On September 20th, the Eureka City Council voted 3-2 to allow medical marijuana businesses to operate within the city limits. The California Coastal Commission must still approve the planned changes to the municipal code and the local coastal plan, with implementation expected by the middle of next year assuming it is approved.
 
The provisions will allow a variety of new business types including dispensaries, distribution facilities, manufacturing facilities, and limited cultivation to locate in specifically designated zones. The city will be able to approve up to two licenses for dispensaries every six months through a conditional use permit process up to a maximum of six dispensaries.
 
Cultivation will be permitted in industrial zones. Small scale, non-volatile manufacturing will be a conditionally permitted use in commercial zones. Volatile manufacturing – using butane for example – will be limited to the general industrial zone.
 
If you have questions about permitting, please do not hesitate to contact the attorneys at Janssen Malloy LLP.