The recreational use of marijuana is now legal in California, however many cities (including Fullerton) have continued to outlaw marijuana dispensaries. On February 13, the City hosted a “listening and information session” at the library to educate the public about cannabis policy and get feedback on what Fullerton should do moving forward.

The meeting began with a brief presentation from city staff, followed by an informal session in which members of the public could visit various stations around the room, each of which focused on a different aspect of cannabis policy. The public was encouraged to give both verbal and written feedback, as well as ask questions. Here are a few of the main information areas.

Members of the public learn about zoning and cannabis-related businesses.

Zoning Separation from Schools, Residences, etc.

State law requires that any cannabis-related business be located at least 600 feet from schools, daycare centers, and youth centers. Cities have the ability to craft local ordinances that provide more separation, as well as to create “zones” within the city where cannabis businesses must be located: industrial, commercial, residential, etc.

Residents were asked to give suggestions on which zones (if any) they would prefer cannabis businesses to be located, as well as give suggestions on safe distances from schools, residences, etc.

Types of Cannabis Businesses

There are a variety of types of cannabis-related businesses, ranging from retail to testing labs to cultivation. Here are a few of them:

-Retailer (storefront): Sells cannabis goods to customers at its premises or by delivery.

-Retailer (non-storefront): Sells cannabis goods to customers exclusively through delivery. Must have a licensed premises (storage). Not open to the public.

-Delivery: Delivery must be made to a physical address in any jurisdiction that is not on publicly owned land, a school, a day care center, or a youth center.

-Microbusiness: Allows cultivation of cannabis (less than 10,000 sq. feet) and to act as a licensed distributor, manufacturer, and retailer, as specified in an application.

-Other business types (not open to the public): cultivation (indoor, outdoor), manufacturing, testing labs, distributor

Residents were asked to give feedback on which types of businesses they would feel comfortable allowing in the city.

Operational Standards

State law places limits on the operation of cannabis-related businesses. Some of these include:

-May only sell/deliver cannabis between 6am and 1-pm

-Must be 21+ to enter (or 18+ for medical)

– Must be secured while not open for business

-Must be escorted and access log maintained’

-Cannabis goods must come from a licensed distributor (packaging and labeling requirements)

-May only receive shipments between 6am and 10pm.

Cities may place further restrictions on such things as: signage, ventilation, security staff, parking requirements, and inspection of facilities.

Residents were asked to give feedback on the following questions: Should the city further restrict the hours of operation? Should the city add security or operational requirements? Should a retail location be required to have a community liaison for responding to concerns about the location?

Public Safety/Health Concerns

Another station gave some information about possible public safety and health concerns, relating to smoke inhalation, negative effects on the brain, and dangers of young people using cannabis.

Next Steps

The city will be hosting further public meetings on cannabis in the coming months, to learn more about the possibility of allowing cannabis-related businesses in Fullerton. Visit www.cityoffullerton.com for more information.