West Hollywood City Council took steps Monday night to amend its cannabis licensing ordinance in efforts to streamline the licensing process for vacant cannabis licenses. The move comes after a series of meetings and consultations with various stakeholders, aiming to address concerns and enhance the city’s cannabis regulatory framework.
In a 5-0 vote, the councilmembers approved three additional six-month extensions for cannabis applicants that have not opened and are not considered ground up construction, plus three additional six-month extensions for cannabis applicants that have not opened and are considered ground up construction. They also increased the 1% tax rebate to 2% on reported sales for cannabis businesses in operation from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025
The amendment also addresses concerns raised by stakeholders regarding the licensing process, including establishing extensions for applicants yet to open and clarifying criteria for demonstrating progress towards opening.
However, disagreements persist among stakeholders, particularly regarding certain provisions related to Consumption Edible licenses. Requests to modify language within the Legacy Medical license category were also contentious.
Despite efforts to reach consensus, some stakeholders remain divided on proposed changes, leading to a limited set of amendments being recommended by city staff.
City Council has also considered requests to modify security requirements, with staff recommending further analysis and community input through the Business License Commission.
Looking ahead, city staff will continue researching the potential formation of a cannabis assessment district to support local businesses.
As of April 4, 2024, one cannabis business has opened, while another has transferred its license, forfeiting its Consumption Edible license. Eight businesses remain in progress, with ongoing efforts to facilitate their opening.
Because they get so much money from taxes?
If the City Council helps out struggling cannabis businesses then, cannabis businesses can help out West Hollywood. We have an obnoxious people problem that extends far beyond visitors & the unhoused, many are endemic. We could make our own chocolate, given away free to obnoxious people that’s laced with potent vertical farm skyscraper grown hash bud cannabis that the businesses give us to mellow out even the very worst Santa Monica Karens ❗ 👏🏽
Also, happy national pilates day!
I suggested the City Council acknowledge that Monday was Holocaust Remembrance Day.
If only they were as concerned with other small businesses as they are with cannabis. 🙄
I know right! Like they didn’t know what they were getting in to. Let’s face it, pot heads don’t like to over pay and there’s plenty of mom and pop weed dealers with cheap grass.
It’s so ridiculous . The priorities of this city always amaze me.