Coming soon! More California cities welcoming commercial cannabis activity.
by Roger Tower on July 31, 2020
2020 has been a wild ride so far but amidst all the chaos, the legal cannabis industry in California is still growing. More California cities are getting on board with the green movement and making moves to allow cannabis businesses to set up shop in their neighborhoods.
Despite the circumstances, the year still shows great potential for the cannabis industry. After proving capable of surviving a global pandemic, more cities are starting to see the economic benefits that a regulated cannabis market can bring in.
Here are some cities that have marijuana on the horizon:
Stanton City
Cannabis sales aren’t legal in Stanton yet, but on June 23, the Stanton City Council adopted an Ordinance allowing Commercial Cannabis Businesses. On July 14, a public hearing was held to go over the details:
- Cannabis application fees: $2,600 initially and $1,015 for annual license renewals
- Up to 4 licenses will be given out for each commercial cannabis use – retail, delivery, indoor cultivation, manufacturing, and testing
- Any contact between commercial cannabis applicants (or their representatives) and members of the Stanton Cannabis Application Evaluation Committee is strictly prohibited
- Cannabis applications will be evaluated on merit, not lottery or first-come-first serve
- Refundable cannabis application deposit: $100,000
- Cannabis application and merit criteria will be available before the 30-day application period, and a public meeting will be held to answer any questions about the process
Costa Mesa
Costa Mesa currently allows cannabis manufacturing, testing, and distribution with a ban on cannabis retail under Measure X. Since the 2016 vote to legalize commercial cannabis statewide, Costa Mesa has opted out of cannabis storefronts.
In November, the city will ask voters to decide whether to include retail cannabis to the list of licenses it currently allows. The measure would create regulations and taxes for legal dispensaries and delivery services which would benefit the city’s economy by possibly bringing in several million dollars a year. If the measure is passed, it would also create needed jobs lost to the pandemic.
If passed:
- Retail Cannabis will be permitted in commercial zones
- Dispensaries must be located a minimum of 1,000 feet away from daycare locations, K-12 schools, playgrounds, and homeless shelters
- 4-7% sales tax rate
The City’s goal is to have all cannabis application procedures completed in time for the November vote, thus allowing applicants to submit paperwork 30 days after the measure passes.
Fullerton
Fullerton might be next on the list of cities welcoming cannabis into their neighborhoods. On July 7th, Fullerton City Council agreed to move forward with a proposed ordinance that, if passed, would allow various cannabis businesses to operate within the city.
If passed:
- 5 retail licenses, 5 manufacturing licenses, 5 cultivation licenses, 5 transportation/distribution licenses, and unlimited cannabis testing licenses will be given out.
- Facilities must be placed in commercial and manufacturing zones, located at least 600 feet from schools, daycares, youth centers, parks, libraries, and community centers.
- Cannabis manufacturing, distribution, cultivation and testing must be located at least 300 feet from residential zones.
A study by the city showed 70% of residents were in favor of allowing dispensaries in Fullerton. Council members who support the ordinance hope that having a regulated market will also decrease the cannabis black market and create new jobs.
If you need help with cannabis licensing schedule a consultation with us. WeCann helps you stay up to date with cannabis legislation, the cannabis industry, licensing and regulations.
