Santa Cruz County supervisors evaluate on-site marijuana consumption at retailers, farms – Santa Cruz Sentinel

SANTA CRUZ — Halloween and all the orange pumpkins and ghostly white costumes may be fast approaching, but next week’s Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors meeting will have a distinct green hue.

in his place meeting on tuesdayThe board is set to consider a pair of regulatory proposals that would allow on-site marijuana consumption at existing retailers and farming sites. To add some predictability to the meeting’s jam-packed agenda, the items were posted at 701 Ocean St. in Santa Cruz. It will be heard in the boardroom at 13.30 at the latest.

The first article specifically relates to inhalable consumables at existing retail outlets or adjacent parcels in unincorporated areas. According to staff reportDesignated breathing zones must be subject to strict ventilation and odor requirements and comply with smoke-free workplace regulations.

According to the district’s statement Cannabis Licensing officeThere are 12 licensed dispensaries in the unincorporated area, but not all local retailers may be able to develop an on-site consumption system due to space, site or economic constraints.

Some local farmers also want to join the action, so second regulation It is drafted to allow retail sales and establish similar consumption regulations where the buds are actually grown. In a county whose economy relies heavily on tourism, advocates say these new rules could encourage tourism agritourism For visitors and locals who want to learn more about the cannabis industry and cultivation process.

The farm-focused ordinance is intended to be a three-year pilot program that allows operational changes to be initiated while also providing feedback and monitoring from operators, neighbors, the general public and county staff, according to county staff.

The minimum viable quantity for retail farms participating in the program is three, although five to seven is ideal, according to county staff conversations with tour operators in other areas.

The staff recommendations come to the board after nearly a year of community discussions, consultations with farmers and retailers, as well as research and informational interviews with neighboring counties.

According to the agenda report, a comprehensive economic analysis measuring the financial impact of on-site consumption spaces at farms and retailers was limited; however, staff estimated the changes would bring a marginal increase in the total Marijuana Business Tax collected by the county each year. However, staff noted that broader financial benefits could arise if the regulations helped strengthen the borough’s status as a desirable tourism destination. It can also encourage collaboration between local businesses developing tours that include multiple destinations and a variety of activities.

Two-unit developments

Also on the board’s agenda is another proposed ordinance that would bring the county into compliance with the recently implemented state housing code.

regulation has been prepared As a local ordinance of State Senate Bill 9, which allows property owners in a single-family residential district to build two units or divide the land into two parcels for a total of four units.

Local jurisdictions may conduct design reviews under state code provisions, but public hearings will not be required for projects that meet state rules, according to the staff report.

if you go

What: The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors is evaluating on-site marijuana consumption programs at retailers and farms.

When: No later than 13:30 on Tuesday.

How: 701 Ocean St. Room 525, Santa Cruz or Zoom: us06web.zoom.us/j/81732202363.

First Publication Date: 26 October 2024, 11:07