Should the City of Encinitas authorize commercial cannabis activities, including retail sales, cultivation, manufacturing with certain restrictions?
City of EncinitasMeasure H Ordinance - Majority Approval Required
City of Encinitas
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Shall the electors of the City of Encinitas adopt the citizen initiative titled "An Ordinance of the City of Encinitas Authorizing Commercial Cannabis Activities Involving Retail Sales, Cultivation, Manufacturing, Cannabis Kitchens and Distribution, and Personal Use Cultivation, Subject to Certain Regulations and Restrictions."
What is this proposal?
Pros & Cons — Unbiased explanation with arguments for and against
Information provided by League of Women Voters North County San Diego
The Question
The Situation
In 2016, the voters of California passed Proposition 64, the Adult Use of Marijuana Act, that allowed both medical and recreational use of cannabis by adults 21 and older, but gave cities ability to regulate commercial cannabis activities.
Currently, Encinitas prohibits every cannabis-related business.
The Proposal
Measure H would change zoning to allow retail cannabis sales, cultivation, product manufacturing, and distribution in specified zones, subject to restrictions. Measure H would also allow indoor cannabis cultivation for personal and medical use for qualified persons with no limitation to particular zones.
- Cannabis retailers (specified commercial zones) for both retail sales and delivery, would be required to have 1,000 foot separation from day care centers, playgrounds, schools or other cannabis retailers, no on-site medical consultations, security guard 24 hours/day, as well as other restrictions. At least four retail licenses shall be granted.
- Commercial cannabis cultivation (Agricultural zones) must be within interior of buildings or greenhouses, not visible from the streets or sidewalks, and subject to restrictions.
- Product manufacturing businesses, (business parks, light industrial parks, and agricultural zones), would not be allowed to produce edibles or use volatile solvents.
- Cannabis Kitchen sites (business parks, light industrial parks, and general commercial zones) would not be allowed to extract cannabis concentrate.
- Industrial Hemp cultivation (agricultural zones) would be subject to restrictions.
- Security cameras, alarms, and guards would be required at most cannabis businesses. Additionally, external signs, public access, or sales would be prohibited in all but retail businesses.
Measure H was placed on the ballot by a petition of Encinitas voters. If passed, Measure H would only be amended by a vote of the people, with two exceptions for City Council adjustments.
A Yes vote would change City zoning to allow certain cannabis businesses.
A No vote would keep existing zoning and prohibitions.
Fiscal effect
The fiscal effect is unknown. Fees from business registration, annual fees, and sales tax from retail sales will provide revenue. Additional law enforcement costs were not estimated.
Supporters say
- Encinitas voters passed Prop 64 by 65% to allow for recreational and medical cannabis activities, but no businesses are yet allowed in the city.
- Measure H will ensure legal access to cannabis products, help drive out the black-market cannabis, and thereby reduce cannabis access to youth.
- Revenue from local cannabis businesses will generate sales tax for Encinitas and create jobs.
- Measure H allows farmers to grow industrial hemp.
The factual accuracy of the above arguments has not been verified by any official entity.
Opponents say
- Measure H would allow at least four cannabis retail stores with restrictions for schools and playgrounds, but no separation from churches, parks, or youth facilities.
- Measure H allows unlimited cultivation sites, distribution, and cannabis factories, which create a pungent odor, with no separation requirements.
- Regulation of new cannabis activities and law enforcement of retail stores, which are crime magnets, and other cannabis businesses are costly.
- The City and residents will have no voice over land use decisions and how cannabis businesses operate.
The factual accuracy of the above arguments has not been verified by any official entity.
