Co-hosted by Amy O'Gorman Jenkins (Executive Director of the California Cannabis Operators Association (CaCOA) and Founder of Precision Advocacy) and Laura Braden (Communications Director for CaCOA and Founder of On Message Consulting), On Record brings you inside the legislative hearings, regulatory decisions, and industry conversations shaping the future of licensed cannabis in California.
Each episode tackles the cannabis policy issues that matter most to licensed operators across the state: excise tax reform, Department of Cannabis Control rulemaking, hemp enforcement, retail access, illicit market competition, and the business conditions that determine whether California's legal cannabis industry survives and grows.
CaCOA is California's largest cannabis industry association, advocating for the farmers, retailers, manufacturers, and distributors who built California's regulated cannabis market. Stakeholders and operators across the supply chain speak candidly about what's working, what isn't, and what it will take to make California's legal cannabis market the strongest in the country.
California set the standard for cannabis legalization. On Record is about making sure that promise gets delivered. CaCOA is at every decision-making table. Now you are too.
Legislative Update from the California Cannabis Operators Association
California's 2026 legislative session just passed its House of Origin deadline, and the bills still standing will shape the next decade of cannabis policy. Amy O'Gorman Jenkins, Executive Director of the California Cannabis Operators Association (CaCOA), walks through what advanced means are and what they mean for licensed operators.
She covers CaCOA's risk-based enforcement bill AB 2537 (Chen) and its unanimous Assembly vote, the packaging and youth-marketing fight over AB 2249 (Irwin), new dosing rules for cannabis beverages under AB 2532 (Irwin), the tribal commerce questions in AB 2506, and how federal rescheduling is forcing California to rethink a regulatory system built for a different era.
Ten years after Prop 64, the conversation has moved past legalization. The real question is whether the legal market can compete when roughly 60% of California cannabis sales still happen outside it.
Learn more or join at cacoa.org.
13 Mar 2026
California Cannabis Policy in 2026: the Road to a Functioning Legal Market
Nearly a decade after Proposition 64 passed, California's cannabis policy conversation has fundamentally changed. The debate is no longer about whether to legalize: it's about whether the regulated market can actually survive.
In this episode, California Cannabis Operators Association Executive Director Amy O'Gorman Jenkins joins host Laura Braden to break down the 2026 legislative session. With 21 bills already flagged and more expected, Amy explains why enforcement is the dominant theme, what it will take for the Department of Cannabis Control to finally prioritize real violations over paperwork citations, and how two CaCOA-sponsored bills aim to redirect that focus.
Amy also addresses the return of the packaging and marketing debate, including a new white paper CaCOA-produced, called The Packaging Problem, and explains why this legislative round is different from the 2023 fight over AB 1207. She gets candid about the tribal cannabis bill AB 2506 — why tax-free cannabis sales on sovereign land raise serious questions about regulatory equivalency, and why CaCOA is approaching it with caution. Plus, why nitrous oxide legislation matters to the cannabis industry and what it signals about the broader push to hold all intoxicating products to comparable consumer protections.
On the optimistic side: new DCC Director Clint Kellum is earning early credibility by showing up in the field and signaling a real interest in expanding retail access. But with 60% of California jurisdictions still banning cannabis retail and an illicit market that still accounts for an estimated 60% of all cannabis sales in the state, the gap between Prop 64's promise and today's reality remains wide.
Amy also reflects on 12 years at the front lines of California cannabis policy (from being laughed out of rooms to having substantive debates with both Democrats and Republicans) and what makes her cautiously optimistic about where this industry is headed.
What you'll learn in this episode:
- Why 2025 was a turning point year for California cannabis, and what changed in Sacramento going into 2026
- How AB 2537 would establish a risk-based enforcement framework at the DCC — and why it's needed
- What CaCOA's Packaging Problem white paper found about youth-oriented cannabis packaging, and how it's shaping Assemblywoman Jackie Irwin's upcoming legislation
- Why the tribal cannabis bill AB 2506 could undermine the existing licensed market if tax and inspection parity aren't resolved
- How nitrous oxide legislation connects to a broader cannabis enforcement strategy
- What new DCC Director Clint Kellum is signaling about the department's priorities and industry partnership
- The state of retail access in California and why Bakersfield — a city of 400,000 — still has zero licensed dispensaries
24 Nov 2025
California Cannabis 2025 Victories & 2026 Advocacy Roadmap
(webinar audio) Join Amy O'Gorman Jenkins, Executive Director for the Cannabis Operators Association of California (CaCOA), as she breaks down: 1) what CaCOA accomplished in 2025 (first-year victories, legislative wins, and advocacy strategy), 2) how we defeated harmful proposals and secured new protections for legal operators, 3) 2026 priorities and how YOU can help shape our legislative agenda, and 4) leadership changes in Sacramento and what they mean for the industry. CaCOA represents roughly 500 licenses across California's cannabis supply chain—the largest cannabis industry association in the state. This webinar is for operators and stakeholders who want to understand the latest advocacy wins, stay informed about upcoming priorities, and help shape the future of legal cannabis in California.
