Long Beach Council directs city attorney to draft ordinance allowing regulated cannabis special events

The Long Beach City Council on April 15 voted to request the city attorney draft an ordinance to allow limited, regulated cannabis special events in the city and to propose a temporary local waiver of the city's smoke rules to permit on-site consumption at those events.

The proposal, presented by Councilwoman Cindy Allen, would amend Chapter 5.92 of the Long Beach Municipal Code to authorize cannabis special-event permits limited to 12 per year per individual, business entity, business owner or promoter; require an equity plan as determined by the city's Office of Cannabis Oversight and Special Events and Filming; and ask the city attorney to amend Chapter 8.68 to allow temporary public consumption during designated cannabis special events. Council members carried the motion and directed staff to return with ordinance language and implementation details.

Supporters said regulated events would create tourism and economic opportunities while centering equity. "Long Beach is a unique…