Silicon Valley gets cannabis industry trade group

A pair of former San Jose city employees has launched the Silicon Valley Cannabis Alliance, a trade group that will serve marijuana businesses in Santa Clara, San Mateo and San Benito counties.

The group also plans to have a political action committee that will raise money for and support cannabis-friendly candidates, the San Jose Mercury News reported.

The Alliance was launched by Victor Gomez, a former chief of staff to San Jose Vice Mayor Magdalena Carrasco, and Sean Kali-rai, who previously worked for former San Jose Mayor Ron Gonzales.

Former San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed is the trade group’s attorney, according to the paper.

The group now represents five dispensaries in the city, according to the Mercury News.

San Jose has 16 medical marijuana businesses that employ some 800 people and generate $10.5 million in tax revenue, the Mercury News said.