15 May 2025
Uniting Against California's Cannabis Excise Tax Increase with the California Cannabis Operators Association
In this episode, David Spradlin, CEO of Goldenhour Collective, and Amy O'Gorman Jenkins, Executive Director of the California Cannabis Operators Association, discussed California’s scheduled cannabis excise tax increase from 15% to 19% set for July 1, 2025.
Jenkins explained how the industry has united to prevent this tax hike through Assembly Bill 564 (Haney), which they hope to incorporate into the state budget process before the June 15th deadline. The conversation explores why cannabis businesses deserve special consideration, facing tax burdens amounting to 78% of wholesale value compared to 8.4% for alcohol, and how California's unique cannabis history creates additional challenges.
Spradlin offered insight from a retailer's perspective, emphasizing how price increases could push consumers to the illicit market. Both guests stressed that despite contributing over $6.5 billion in taxes since legalization, the legal cannabis industry cannot sustain additional tax burdens while remaining competitive.
May 15, 2025 UPDATE: https://www.cacoa.org/post/cacoa-responds-to-cannabis-provisions-in-governor-newsom-s-may-revise-budget
21 Apr 2025
Roots and Resilience: Inside Humboldt County's Cannabis Legacy (Part 2)
In the second part of their conversation, Goldenhour CEO David Spradlin and Humboldt County cannabis farmer Marion Collamer of Lost Creek Family Farms explore the devastating impact of California's cannabis regulations on legacy farmers. They discuss the critical need for vertical integration models similar to the wine industry, the dramatic decline in Humboldt's cannabis farms (from over 100 to just a handful in Marion's area), and the economic ripple effects throughout local communities. The conversation highlights the puzzling decision by Humboldt County to pivot away from cannabis toward traditional tourism despite the region's remote location, while examining missed opportunities for cannabis tourism that could revitalize the area.
9 Apr 2025
Roots and Resilience: Inside Humboldt County's Cannabis Legacy (Part 1)
In this Goldenhour Podcast, Goldenhour Collective CEO David Spradlin talks with cannabis farmer, Marion Collamer of Lost Creek Family Farms, about Humboldt County's cannabis history.
Marion shared how she discovered Humboldt while on Phish tour around 2000, describing it as "this really best kept secret in California." The discussion highlighted why Humboldt's geography creates perfect growing conditions, and they explored the community's self-sufficiency and resilience during prohibition, including law enforcement tactics.
David noted what makes the region unique: "People in the Emerald Triangle are some of the kindest, most creative, most hardworking people I've ever met." Marion added that cannabis enabled a way of life rather than being the end goal: "I didn't come here exactly for weed. The cannabis was just the reason that I could stay here."
The episode concludes by examining challenges following California's legalization, including its failed cooperative venture involving consultants and outside investors. Tune in for part two to hear about developments since 2016, including Measure S and the tax burdens threatening legacy farmers.
19 Mar 2025
Seed Swaps & Sisterhood: Inside the Northern California Women in Cannabis Movement
In this episode of the Goldenhour podcast, we explore women's experiences in the cannabis industry, particularly in Northern California. Guests include Goldenhour Collective co-owner Haylee Parker, and Leah Cerri, a cannabis brand marketer, event producer, writer, Ganjier, and founder of Northern California Women in Cannabis.
Leah shares her journey from growing up in a cannabis-friendly household in Mendocino County to working in nonprofits and eventually returning to cannabis for its community aspects. She discusses founding Northern California Women in Cannabis, which hosts free events for women across the region. Hayley talks about her decade-long career in cannabis and her commitment to maintaining the compassionate core of the industry at Golden Hour Collective. Both discuss the challenges women face in the industry, including sexism and the difficulties of navigating a market dominated by corporate interests rather than patient-centered approaches.
The conversation covers the importance of community-building among women in cannabis, the value of understanding retail and consumer needs, and advice for women entering the industry. They also discuss the upcoming Northern California Women in Cannabis event in Santa Rosa on March 22nd, featuring women-owned brands, a seed swap, and cannabis history exhibits.
