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Two Riverside storefront cannabis permits issued; city aims for most sites open by end of summer
Summary
Community and Economic Development Director Miranda Evans told the Budget Engagement Commission that two of seven planned storefront cannabis permits have been issued, one opened in March, and staff aims to have six open by the end of the summer; staff will not release revenue figures until at least two locations are operating.
Miranda Evans, the city's Community and Economic Development Director, told the Budget Engagement Commission that the city is pursuing a limited, merit-based rollout of storefront retail cannabis with a goal of one retailer per ward. "We currently now we have the 1st 1 that was ready to open and they opened in March 2026," Evans said, adding that a second operator was issued a permit on July 7 and that the program has added local jobs: "Embark...opened in March 2026...adding 14 jobs to the city of Riverside."
Evans gave a ward-by-ward readiness update and site addresses for several locations, said operators must satisfy a rigorous inspection process and state licensing, and described deadlines for certificate of occupancy. She told commissioners the permit is valid for one year from issuance and that the city has not included an exclusivity guarantee in the ordinance: "There is no exclusivity provision, and they do need to remain in good standing," Evans said. Evans also said staff will not share revenue projections until at least two locations are open, citing consultation with the city attorney and privacy/security considerations.
