Bill Maher and Woody Harrelson Discuss California’s Business Challenges

On a recent episode of “Club Random,” comedian Bill Maher and actor Woody Harrelson shared their thoughts on the difficulties of operating a business in California, particularly focusing on their cannabis dispensary and lounge, The Woods, located in West Hollywood.

Maher expressed frustration about the challenges of running a successful enterprise in the state, saying, “It’s not easy.” He chose to record the episode there, emphasizing the irony of the situation. Harrelson chimed in, agreeing with Maher, remarking that “California is just killing every business.” It’s a sentiment that mirrors the experiences of many local entrepreneurs, I’m sure.

Maher didn’t hold back, stating that while it might seem like an easy target, California has earned some blame as people continue to leave the state. He described the experience of doing business there as “terrible” and criticized how the state still treats marijuana as if it were “poison.” Harrelson elaborated on the tax imposition, pointing out that the government levies a steep 35% tax on cannabinoids, which he argued is excessive compared to other states.

Despite the troubles, both recalled how their store was managing and reiterated their concerns about taxation. Harrelson firmly stated, “When the government is taxing us 35%, there’s nothing we can do.” This really highlights how frustrating it can be to navigate bureaucracy in California. It’s as if the system is designed to stifle growth rather than foster it.

The duo ended their conversation while acknowledging the broader trend of companies fleeing areas like the San Francisco Bay, where many have reported net losses since 2018.