Paso Robles News|Friday, March 29, 2024
You are here: Home » Politics » Planning commission recommends new marijuana regulations
  • Follow Us!

Planning commission recommends new marijuana regulations 

Paso Robles Marijuana–The Paso Robles Planning Commission voted Tuesday to recommend that the Paso Robles City Council expand its current ban on medical marijuana cultivation and dispensaries. The new proposal would extend the ban to recreational and commercial marijuana activities in advance of the November vote on Proposition 64.

The proposition, titled the Adult Use of Marijuana Act, is expected to be passed by voters, according to reports. The proposition would permit marijuana consumption and possession of one ounce of marijuana for adults 21-years-old and over. It would allow Californians to grow up to six marijuana plants indoors.

Current polling shows 63.8-percent of Californians support Proposition 64, according to the Institute of Governmental Studies at UC Berkeley. Support includes 73.8-percent of Democrats, 62.2-percent of independents, and 47-percent of Republicans.

The commission recommends the city council ban dispensaries, outdoor cultivation, manufacturing, storage and outdoor advertising of marijuana.

The commission was prompted to act, because, according to Paso Robles Community Development Director Warren Frace, City Attorney Iris Yang provided staff with a briefing on Proposition 64.

“The city attorney’s research indicated a potential risk for some recreational and commercial marijuana activities to become legal immediately following the potential passage of the proposition,” Frace said. “In order to maximize local control options and maintain an orderly implementation of the proposition, city staff determined it was prudent to give the city council the option to adopt local control measures prior to the November election.”

At Tuesday night’s public hearing, about a dozen speakers gave testimony in favor of limited regulation and taxation of marijuana, but were widely opposed to a ban on recreational or commercial marijuana activity.

After public input and some discussion, commissioner Scott Brennan asked for an economic analysis of the benefits of taxing local marijuana sales and moved to table the report until after the November election and after community workshops have been held. His motion failed on a 3-4 vote.

Commissioner John Donaldson then moved to recommend the proposed ban. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Shannon Agredano and supported by Commissioner Sheree Davis and Chairman Bob Rollins. The motion was approved. Commissioners Doug Barth, Tom Burgett and Brennan opposed the ordinance.

The city council will hold a study session on Tuesday, Sept. 6, at 6:30 p.m. at city hall, 1000 Spring St., Paso Robles, to hear public input and discuss the proposed marijuana ordinance.

proposed marijuana ban

Summary of proposed marijuana regulation ordinance in Paso Robles.

 

Share To Social Media

Comments

About the author: News Staff

The news staff of the Paso Robles Daily News wrote or edited this story from local contributors and press releases. The news staff can be reached at info@pasoroblesdailynews.com.