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Council votes to seek ordinance aligning cannabis retail hours with state limits after divided public comment
Summary
Following competing public testimony on safety and economic benefits, the council voted 4–1 to direct staff to draft an ordinance amending Chapter 9.6 to permit cannabis retail hours of 6 a.m.–10 p.m., consistent with state law, and to return with implementation details and security conditions.
Councilmembers voted to direct staff to return with an ordinance amending Chapter 9.6 of the municipal code to allow storefront cannabis retailers to operate consistent with California’s maximum hours (6 a.m. to 10 p.m.). The decision followed more than an hour of public comment from licensed operators, local business leaders and residents who opposed expansion.
Sessions by the Bay and other licensed operators argued that longer hours align National City with neighboring jurisdictions and will keep purchases in the regulated market — producing tax revenue and allowing retailers to better serve medical customers and tourists. "By expanding legal business hours, we strengthen public safety by keeping consumers in a controlled and compliant environment," said a Sessions representative.
Opponents including public‑health advocates and some residents raised concerns about normalization of public consumption, potential increased impaired driving, secondhand smoke exposure and strains on public safety resources if consumption lounges operate late. Several speakers urged caution and requested more details on security conditions and the impact of a consumption lounge.
City staff said development agreements and forthcoming permits already include security and operational conditions; the city attorney confirmed the council may amend hours through code changes and retain development‑agreement conditions. Councilmembers who supported the change cited potential local revenue and parity with neighboring cities; those opposing urged a cautious, data‑driven approach.
Why it matters: The vote sets direction for new cannabis businesses to operate on a schedule consistent with state law if the council later adopts the ordinance. Because some council members stressed differences across retail operators, staff will return with an ordinance and recommended conditions to address security, traffic and enforcement.
Next steps: Staff will draft ordinance language, review development agreement security conditions for existing applicants and return to council for an introduction and adoption vote.