Details — Official information
Summary
Encinitas City Attorney's Office / Encinitas City Clerk's Office
BALLOT TITLE AND SUMMARY
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ENCINITAS AUTHORIZING COMMERCIAL CANNABIS ACTIVITIES INVOLVING RETAIL SALES, CULTIVATION, MANUFACTURING, CANNABIS KITCHENS AND DISTRIBUTION, AND PERSONAL USE CULTIVATION, SUBJECT TO CERTAIN REGULATIONS AND RESTRICTIONS
The Encinitas Municipal Code (“Code”) prohibits commercial cannabis activities involving retail sales, cultivation (including industrial hemp), manufacturing (products), cannabis kitchens and distribution (wholesale), for medicinal and recreational purposes. This citizen initiative measure, if approved by the voters, would amend the Code to authorize these activities (defined therein or in the California Business and Professions Code) in specified zones subject to the issuance of a license by the City Manager which requirements include:
- Any person convicted of a serious or violent felony shall not operate, manage, control or own a cannabis business
- Written permission to conduct a cannabis business on the proposed site
- Certain preferences for experienced operators
- Ineligibility for past illegal operators
- Selection by lottery for retail sales applications
- Revocation or suspension due to loitering, smell or noise complaints, or noncompliance with other applicable regulations
Retailer sites (including delivery) would be authorized in commercial land use zones: General Commercial-Planned Commercial Development (GC-PCD), Commercial (C), General Commercial (GC), Commercial Mixed Use (CM-3), Commercial Mixed Use (CM-2), Commercial Mixed Use (CM-1), General Commercial (C-GC2), and General Commercial (C-GCD), and in the Mixed Use Land Use Zones MU1 and MU2, subject to:
- Four licenses shall be granted to retailers; however, the City Council may increase
- 1,000 foot separation from day care centers, playgrounds, schools or other retailers
- Operating hours 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. (entire week)
- Security guard presence 24 hours per day
Cultivation sites would be authorized in Agricultural (AG) zones, subject to the following:
- Cultivation shall occur within interior of a building or greenhouse
- Records of compliance with State law available to City
- No visual evidence of cultivation from a public right-of-way
- “Public nuisance” conditions subject licensee to penalties, suspension or revocation
- No public access or sales
Manufacturing sites would be authorized in Business Parks (BP), Light Industrial (LI) and Agricultural zones (AG), subject to:
- No use of volatile solvents
- All manufacturing shall comply with regulations promulgated by the California Department of Public Health
- No public access or sales
Cannabis Kitchen sites would be authorized in Business Parks (BP), Light Industrial (LI) and General Commercial (CG) zones, subject to:
- No extraction of cannabis concentrates
- All manufacturing shall comply with regulations promulgated by the California Department of Public Health
- No public access or sales
Distribution sites would be authorized in Business Parks (BP) and Light Industrial zones (LI), subject to:
- No public access or sales
Industrial Hemp would be authorized in Agricultural (AG) zones, subject to:
- Compliance with the California Food and Agriculture Code
- “Public nuisance” conditions may subject licensee to penalties, suspension or revocation
This initiative measure would also regulate personal use cultivation by, among other things, requiring compliance with applicable law, and prohibiting additional City-required permission or registration.
Impartial analysis / Proposal
Source: Encinitas City Clerk's Office
City Attorney Impartial Analysis of Measure H:
An Ordinance of the City of Encinitas Authorizing Commercial Cannabis Activities Involving Retail Sales, Cultivation, Manufacturing, Cannabis Kitchens and Distribution, and Personal Use Cultivation, Subject to Certain Regulations and Restrictions
Measure H is a measure placed on the ballot by a petition signed by the requisite number of voters of the City of Encinitas. Measure H would amend current zoning to allow cannabis retail, cultivation, product manufacturing, and distribution in specified zones, subject to restrictions and regulations for each activity and issuance of a business license by the City Manager.
Currently, Encinitas Municipal Code (the “Code”) Chapter 9.21 prohibits, to the extent state law allows, each and every marijuana and marijuana-related use and activity, including sales, cultivation, manufacturing, distribution, transportation (delivery), storage, and testing. Without addressing Chapter 9.21, Measure H would allow uses and activities not currently allowed.
The following cannabis activities would be allowed in specified zones:
- Retail sale and delivery – commercial land use zones, including certain Commercial, General Commercial, Commercial Mixed Use, and Mixed Use Land Use;
- Cultivation -- Agricultural;
- Product manufacturing -- Business Parks (“BP”), Light Industrial (“LI”), Agricultural;
- Cannabis Kitchens -- BP, LI, General Commercial;
- Distribution -- BP, LI;
- Industrial hemp -- Agricultural.
