Cannabis Laws In Santa Monica Could Get More Lax

SANTA MONICA, CA — The Santa Monica City Council began talks this week to consider developing an adult-use cannabis program to allow more cannabis retail options within the city.

During this week's City Council meeting, council members were given a presentation to help inform the question of whether the city will expand or limit cannabis retail activity in Santa Monica. The purpose of the discussion was to engage the community and identify the city's next steps.

According to the presentation, Los Angeles County has the largest gap in the State of California between the legal supply of cannabis and the market demand. Nearby cities, including ones that border Santa Monica, permit retail selling of cannabis to adults 21 and older or offer delivery service.

In Pomona, Culver City and Long Beach the city permits nearly all license types to operate within city limits. Some cities are more restrictive, though, like Redondo Beach and Malibu which only allow retail licenses.

Currently, Santa Monica has two authorized medicinal dispensaries within the city that only serve to people 18 years old or older with a doctor's note. Councilmembers discussed converting the two businesses to allow them to retail to those 21 years old or older and start delivery service.

No decisions were made at the meeting and council members will revisit the topic at a later date to make a proposal after considering a list of questions. Council members expressed support for allowing cannabis retail and delivery services within the city, with consideration of different regulations.

"We shouldn't regulate cannabis just because we have gun control on the agenda tonight. Let's not regulate cannabis more than we are regulating guns," said councilwoman Caroline Torosis.