The Laguna Woods City Council recently approved an ordinance that would regulate cannabis retailers in the city.
The ordinance would legalize marijuana storefronts and institute a 10 percent sales tax on all retail marijuana sales in the city, according to city officials.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the average age of residents in the Orange County city is over 75, with many in the community appearing to be split on whether such businesses should be allowed to operate within the community’s borders.
In a 3–2 approval, Mayor Cynthia Conners and councilwomen Shari Horne and Annie McCary voted in favor of the ordinance. Voting against were councilors Carol Moore and Noel Hatch.
The ordinance will now move forward for final deliberation during the council’s next meeting Aug. 16.
During the meeting, the council noted that cannabis remains illegal under federal law, but the recreational use of the drug in California was legalized in 2016.
According to city staff, the ordinance, in part, would seek to “avoid a proliferation” of cannabis retailers into any one particular area; ensure retailers are complying with state law; and avoid locating retailers near “sensitive” areas such as emergency shelters and schools.
Nearly 20 people came forward during the public comment portion of the meeting to express opinions and concerns regarding the issue, around half of whom were cannabis consultants and advocates of marijuana businesses from outside the city. The other half appeared to be Laguna Woods residents.
Some in favor of the ordinance cited cannabis’s usefulness for their health issues.
“I use [marijuana] to help me with my spinal stenosis which is never gonna get better, and I hope that we can get [the ordinance passed],” resident Maureen Mill said.
Those who opposed stated concerns over security issues and increased traffic in the area due to increased demand for such products from those living outside the city.
One such resident was Kathryn Freshley, who said a dispensary in Laguna Woods would be “providing convenience for the few with the risk of security for the many.”
Laguna Woods voters last November approved a ballot initiative with 61 percent of the vote to levy a tax on any future cannabis businesses in the city.
“It is something our residents want and have voted for repeatedly,” Ms. Horne said of her reason for supporting the ordinance. “They get great benefits from it for lots of issues: relaxation, nausea, better appetite, and pain control.”
If the ordinance is final approved later this month, Laguna Woods will join other Orange County cities that allow cannabis retailers, specifically Santa Ana, Stanton, and Costa Mesa.
