Beach city political brawls capture Calif. industry frustrations

Bitterly contested ballot initiatives on whether to allow dispensaries in three SoCal beach cities could have far reaching implications for retailers trying to access consumers, an ongoing concern for California’s beleaguered cannabiz. The measures have attracted fierce criticism from local officials as well as some in the industry who say more similar initiatives could further hinder the state market.

The initiatives are funded by Catalyst Cannabis and Tradecraft Farms, two retailers eager to open in the affluent and heavily touristed markets of . . .