Concerns about cannabis regulations to be discussed at upcoming Santa Cruz City Council meeting

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (KION-TV) -- The Santa Cruz City Council will discuss some local cannabis regulations and proposals during an upcoming council meeting. One of the items includes the former 41-year-old bakery, Emily's Good Things to Eat (1129 Mission Street) and its potential use as a dispensary and kitchen, despite some community concerns.

According to the council's agenda, "Cannabis taxation, public safety, and separation between retail dispensaries and school uses," are all topics of concern.

The council will be considering lower taxation for minority-, women-, or majority-locally owned retail establishments in the spirit of DEI initiatives. In addition to this, there is a proposal to reduce the distribution tax rate from 2% to zero.

Dispensaries must maintain six of ten licensee reporting requirements, which includes a number of items from residency, green business practices, to finance and banking practices.

The City's subcommittee is also suggesting that staff explore implementing a transfer fee with the sale of cannabis. Currently, there is not a fee in place.

A number of safety items are also on the agenda, including dispensary proximity to schools and certain selling hours for dispensaries that are near a school. Public health and community are also addressed.

A popular topic, the 1129 Mission Street location (formerly Emily's bakery), is once again on the agenda. "The 2,878 sq. ft. building is being proposed to be split into two commercial spaces, including 1,000 sq. ft. for Emily’s kitchen and café and 1,878 sq. ft. for a new cannabis retail store (The Hook Santa Cruz)," according to the proposal.

The appeal mentions that it meets all of the County cannabis requirements, stating a number of oppositions from its March 7 Planning Commission meeting. In addition to this, appellants argue that they do conform to the zoning regulations (including proximity to neighboring schools), meet public welfare and community standards, as well as encourage local business in the area.

The Santa Cruz City Council meeting is set for 1 pm on Tuesday, May 14 at City Hall located on 809 Center Street in Santa Cruz. People can also watch the meeting by visiting http://www.cityofsantacruz.com/government/city-council/council-meetings.