Key Takeaways:
– The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors will deliberate on two proposed ordinances for on-site cannabis consumption.
– The proposed changes would apply to existing cannabis retailers and farming locations in unincorporated territories.
– Regulations include strict ventilation and odor requirements as well as adherence to state smoke-free workplace rules.
– A new farm-focused ordinance as a three-year pilot program is also being considered, potentially boosting agrotourism.
– The proposed changes could encourage collaboration and strengthen Santa Cruz County’s tourism appeal.
Proposals Aimed at On-Site Cannabis Consumption
Fall colors in Santa Cruz County may soon be more than just orange and white as officials are set to consider a greener hue at next week’s Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors meeting. On the agenda are two proposed ordinances aimed at permitting onsite cannabis consumption at established retailers and farming locations.
The first proposed ordinance relates to inhalable items that can be consumed at retail locations or adjoining parcels in unincorporated areas. This would entail designating specific zones for cannabis use, subject to strict ventilation and odor restrictions. They must also follow state regulations for smoke-free workplaces.
Local Cannabis Retail Landscape
According to the local Cannabis Licensing office, a dozen dispensaries hold licenses in unincorporated territories. However, not all would be able to set up an onsite consumption system due to various restrictions ranging from space limitation, site feasibility, to economic constraints.
Local Farmers in the Mix
Alongside retailers, local farmers also express interest, resulting in a second ordinance being proposed. This would allow retail sales and set up similar consumption regulations at the actual growing sites. This proposed addition could steer agrotourism in the county, offering both locals and tourists the opportunity to learn more about the cannabis industry and cultivation process.
A Three-Year Experiment
The second ordinance’s essence is a three-year pilot program. This would allow for the implementation of operational changes while simultaneously leaving room for feedback from operators, neighbors, and the general public. The minimum viable number of participating retail farms for the program is estimated to be three, though five to seven would be ideal.
Another proposal, aligning the county with a recent state housing law, is also on the agenda. The law allows property owners within single-family residential zones to build two units or subdivide a lot into two parcels for a total of four units.
Predicted Financial Impact
Although a comprehensive economic impact analysis was limited in scope, speculations suggest the ordinances could marginally increase the county’s total Cannabis Business Tax collected annually. Simultaneously, broader financial benefits might emerge from potential increases in tourism and local business collaborations, bolstering the area’s status as a sought-after destination.
The Importance of Community Input
The proposed amendments come after nearly a year of community discussions, consultations with farmers and retailers, and research sessions. If passed, these ordinances could significantly influence the future of both cannabis retail and farming industries in Santa Cruz County, contributing to the local economy and potentially shaping the area’s tourism scene.
These discussions will take place at 701 Ocean St. in Santa Cruz, no sooner than 1:30 p.m. on the coming Tuesday.
The Santa Cruz County meeting, and its green-themed discussion, promises to provide a fascinating perspective into the evolution of cannabis ordinance and its potential impact not only on the local economy but also on tourism and community development.