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Monterey council issues two retail cannabis permits and conducts drawing to assign zones
Summary
Council approved issuance of two storefront cannabis permits to the top waitlisted applicants after two earlier permit holders failed to meet opening deadlines. Staff held a public drawing to determine which applicant would have first choice of the available commercial cannabis zones.
The Monterey City Council voted May 5 to issue two storefront retail cannabis permits to the top-ranked waitlisted applicants after two prior permit holders were unable to meet required opening deadlines.
Mark Ackerman, the city’s management analyst, presented the background: the city initially approved four retail permits, two applicants missed deadlines despite an extension and the city is now asking whether to move forward with the next-in-line applicants from the wait list. Ackerman said staff reviewed qualifications including business plans, security, labor and local engagement plans; the two wait-listed businesses presented were Infinity Assets Monterey LLC and Monterey Organic LLC.
Council approved issuing the two permits. After the vote, staff conducted a public drawing — consistent with the city code and prior practice — to determine the order of preference for commercial cannabis zones. The drawing assigned Monterey Organic the first pick, and Infinity Assets was selected next; staff will work with the selected applicants on zone clearance and permit completion.
Ackerman noted a potential revenue opportunity if the permits generate new licensing revenues; staff estimated up to roughly $300,000 in revenue if the businesses proceed to full operation. Council moved and seconded the staff recommendation and approved the permits unanimously.
