Breaking California Cannabis News: Updates from Long Beach, Antioch, and Contra Costa and El Dorado Counties!

This week’s California cannabis updates come to you from Long Beach, Antioch, and the counties of Contra Costa and El Dorado.

• Long Beach passed an Adult-Use Business Ordinance last week at their city council meeting. First, Mayor Robert Garcia must sign the ordinance into law. The ordinance will take effect 31 days after the law has been signed. The city will begin accepting applications after this.
  • The city still has to issue a few more pieces of information, but we are eager to start helping you get those Long Beach applications in. Expect a full article about cannabis and the city of Long Beach ASAP!
• Antioch has always been conservative about their marijuana licensing. However, recently the city began solidifying business zones for potential commercial cannabis activity.  In late June, a second reading was held and an ordinance was adopted approving the new cannabis zoning regulations.
  • This indicates Antioch is one step closer to allowing cannabis business in their city. No announcements yet on when applications will open or what permit types will be available, but we will be sure to keep you updated.

• Contra Costa County: two cities, El Cerrito and Richmond, currently lie within the county’s borders and are pro-cannabis. In late June, the board of supervisors held a meeting and passed a commercial cannabis activity ordinance. The ordinance allows for:
  • Up to 2 non-volatile manufacturing permits
  • Up to 4 storefront retailer permits
  • Up to 10 cultivation permits
  • Distribution and Testing

A hearing was also held on July 10 to further clarify cannabis taxes.  It is suggested the proposed cannabis taxes go on the November ballot. We will keep you updated as Contra Costa County moves forward with the cannabis application process.

• El Dorado County currently has a ban on commercial cannabis licenses, but things may be starting to change. El Dorado County recently held a meeting suggesting cannabis taxes and activities be on the November ballot. This will likely include a general cannabis tax, cannabis cultivation, retail, dispensary, and distribution. As of this moment, no further decisions are likely to be made prior to November. Check this space for future updates!

Have a question about licensing in one of the cities we discussed today? Contact Green Growth CPAs.