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In another sign that California’s legal cannabis market is in deep trouble, state officials plan to extend the period that growers and sellers can operate with provisional licenses by five years, giving them a delay in complying with stricter rules for regular permits.
But the proposal faces opposition from environmental groups. They object that it would allow cannabis farms to remain out of compliance with laws aimed at protecting waterways, land and the public.
The change is included in legislation related to the state budget. Gov. Gavin Newsom proposed it as hundreds of marijuana farmers faced the expiration of temporary licenses and the prospect that they would have to shut down operations, industry officials said.
