Santa Cruz County OKs on-site cannabis consumption at licensed retailers despite public safety concerns

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 operators and summarized interviews showing lounges can draw tourists and boost related local spending; industry representatives said lounges provide education and a safe place for adults who cannot consume at home.

Supporters, including local retailers and producers, described lounges as a way to reduce unregulated public use and give licensed businesses new revenue that could help sustain local operators. “These are safe, regulated spaces,” said Jeff Bridal, a local industry representative. Sam LaForte, Cannabis Licensing Office Manager, told the board staff had researched other jurisdictions and included requirements to keep lounge rooms in negative pressure and to prohibit requiring workers to enter inhalation areas.

Opponents — including school superintendents, public health leaders and law enforcement — warned of risks to youth and impaired driving on the county’s winding roads. Farris Sabat, County Superintendent of Schools, said the proposed lounges “directly conflict” with school efforts to protect students and urged the board to limit locations and hours. Captain Scott Garner of the Scotts Valley Police Department and Lieutenant Grant Bowles of CHP testified that reliable roadside tests for marijuana impairment do not exist and that local enforcement lacks sufficient Drug Recognition Experts; they warned of increased difficulty in prosecuting impaired driving.

Supervisors debated the tradeoffs. Supervisor Koenig said a regulated option can reduce use in uncontrolled, private or outdoor settings and allow for education and dose control. Supervisor Martinez and Supervisor DeSerpa said they were not convinced enforcement and road‑safety gaps had been resolved and opposed the ordinance on public‑safety grounds.

The ordinance also directs staff to evaluate license fee structure and potential increased workload for inspections and enforcement. Planning and permit review steps were outlined: draft code changes go to the Planning Commission for review, then return to the board for final adoption, and a Coastal Commission review will occur if required.

The board approved the ordinance by roll call (Yes: Koenig, Cummings, Hernandez; No: Martinez, DeSerpa). The county will publish the Environmental Quality Act notice of exemption and begin processing license amendment requests from existing licensed retailers that comply with the new standards.