing, distribution and retail.   Major topics for the economic impacts research include: 1) Impacts on private and public sectors; 2) Government administrative costs and revenue; 3) Tax structures and rates; 4) Cannabis prices in the licensed and unlicensed markets; 5) Monopolies and anti-competitive behavior and prevention thereof; 6) Job creation; and 7) Workplace safety.  This study estimates the cannabis industry’s broad reach due to its supply-chain links.  The study also provides an algorithm for advocates and policy makers to examine specific counties and cities with respect to the expected business revenues, jobs and local tax revenues to come from increased, legal entrepreneurship in cannabis businesses. The results and conclusions from this report will not provide any insight on how to grow, manufacture, market, distribute, or sell cannabis products.