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Council introduces measure to extend cannabis retail hours to state allowed window after divided public debate
Summary
Council introduced an ordinance to expand storefront cannabis retail hours to the state‑allowed 6 a.m.–10 p.m. Staff said aligning with neighboring cities could increase tax revenue; public health and safety speakers urged caution. Council voted 4–1 to introduce the ordinance and asked staff to return with an economic and public‑safety impact estimate at second reading.
Assistant Director Martin Reeder presented background on a proposed code amendment to expand allowable operating hours for storefront cannabis retailers from the city’s current 9 a.m.–9 p.m. to a 6 a.m.–10 p.m. window that lines up with the state standard and several nearby jurisdictions. Reeder said staff included comparative hours from other cities and noted potential tax‑revenue impacts cited by industry representatives.
Alex Ione, representing Sessions by the Bay (a pending National City cannabis operator), said aligning hours with state and neighboring city rules would recover operating hours and estimated an annual tax‑revenue benefit of $400,000–$500,000 for the city. Public‑health and safety speakers opposed the extension, urging the council to consider risks including impaired driving, youth normalization and increased local enforcement burdens.
Councilmembers asked staff to provide an economic impact and public‑safety assessment at second reading. After debate, council voted 4–1 to introduce the ordinance by first reading and to return with additional data before final adoption.
