Santa Cruz County officials have given approval to on-site cannabis consumption at retail outlets, while also approving a 3-year pilot program allowing cannabis consumption and sales at local farms.
In a narrow 3 to 2 vote on Tuesday, the county Board of Supervisors finalized an ordinance allowing the county’s 11 cannabis retailers to offer dedicated spaces for customers to consume marijuana products. Additionally, the board approved the first read of a separate ordinance to launch a three-year pilot program allowing cannabis consumption and sales at local farms.
The farm-specific pilot program, which also passed by a 3 to 2 vote, will allow cannabis farms to sell and permit on-site consumption. This program prohibits use on private roads and bans visiting drivers from consuming cannabis products. Initially, sales at farms were limited to one-eighth of an ounce to prevent competition with traditional retailers, but the board reversed this limit in favor of the state’s one-ounce purchasing cap. To mitigate concerns about excessive buying, the program will require customers to make reservations for on-site consumption.
The county plants to monitor the pilot program by tracking visitor numbers, vehicle trips, and sales tax revenue.
The ordinance allowing consumption at retail outlets was approved through its second and final reading, while the farm ordinance was passed through its first reading, meaning it will need to be approved one more time before it can become law.
Santa Cruz County, located in California, has a population of around 262,000.
