Cannabis Retailers Seek Permitting for On Site Consumption
Supervisor Monica Martinez has posted an alert about an item on the Tuesday March 11 Board of Supervisors meeting agenda. The Board will consider amendments that would allow two cannabis retailers along Highway 9 — one in Felton and one in Boulder Creek — to apply for permits for on-site consumption, similar to a bar.
“The County has been working on cannabis regulations for years, and this proposal is part of that ongoing process. At the January 28 Board meeting, I requested that the report include insights from our Health Services Agency, which is now part of the agenda item,” Martinez said.
According to the agenda item, in 2023 the Board of Supervisors instructed the County’s Cannabis Licensing Office (CLO) to conduct community meetings to guage the public’s perspective on increases in cannabis cultivation areas, retail sales at points of cultivation, and on site consumption. The Board and CLO targeted specific community members and groups for input. The agenda item does not identify the individuals or groups, but does indicate that results of those listening session meetings were provided to the Board in June 2024. That report presented community perspectives generally supporing the intiative.
Martinez identified the following key points from the County’s Cannabis Assessment:
• Cannabis products today are significantly more potent than in past decades, with some concentrates reaching up to 99% THC.
• 12% of 11th graders in Santa Cruz County report current cannabis use, and 55% say it is easy to access.
• Research links cannabis use in teens to brain development, academic performance, and dropout rates.
• The County spent $3.1 million in the past two years on treatment for cannabis use disorder.
• Cannabis tourism could generate additional revenue but would also require County resources for oversight, licensing, and compliance.
Read the full item here: santacruzcountyca.primegov.com
Share Your Opinion
Email public comment to the Board of Supervisors: BoardOfSupervisors@santacruzcountyca.gov
Email Supervisor Martinez directly: fifth.district@santacruzcounty.us
“While social media can be useful for community discussion, official public comment ensures your input is part of the decision-making process. I encourage you to reach out through email if you would like your voice to be heard. I look forward to hearing from you.” Martinez said.
Monica Martinez is a lifelong public servant and advocate for health equity. In 2024, Monica was elected as the Santa Cruz County Supervisor for District 5, becoming the first woman elected to represent the district. Learn more about Monica, find constituent times and locations, and write to her at santacruzcountyca.gov/government/boardofsupervisors/district5.aspx
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