State Level Advocacy
Our mission is to ensure that HCGA members’ voices are heard in the Capitol and beyond.
Our Government Affairs Program provides a unique platform for Humboldt County’s small and independent cannabis businesses to benefit from direct representation with policymakers in Sacramento.
In December 2021, HCGA joined forces with Origins Council to advocate collectively on state and federal policy alongside the Trinity County Agriculture Alliance, Mendocino Cannabis Alliance, Sonoma County Growers Association, Nevada County Cannabis Alliance, and Big Sur Farmers Association.
HCGA is proud to be partnered with other legacy cannabis-producing regions through Origins Council to collectively serve as the largest membership-based cannabis advocacy organization in the state, with nearly 900 licensed cannabis businesses members across six counties.
What You Get From US
Serve as a unifed voice for HCGA’s membership.
Work with professional representation in Sacramento to impact state legislation, regulation and public policy
Provide a platform for members’ participation in a democratic process
Educate and inform public policy makers and influencers with specialized knowledge and expertise
Transparent Process
HCGA government relations professionals, in collaboration with Origins Council, monitor proposed legislation and regulations to evaluate their impact on members. Information is presented to the membership during weekly Industry Affairs calls and via our online member platform for group discussion and feedback.
The Policy Committee, an elected and appointed decision-making body, votes to direct HCGA’s policy positions. Staff implements the directives of the membership, submits formal letters to the authors of bills stating the position of the organization, and implements grassroots advocacy programs for or against specific state or county policy proposals.
Latest News
AB-1207-veto!
I am writing today to urgently request your veto on AB 1207, legislation which would ban images of humans, fruits, and vegetables in cannabis labeling,
Policy Committee Members
The Process of the Policy Committee
Policy Committee elections occur in the fall. Any active/current, plant-touching member of HCGA may nominate themselves for the Policy Committee. Licensed operators may appoint a staff person to serve on behalf of their business and the greater community. Members need to apply for a seat based on the County Supervisorial District in which their primary business is located (not the place of residence). One vote cast per membership for each district candidate. All membership types may vote.
Yearly election
Unlimited terms
The elected members of the Policy Committee represent the other business members within their district. HCGA Board Members appoint one “at large” license holder to serve on the Policy Committee.
Votes to adopt policy strategic plan
Votes on policy positions for the organization
Policy Committee members must participate in the weekly Industry Affairs call.
The Policy Committee meets once a week by conference call to vote on discussed policy decisions.
- Votes are recorded on HCGA’s online communication platform.
Join Now!
Be part of our mission to preserve, protect and enhance Humboldt’s world-renowned cannabis.