Cannabis revenues in Adelanto have fallen well below expectations just two years after voters approved an excise tax of up to 5% on commercial pot.
The Victorville Daily Press reports that the city has collected around $2 million from its marijuana businesses so far. That’s about 56% of what was projected, according to City Spokeswoman Michelle Van Der Linden.
Set-up delays for approved dispensaries are part of the problem. Critics also blame corruption and mismanagement on the part of the prior administration, some of which City News covered previously. Derek Stevens, who was tasked with heading up the city’s cannabis task force before he resigned, also blamed the lack of a centralized database for cannabis businesses. Confusion over a November 2018 initiative, Measure S, could further complicate matters.
Adelanto isn’t the only one struggling with underwhelming pot revenues. Statewide, commercial pot yields have fallen well below expectations, prompting several lawmakers to propose a reduction in the state’s excise tax once again. Read more about that here.