Recreational cannabis sales have been given the green light in Lemon Grove.
Seven months after first discussing the possibility of allowing dispensaries to sell adult-use marijuana, the City Council last week approved allowing cannabis cultivation, transportation, distribution, manufacturing and research in certain areas of the city.
Although Lemon Grove voters passed Measure V in 2016 that allowed for the sale of medical marijuana, five years later, the city has just one store, The Boulevard Dispensary on Federal Boulevard.
Another shop is expected to open in the city this year and at least two more will be coming in the near future, city officials say.
Lemon Grove will allow previously approved dispensaries in the city’s light industrial zone to add recreational cannabis sales and associated uses with a minor-use permit. There will be no need for a public hearing, though surrounding property owners must be given notice of the additional use.
Commercial cannabis cultivation, manufacturing, research and development also will be allowed in the light industrial zone. Manufacturing, research and development will only be allowed in other zones at approved dispensaries “that meet separation standards as an accessory use,” Community Development Manager Noah Alvey told the City Council.
The city’s updated cannabis regulations don’t change any existing separation standards. Those require cannabis businesses to be located a minimum 1,000 feet away from “sensitive uses,” such as licensed day care facilities, schools, playgrounds, public parks and other cannabis dispensaries.
Delivery of cannabis, once prohibited, will also now be allowed.
Alvey said staff has been encouraged by the city’s Planning Commission, which held a hearing on the matter in May, to keep on top of any issues related to sales of marijuana to children and investigate opportunities for education and outreach related to “drugged driving.”
A report to the City Council said that allowing the new uses and expanding the reach of current medical cannabis outlets are in accordance with the city’s general plan community development element. It is also expected to bring more commercial enterprises, light industries and professional services to that area.
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