West Hollywood panel approves transfer of cannabis retail and delivery licenses to Tikum Olam

The West Hollywood Business License Commission on May 19 approved a transfer of two cannabis licenses — adult‑use retail CAU 00004 and cannabis delivery CDW 00002 — to a buyer identified in the staff report as Tikum Olam. Vice Chair Barry moved to approve the transfer and Commissioner Yusupov seconded; the motion passed by roll call.

Staff presented the application and recommended approval, saying the proposed operator met the standards in West Hollywood Municipal Code section 5.70.0608. Jessica Bonitez, code enforcement supervisor, told commissioners the establishment originally received approval in 2019, began operations in September 2020, and had changed ownership several times. Bonitez said the current parent company entered dissolution in 2025 and a court‑appointed receiver filed the transfer application in March 2026. She said staff contacted the three Southern California jurisdictions where the buyer operates and received no negative feedback, found no code violations in the previous 24 months, and confirmed required FBI and DOJ background checks for the proposed owners and managers.

"City staff has reviewed the application materials and determined that all requisite regulatory findings have been satisfied," Bonitez said during the hearing.

Richard Orman, who identified himself as the court‑appointed receiver, urged the commission to approve the sale after his office completed parallel due diligence. "We found that the buyers were well qualified," Orman said, asking the commission to accept the court's recommendation and staff's findings.

Representatives for the prospective operator described the company's international history and said the location would continue the existing retail and delivery operations. Oliver Cruz, identified as the proposed store general manager, told the commission the operation would keep the current interior layout and security measures; Clarice Sundendees, identified as the compliance lead and community liaison, said the team intends to be available to neighbors and responsive to concerns.

Commissioners asked technical questions about the studies cited in the applicant's materials, the scope of background checks, and whether the proposed change would alter operations. Staff reiterated the request is an ownership transfer and that the applicant proposed no operational changes. Multiple commissioners described the transfer as straightforward and consistent with staff findings.

The motion to approve passed on a recorded roll call (listed in the meeting record as Commissioner Christian, Commissioner Harper, Commissioner Eisenberg, Commissioner Lebron Boyd, Commissioner Yusupov, Vice Chair Barry and Chair Woolen voting "I"). Chair Bolan noted any challenge to the decision must be filed within 15 days of the mailing date with the city clerk and the required fees.

Operations at the location remain paused pending completion of the administrative transfer; staff said the business will resume after final city processing. The commission did not identify additional conditions beyond those listed in the staff report.