San Gabriel city officials are moving forward with a new ordinance that will allow limited delivery services for medicinal marijuana, despite a long-standing total ban on retail sales. During the Planning Commission meeting on January 8, 2024, city leaders discussed the implications of this change, which is primarily aimed at complying with state law that mandates local jurisdictions to permit medicinal marijuana delivery.

The proposed ordinance will strictly regulate the delivery of medicinal marijuana, allowing only for distribution to patients with valid medical needs. This means that no retail sales or in-person purchases will be permitted at the delivery locations, which will be confined to designated industrial zones. The intent is to provide a controlled environment for medicinal use while maintaining restrictions on broader commercial activities related to marijuana.

City officials acknowledged that the new regulations are quite narrow and may not attract many applicants, given the limited scope of the services allowed. The discussion highlighted concerns about the socioeconomic impact of this decision, particularly regarding potential tax revenue. While officials noted that the exact benefits are uncertain, they emphasized the importance of keeping local spending within the city.

The meeting also touched on lessons learned from neighboring jurisdictions that have implemented similar measures. Officials indicated that maintaining strict regulations on retail and commercial growing has been a key takeaway, suggesting that San Gabriel's cautious approach could mitigate potential issues.

As the city prepares to implement these changes, officials remain focused on ensuring that the delivery services operate safely and responsibly, reflecting the community's needs while adhering to state mandates. The next steps will involve finalizing the ordinance and monitoring its impact on the local community.