Title
a. Receive information and provide direction regarding proposed amendments to Monterey County Code Chapter 7.90 related to commercial cannabis retail operations; and
b. Direct staff to present the Cannabis Committee's recommendation to the Board of Supervisors; and
c. Provide further direction as appropriate.
Report
RECOMMENDATIONS:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors Cannabis Committee:
a. Receive information and provide direction regarding proposed amendments to Monterey County Code Chapter 7.90 related to commercial cannabis retail operations; and
b. Direct staff to present the Cannabis Committee's recommendation to the Board of Supervisors; and
c. Provide further direction as appropriate.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
Following the July 7, 2022 Cannabis Committee (Committee) meeting, Cannabis Program (Program) staff received a comment intended to be given during the public comment period but that, for technical reasons, was not received. This comment expressed concern about a lack of progress towards reviewing Monterey County Code (MCC) regulations for the signage of cannabis-related businesses that depict cannabis, the requirement to shade building windows, and the security requirement. Program staff scheduled a meeting with the 8 fully licensed and permitted cannabis retailers and their Authorized Agents within the unincorporated area to discuss this issue and identify other areas of concern. Among the attendees, four areas of shared concern were identified:
1. Restrictions on signage.
Pursuant of MCC section 7.90.100(A)(11), graphics depicting cannabis or cannabis products shall not be visible from the exterior of the premises. Staff has received confirmation from the Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) that there are current regulations share no such restriction. Staff has researched the regulations of other local jurisdictions and captured the logos of several cannabis programs that depict cannabis (Attachment A).
Retailers claim that e...
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