The Board of Supervisors Tuesday tentatively approved a series of proposed changes to Riverside County’s commercial cannabis ordinance, establishing avenues for the revocation of licenses due to non-operation, loosening regulations on signage, and permitting cannabis manufacturing in previously restricted zones.
The proposed changes to Ordinance No. 348, the “Commercial Cannabis Activities” regulatory apparatus, were prompted by requests from different supervisors, as well as changes in state policies. The 5-0 vote Tuesday followed a first reading of the amendments. Another vote is scheduled before the end of the month to formally approve the revised ordinance.
One of the most significant adjustments to the ordinance was instigated by board Chairman Kevin Jeffries, who has repeatedly expressed dissatisfaction with cannabis operators that have received county licenses and reached development agreements locally but have not made any progress toward opening their doors.
The chairman’s frustrations have stemmed, in part, from a stipulation that operators be at least 1,000 feet apart. When a permit-holder has been granted the freedom to begin a sales or distribution business but doesn’t move forward, allowing the site to languish, other prospective operators are prevented from establishing their outlets there due to the buffer zone requirement.
To read the complete article, go to www.nbcpalmsprings.com