Collective Euphoria Keeps its Cool as California Tests its Cannabis Roots
By Jim Coffis
Whatever euphoria accompanied the end of nearly a century of cannabis prohibition in California on January 1st was quickly burst as the reality of the status of local cannabis regulations particularly around cultivation comes into focus.
No county licenses have been issued to any local cannabis business other than the 12 county retail dispensaries already doing business. Without local approval, a state license will not be granted. Without a state license, businesses cannot operate in the highly regulated state market.
Despite the international attention Santa Cruz garnered as its local retail outlets were among the first out of the gate and into the world’s largest legal cannabis market; our world-renowned locally produced products will be in short supply on dispensary shelves both locally and throughout the state.
Most local cannabis businesses – the ones that have registered with the county, paid fees and taxes, and have been operating in good standing – remain in limbo awaiting action by the Board of Supervisors.
The imminent release of the final Environmental Impact Report is expected to rekindle the debate over whether-or-not cannabis businesses will be permitted in the county and if so what restrictions ought to be imposed. Another protracted debate that prevents a final local ordinance from being adopted quickly will seriously threaten the future of one of counties largest industries.
Over the past year alone an estimated $200 million dollars of production, and millions in potential tax revenue, has left unincorporated Santa Cruz, relocating to Watsonville, Salinas, Monterey County, and other jurisdictions.
The County Cannabis Licensing Office is accepting applications, with an $800 non-refundable fee, from cannabis businesses who may want to apply for a temporary state license (good for 120 days), in anticipation that a final ordinance might be adopted by spring. No guarantees are being made, however.
How the five supervisors and the public react to the final EIR will determine whether we can expect to have an ordinance before summer.