In this episode of the Goldenhour Podcast, CEO David Spradlin reveals how the dispensary defies industry trends by partnering directly with Northern California's legacy cannabis farmers. Unlike competitors chasing scale, Goldenhour Collective has created an "asset-light" business model that cuts out middlemen, delivers superior products, and achieves impressive margins. Spradlin explains how their approach honors cannabis heritage while meeting modern consumer desires for craft quality and variety. The episode offers valuable insights into sustainable cannabis retail strategy and the importance of preserving Northern California's cannabis agricultural legacy in an increasingly corporate market.
21 Jan 2025
Understanding the Difference: Regulated Cannabis vs. Hemp-Derived Products
In this episode of The Goldenhour Podcast, David Spradlin, CEO of Golden Hour Collective, sheds light on the growing confusion surrounding hemp-derived products like Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC versus outgrown and sungrown cannabis in the North State. David explains how California’s stringent testing regulations ensure safe, high-quality cannabis, while many intoxicating hemp products lack oversight, often containing harmful contaminants. He highlights the importance of consumer education, especially in states where access to regulated cannabis is limited. David also discusses the benefits of full-spectrum, sun-grown cannabis versus synthetic, isolated compounds found in intoxicating hemp products. Listeners will gain insights into sustainable farming practices, how to identify trustworthy dispensaries, and why supporting small, legacy cannabis farmers matters. Whether you're a seasoned consumer or new to cannabis, this episode is a must-listen for staying informed and making safer choices.
15 Jan 2025
Cannabis Industry Outlook: Navigating Challenges and Seeking Solutions in 2025
In this episode of the Goldenhour Podcast, David Spradlin, CEO of Golden Hour Collective, analyzes the cannabis industry's challenges heading into 2025, discussing everything from price compression and tax burdens to regulatory hurdles and potential solutions. This candid and comprehensive conversation reveals the California cannabis industry's systemic issues and possible paths forward.
15 Jan 2025
The Future of California's Cannabis Legacy & Tourism Opportunities
In this eisode of the Goldenhour Podcast, David Spradlin, CEO of Golden Hour Collective, discusses the future of legacy cannabis farming and its crucial role in California's cannabis industry. He shares insights on the industry's return to legacy farming, the importance of business acumen for small farmers, and the untapped potential of cannabis tourism in the North State of California.
15 Jan 2025
From Seed to Sensation: How legacy Cannabis Farming and Conscious Consumption Are Reshaping the cannabis industry
In this episode of the Goldenhour Podcast, Haylee Parker, co-owner of the family-owned Goldenhour Collective in Weed, California, shared her journey from casual cannabis user to industry professional.
Haylee described the complexity behind the plant’s characteristics and benefits. She explained why it was time to move beyond Indica and Sativa labels - and high THC content - toward a more holistic understanding of the plant’s full spectrum, including the synergistic qualities of each strain’s terpenes and cannabinoid compounds.
From pain management to anxiety relief, Haylee also offered tips for new dispensary visitors and front-of-house staff to ensure everyone walks out the door with the right product for their desired experience.
The conversation then shifted to Goldenhour Collective's mission of supporting local and family-owned legacy cannabis farms and sustainable practices. Despite producing some of the world's best cannabis, these legacy growers often struggle against larger corporations. Goldenhour's mission is to provide a platform for these farmers, ensuring their survival and promoting their exceptional products.
Haylee described the regenerative practices used by their partner farms, including natural pest management and careful cultivation techniques. These methods produce superior cannabis, protect the environment, and ensure product safety.
15 Jan 2025
The Cannabis Extinction Event: How California's Legacy Farmers Are Fighting to Survive
In this episode of the Goldenhour Podcast, David Spradlin, CEO and co-owner of the family-owned Goldenhour Collective in Weed, California, provides an insider's look at the challenges facing California's legacy cannabis farmers. From burdensome taxation to regulatory hurdles, David reveals how current policies favor large corporations over small family farms – and shares his innovative business model designed to preserve Northern California's rich cannabis heritage.
15 Jan 2025
Cannabis CEO Chronicles: David Spradlin’s Story (Part 1)
In this conversation with Goldenhour Collective CEO David Spradlin, we explore part one of his unexpected path into cannabis, from construction worker to dispensary pioneer during California's early medical cannabis days. Spradlin shares raw stories about navigating the industry's "grey area" years, fighting federal raids, and building a patient-focused business model that helped legitimize cannabis retail. His journey from reluctant entrepreneur to passionate advocate offers unique insights into California's cannabis history and the evolution of the legal market.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 31 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
49
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
32
Host of Goldenhour Podcast?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
