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Santa Cruz County OKs on-site cannabis consumption at licensed retailers despite public safety concerns
Summary
The Board of Supervisors approved an ordinance allowing licensed retail cannabis businesses to apply for on-site consumption rooms, with worker protections and ventilation requirements. The vote passed 3–2 after hours of public testimony from educators, medical professionals, law enforcement and industry representatives.
The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors voted 3–2 to approve an ordinance amending local code to allow licensed cannabis retailers to apply for on‑site consumption areas, with technical and worker‑safety conditions in the permit rules.
The board’s action permits retailers to seek a license amendment enabling a ventilated, negative‑pressure room where inhalable cannabis products may be consumed on site, subject to specified worker protections and local licensing fees. Supervisors Justin Koenig, John Cummings and Chair Zachary Hernandez voted in favor; Supervisors Martinez and DeSerpa voted no.
The measure is intended to bring consumption into regulated, monitored spaces and create an enforcement pathway for unpermitted listings. During debate staff described outreach to…
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