Measure H would also allow personal and personal medical use cultivation up to 100 square feet indoors for qualified patients and primary caregivers without limitation to particular zones.
Cannabis retailers may engage in retail sales and delivery, with restrictions including:
- At least four licenses shall be granted to retailers, subject to City Council increase
- 1,000 foot separation from day care centers, playgrounds, schools or other retailers
- No on-site medical consultations
- Security guard presence 24 hours per day
- Operating hours 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- Signage, lighting, and contact information posting requirements
Commercial cannabis cultivation restrictions include:
- Cultivation only within interior of building or greenhouse
- Tracking and record-keeping in compliance with State law and available to City
- No visual evidence of cultivation from public right-of-way
- “Public nuisance” conditions subject licensee to penalties, suspension or revocation
- Environmentally-sustainable cultivation preference
Product manufacturing restrictions include:
- No use of volatile solvents
- No edible cannabis production
- Compliance with California Department of Public Health regulations
Cannabis Kitchen sites would be subject to:
- No cannabis concentrate extraction
- Compliance with California Department of Public Health regulations
- Food safety and permitting requirements
Industrial Hemp would be subject to:
- California Food and Agriculture Code compliance
- “Public nuisance” conditions may subject licensee to penalties, suspension or revocation
Cannabis cultivation, product manufacturing, kitchens, and distribution all require security cameras, alarms, and guard and prohibit external signage or public access or sales.
City regulations for business licensing/permitting are located at Title 6 of the Code. Measure H separately contains regulations for Cannabis Business licenses, including:
- Background checks and prohibitions for any person convicted of a serious or violent felony from operating, managing, controlling or owning a business
- Written permission from building owners/management to conduct a business
- Experienced operator preferences
- Ineligibility for past illegal operations
- Reasonable registration/annual fees
- Revocation or suspension due to loitering, smell or noise complaints, or regulatory noncompliance
- Lottery selection for retail sales applications
If passed, Measure H would only be amended by a vote of the people, with two exceptions for City Council adjustments.
A majority “Yes” vote on Measure H would change City zoning to allow certain cannabis activities and uses. A majority “No” vote would keep existing zoning and prohibitions.
Prepared by: Leslie E. Devaney, City Attorney
The above statement is an impartial analysis of Measure H. If you desire a copy of the measure, please call the City Clerk’s office at (760-633-2601) and a copy will be mailed at no cost to you.
[VOTER'S EDGE STAFF NOTE: A link to this document will be provided when it has been posted on the San Diego County Registrar of Voters' website.]
Published Arguments — Arguments for and against
Arguments FOR
Arguments and rebuttals are the opinions of the authors. They are printed exactly as submitted, including errors.
Ballot Argument in Favor of Measure H
Cannabis Activity Zoning Ordinance of Encinitas
Measure H, Cannabis Activity Zoning Ordinance of Encinitas, will bring licensed cannabis retail businesses to Encinitas and a local supply chain with cultivation, distribution, and cannabis kitchens. Measure H also allows farmers to grow industrial hemp.
In 2016, 65% of Encinitas voters supported Proposition 64 to legalize adult-use cannabis. Despite this support, Encinitas has no legal cannabis businesses. This means residents who want safe, legal cannabis must travel to other cities or receive a delivery. Thus, revenue from legal cannabis sales leaves Encinitas rather than supporting local businesses. More worrisome, some people continue to buy from the black market.
Measure H will ensure safe and legal access with locally licensed cannabis retail and delivery. This will help drive out the black market, reducing access to cannabis by youth. It will lower prices for legal cannabis and give local qualified patients access to the medicine they need.
Measure H will support Encinitas's economy. New businesses will create jobs for residents and generate sales taxes for the City. Current and past local employers receive an advantage in seeking retail licenses. By allowing cultivation of cannabis and industrial hemp, local farmers will have a new and needed source of revenue.
Measure H ensures that local and state government will regulate cannabis in Encinitas. This means safe products for consumers and businesses located where they belong. Retailers must be 1,000 feet away from schools, daycare centers, playgrounds, and other cannabis retailers.
Measure H allows for four retailers only until if and when the City Council increases the number, and mandates that operators have prior experience in the regulated cannabis industry, pharmaceutical industry, or Encinitas economy.
