The Labor Day weekend was busy for cannabis news across the state. Today, we have  updates from the cities of Desert Hot Springs, San Luis Obispo, San Bernardino, American Canyon, San Francisco, Santa Barbara County and Solvang.

• Desert Hot Springs’ City Council will have a second reading and vote to adopt an ordinance that would expand zoning districts for testing facilities.  Once the zones have been approved, GreenGrowth CPAs will be sure to update you.
• San Luis Obispo is introducing a reading that will establish cannabis zones and locations for cannabis activity.  The city approved commercial cannabis but is not yet accepting applications before the public approves the measure this November.  The next meeting is Tuesday, September 4, 2018, at 4:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber of City Hall, 990 Palm Street. The City Council will review the Planning Commission’s recommendation for seven proposed Cannabis Zones.
• San Bernardino will vote to amend current cannabis laws and suggest the following:
  • Vote on making exceptions to sensitive use buffer zones where an intervening structure is present
  • Clarify that an actual finding of a violation must be made before an applicant could be prohibited from applying for or holding a commercial cannabis permit
  • Change the permit terms from 1 to 3 years and allow the city to authorize additional permits should they see fit.

• American Canyon held a public hearing on August 13, 2018 where the public voted in favor of regulating commercial cannabis.  The city is holding a first reading to move the process forward and discuss allowing Indoor Commercial Cultivation, Distribution, Retail Non-Storefront, Testing Labs, Manufacturing and Microbusinesses.  We will continue to update you as more news is available about American Canyon’s cannabis approval process.
• San Francisco is holding a second reading and likely adopt an ordinance that will prohibit dispensaries in Chinatown.  
• Santa Barbara County Cannabis Permitting and Licensing Department is holding an informational meeting on September 17, 2018, from 3-5pm at 105 E. Anapamu Street, Santa Barbara 93101. The meeting will provide updates to cannabis-related businesses about land-use permitting, licensing and how to maintain compliance when transitioning from temporary to annual licenses.
• Solvang had a second reading and adopted an ordinance that will allow medical cannabis dispensaries, cultivation, manufacturing, testing labs, distribution and transportation facilities that are owned/operated by nonprofit organizations in the C3 zone. However, adult use cannabis is still prohibited. As we hear further next steps we will be sure to keep you updated!  

If you are interested in obtaining a cannabis license for any of the cities listed above, or from a different California city, contact GreenGrowth CPAs today!