In 2016, State, County, and City constituents voted in favor of Proposition 64, legalizing adult use of cannabis in California. The City of Chico overwhelmingly voiced their support of Proposition 64, with 65% “yes” votes. In addition to legalizing adult use, the passage of Proposition 64 set a comprehensive set of licensing and regulation schema that cannabis industry businesses must follow. In other words, the blueprint for how these businesses operate is already in place. As of today, more than 20 counties and 150 cities have opted to regulate commercial cannabis, including North State neighbors Shasta Lake, Sonoma and Redding.
On a fundamental level, we owe it to Chico voters to implement a smart, strategic, and sustainable policy regulating cannabis in our community. Our citizens have waited long enough, and they deserve safe local access to a consistent, regulated product, and to professional guidance for its use. Additionally, local entrepreneurs deserve the chance to take advantage of business opportunities offered by this emerging industry.
The challenges associated with cannabis already exist in Chico, and are simply exacerbated by the unregulated black market. Establishing a thoughtful policy of regulation will begin to address those concerns; legitimizing responsible operations, eroding black market activity, and putting the cost burden of oversight where it belongs - on the industry itself.
Because the state guidelines are already in place, addressing all aspects of cannabis commerce from seed to sale, municipalities adopting regulatory policies have only three major considerations to make: 1) What types of businesses they allow (e.g. dispensaries, nurseries, manufacturing companies, testing facilities, delivery businesses, micro-businesses); 2) How many of them they allow; and 3) Where they allow them. In collaboration with stakeholders from throughout the community, the City of Chico can implement a policy that takes into consideration the best options for us and best reflect the values that make this an amazing community.
Using the state requirements as a foundation, we can also choose to customize any operating standards for cannabis businesses. The use of Conditional Use Permits can allow us to better regulate the industry in accordance with the needs and preferences of our community. Additionally, we can use the City of Chico’s Economic Development Action Plan as a blueprint. Focusing on Local Preference and Local Purchasing policies outlined in this plan will ensure congruence with other business practices and standards we prioritize as a community.
When it comes to making these determinations, many voices are needed at the table. I would support the formation of a Cannabis Advisory Committee, comprised of stakeholders from within and outside the industry, to support the transition to and sustainability of cannabis commerce in our City. This group would be responsible for research, policy recommendations, and consultation about best practices surrounding this issue to be considered by the City Council.
Commercial cannabis is an emerging industry bringing change to our communities. The question is, will we make the decision to get in front of the opportunity and its issues, or will we wait until the issues catch up to us? Cannabis commerce will create new revenue through smart taxation, both living wage and professional jobs, and a new customer base for our existing trade and professional service providers. From my perspective, the smart decision is to do this work now.