Please support Measure H for a safe, regulated, and thriving local cannabis industry in Encinitas.
/signed/
JEFFRY ANSHELL
Optometrist and Encinitas Resident
BOB E BLAKE, MD
Physician and Encinitas Resident
NATHAN FLETCHER
County Supervisor
ROBERT JORDAN HALL
Proponent and Encinitas Resident
VALERIE M. VIRAMONTES
Encinitas Resident
https://www.sdvote.com/content/dam/rov/en/election/4182-Nov-2020/Measures/Measure_H.pdf#page=3
— Source: Encinitas City Clerk's Office
Arguments AGAINST
Arguments and rebuttals are the opinions of the authors. They are printed exactly as submitted, including errors.
ARGUMENT AGAINST MEASURE H
Don't Be Misled. Measure H is not about your choice to use marijuana or grow your own which is already legal. This is about the loss of local control and maintaining the character of Encinitas.
Measure H would allow at least four marijuana retail stores in any commercial zone. They will be 1000 feet from schools and playgrounds but there is no separation requirement from churches, parks or any youth serving facilities. Cameras, alarms and security guards are required 24 hours a day since marijuana retail stores are crime magnets for robberies of cash and product.
With Measure H, the city will have NO local control over land use decisions and how marijuana businesses operate. Residents will have no voice. This is a blanket ordinance with unintended consequences including disruption to neighboring businesses and reduced commercial property values. The character of Encinitas will greatly change if the city does not retain land use control.
Measure H would allow cultivation and marijuana factories. Cultivation produces a pungent odor which permeates residential neighborhoods. Products manufactured from marijuana include highly potent concentrates used to make edibles and vape products that are proven to cause severe respiratory problems.
Measure H allows unlimited factories, distribution and cultivation sites with no distance separation to schools, playgrounds, churches or each other.
Regulation is costly. The state does not have the capacity to enforce laws or guarantee marijuana product safety. This creates addtional regulatory and financial burdens on Encinitas.
This measure was brought forward by well paid, out-of-town signature gatherers and an association of marijuana industry storefront owners who only want to make a profit.
Measure H cannot be changed without a new and expensive ballot measure at high taxpayer cost.
This measure will diminish the environment and community charm of Encinitas.
Vote NO on Measure H
/signed/
TONY KRANZ
Encinitas City Council Member
JOHN PATRICK DAVIS
Pediatric Dentist - 41 Years Encinitas
EMILY K. ANDRADE
Encinitas Union School District Board of Trustees Member
DEBBIE McCAULEY
Real Estate Broker
NANCY LOGAN
San Dieguito Alliance for Drug Free Youth Prevention Speaker [final two words unclear in PDF--confirmation pending]
https://www.sdvote.com/content/dam/rov/en/election/4182-Nov-2020/Measures/Measure_H.pdf#page=5
— Source: Encinitas City Clerk's Office
Replies to Arguments FOR
Arguments and rebuttals are the opinions of the authors. They are printed exactly as submitted, including errors.
Rebuttal to Argument in Favor of Measure H
Measure H proponents imply that Encinitas citizens are seeking an entire supply chain of marijuana storefronts, cultivation, distribution, and marijuana kitchens. This is NOT true. Only the marijuana industry wants this. In fact 80% of California cities do NOT permit marijuana businesses.
Measure H is NOT about Prop. 64 which was about PERSONAL use and grow. It IS about retail marijuana businesses forced on cities who did NOT ask for them.
Marijuana storefronts will NOT bring any tax dollars to Encinitas. Measure H does NOT allow Encinitas to collect a tax.
Measure H will not improve the financial picture for Encinitas. The financial impact on Encinitas to permit and control marijuana businesses will be monumental. Neither California nor Encinitas have the capacity to ensure product safety or enforce marijuana laws.
Measure H will NOT remove the black market. The black market has steadily increased since Prop 64 passed. California already produces up to 10 times more marijuana than is consumed. Surplus product feeds the black market.
Measure H is not necessary to ensure marijuana access since access to marijuana is easily a computer click away.
