Legal cannabis is getting closer to operating within the Chico City Limits as the first five business permits have been approved this month following years of implementation.
Deputy City Manager Jennifer Macarthy confirms to KRCR that the five businesses were approved for manufacturing and distribution only. The interview process for the three storefront dispensary licenses is ongoing, meaning these specific businesses will have the ability to create, package, and deliver cannabis products that other dispensaries sell. The argument has been made in previous council meetings that these manufacturing and distribution businesses could supply the eventual storefronts.
The five businesses are a mix of local and state-wide names, according to the city’s website, that went through an interview and scoring process since the new year. The city has vetted and approved each proposed business location, most of which are located in industrial or commercial areas.
One location off Silverbell Rd. near the Eaton Rd. access to Hwy 99 in North Chico borders a residential neighborhood and those living nearby have concerns. Unlike the required 600 to 1000 foot zoning buffer between schools, daycares, and youth centers required for storefront dispensaries, no such buffer exists for neighborhoods. Ian Fleming lives directly across the street from this specific lot and became aware of the incoming business after KRCR told him.
“I don’t feel any more strongly because it’s cannabis. I really wouldn’t like any sort of business across the street from where I live,” says Fleming while gazing at the lot.
“So it’s not that you’re anti-cannabis or anything, you just don’t want business right across from you?” asks KRCR.
“Yeah, that’s it,” he replies. “It’s like asking if you want a Budweiser plant across the street from you. It’s like, yeah people smoke weed, people drink beer, but I don’t want traffic around where I live.”
Fortunate for Fleming, these businesses still have rules to follow that may limit these concerns. Macarthy says rules differ slightly differs between businesses, but that they generally can operate strictly between the hours of 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Public access is not allowed in these facilities unless the permit expressly identifies a certain area for them.
Additionally, the whole operation must be kept out of sight. The manufacturing process and storage of products are prohibited besides inside the facility. Even the loading or unloading of delivery trucks must take place out of the public’s view. Further, these businesses are under odor control that requires them to utilize devices or techniques to not allow the smell of these products from reaching the street.
While the city has approved these permits, it’s now up to the businesses themselves to sign off on the conditions of approval before starting operations.
—
To report errors or issues with this article please email the editorial team.
Recent Comments