Seaside studies marijuana policies

“Whether you like it or not, there is a black market. There is a market in general that exists,” said Joey Espinoza, a cannabis business consultant.

Even after recreational marijuana was legalized last year, those looking to join the industry are still hesitant to talk.

“It’s going to take some time for folks to get comfortable with it, specifically when they have permits, they will be a lot more open to letting people know what they do,” Espinoza said.

The Seaside City Council is taking steps to put regulations in place for both businesses and consumers.

Currently, those who live in the city have to leave town to get their marijuana prescriptions filled.

“They are being inconvenienced and leaving Seaside, (and) they are taking their money with them,” city manager Craig Malin said.

The city is considering allowing up to three dispensaries.

Taxes from those dispensaries “will go straight toward our general fund and we can decide how to use it, doing everything from pavement to crime prevention programs,” said Mayor Ralph Rubio.

But those in the industry said if taxes are too high, dispensaries won’t come, and the black market will continue to grow. They said they’ve seen such situations in other cities.

“Monterey County is too high, Salinas is too high, Greenfield is too high. They all tax at $15 per square foot and they plan to increase it up $25 per square foot,” Espinoza said.

Seaside is also looking into hiring a consulting firm to study tax rates before placing an initiative on the ballet this summer.