Measure H can only be amended by another expensive ballot measure. Encinitas will have no local control over the marijuana businesses, or the permitting process because it is dictated by Measure H's language.
Measure H will commercialize and normalize marijuana. Studies link the presence of marijuana storefronts to more use by teens and young adults who will interpret them as permission to use.
Vote NO on Measure H.
/signed/
KEVIN R. SMITH
Telecom Mgr., Youth Minister, 33-Year Resident
BEATRIZ VILLARREAL
Latino Parent Educator 31-Year Resident
BETH HEIGESHEIMER
President, San Dieguito Union High School
Board of Trustees
MICHAEL J. POPONYAK
Vice President . Investments, 40-Year Encinitas Resident
MICHAEL A. BENDIX
COO DFPG Investments, 20 Year Encinitas Resident
https://www.sdvote.com/content/dam/rov/en/election/4182-Nov-2020/Measures/Measure_H.pdf#page=4
— Source: Encinitas City Clerk's Office
Replies to Arguments AGAINST
Arguments and rebuttals are the opinions of the authors. They are printed exactly as submitted, including errors.
Rebuttal to Ballot Argument Against Measure H
Cannabis Activity Zoning Ordinance of Encinitas
Measure H will bring California's most regulated industry to Encinitas. Cannabis businesses must comply with Measure H, the Encinitas Municipal Code, and hundreds of state laws and regulations. Licensees must minimize impacts on surrounding businesses, including odor and noise. They must document every transaction, track every product, and record every action - and provide all records to state and local regulators.
Licensees pay all costs of regulation - leaving no bill for taxpayers. If licensees break rules, they can lose permits, pay fines, and even face criminal charges.
Measure H will bring safe, tested cannabis to adults in Encinitas. Legal cannabis in California must pass the nation's most rigorous cannabis testing requirements. By contrast, black market cannabis products can contain unsafe additives scientists believe cause VAPI.
Measure H allows for local control and local opportunity. Retail outlets are capped at four citywide, until if and when the City Council increases the number. They must be 1,000 feet away from each other and where children congregate. Cultivators, distributors, and manufacturers can operate only in industrial or agricultural zones alongside equivalent uses.
Cannabis retailers improve their communities. When legal cannabis retail opens, neighboring businesses see new customers and increased foot traffic. Because of enhanced security measures, crime goes down nearby. Cannabis retail and increased sales at neighboring businesses generate substantial sales tax revenue for the City.
Don't believe the false claims of the opposition. A vote for Measure H is a vote for consumer safety, economic growth, and law-abiding businesses.
/signed/
BOB E. BLAKE, MD
Physician and Encinitas Resident
VALERIE M. VIRAMONTES
Encinitas Resident
MARCO GONZALEZ
Land Use Expert/Encinitas Homeowner
KATE ROBINSON
Encinitas Resident and Mother
https://www.sdvote.com/content/dam/rov/en/election/4182-Nov-2020/Measures/Measure_H.pdf#page=6
— Source: Encinitas City Clerk's Office
Read the proposed legislation
More information
News (3)
Encinitas council won’t take a position on cannabis initiative — June 19, 2020 San Diego Union-Tribune
Encinitas pot initiative will go to voters in ’20 — August 16, 2018 The Coast News
Encinitas cannabis measure headed for ballot in 2020 — August 16, 2018 Encinitas Advocate
Videos (2)
Educational
— September 18, 2020 League of Women Voters of North County San Diego
Unbiased information about 7 local measures on the Nov 3, 2020 ballot in North County communities. Discussion of Measure H begins 21 minutes and 10 seconds into the video.
Educational
— October 5, 2020 League of Women Voters North County San Diego
Información no partidista sobre las 7 medidas locales para las comunidades de Carlsbad, Encinitas, Oceanside y Solana Beach en el norte del condado de San Diego en la boleta para las elecciones generales, el 3 de Noviembre 2020. La sección sobre la medida H comienza a los 16:30.
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Who supports or opposes this measure?
Yes on Measure H
Organizations (1)
- San Diego County Democratic Party
Elected & Appointed Officials (0)
No on Measure H
Organizations (1)
- The Republican Party of San Diego County
Elected & Appointed Officials (0)
