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Local applicants and advocates press National City for transparency in cannabis licensing
Summary
Multiple speakers in public comment urged National City to address alleged flaws in its cannabis permitting process, including claims of differential treatment, possible license flipping and requests for auditing local‑ownership documentation.
Several cannabis applicants and community advocates used public comment to press the National City Council for a transparent and enforceable cannabis licensing process.
Jacqueline Luna Reynoso, identifying herself as a majority owner of Calimota LLC and a lifetime National City resident, asked the council for an update on cannabis permit applications and described what she said were a “flawed process” and differential treatment by city staff. “We have offered a win‑win solution to the city… Expand licensing to all qualified local owners and avoid litigation at the expense of taxpayer dollars,” Reynoso said.
A representative speaking for Kalimota said city staff, including the city manager, had met with some applicants more frequently than others and expressed concern that local‑ownership verification and operating agreements had not been vetted, which could enable licensed operators to flip ownership or use front companies. The speaker said the city faces a $5,000,000 budget deficit and noted the cannabis industry could potentially generate $3,000,000 annually for the city if licenses were operational.
Multiple commenters urged code enforcement and staff to enforce state requirements for consumer brochures at marijuana businesses and to ensure compliance with local equity and public‑safety priorities. Council members asked staff for a written update on the licensing program and for additional outreach; at least one council member requested an update this month.
The public comments documented allegations and requests; the council did not adopt new licensing rules at the meeting but took the remarks under advisement and agreed to follow up with staff reports and outreach as requested.
