Agenda Item Wording:
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Survey Findings Update on Potential Cannabis Tax - Receive the staff report and survey findings presentation from FM3 Research on a potential local cannabis tax measure that Council could choose to include on the November 2024 ballot and provide additional direction as appropriate.
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Deadline for Action: 5/6/2024
Submitting Department: Community Development
Contact Name and Phone Number:
Devon Jones, Economic Development Manager, devon.jones@visalia.city, (559) 713-4190
Department Recommendation:
Staff recommends the City Council:
1. Receive the staff report and survey findings presentation from FM3 Research and provide staff with any input, and
2. Authorize staff to continue working with HdL Companies to develop local cannabis tax measure and ballot language to be included on the November 2024 ballot, and
3. Appropriate $20,000 from the general fund for the development of tax measure informational materials.
Summary:
FM3 Research was hired to conduct a public opinion survey of Visalia registered voters to assess voter attitude towards a potential measure to tax cannabis businesses, if such businesses were allowed to operate within Visalia's jurisdiction. FM3 Research's presentation, which is attached to this report, provides a detailed overview of their findings.
Background Discussion:
Senate Bill (SB) 1186, the "Medicinal Cannabis Patients' Right of Access Act" was signed into law in late 2022. This state law, which became effective on January 1, 2024, prohibits local agencies from enforcing any local regulations that prohibit the retail sale by delivery of medicinal cannabis. After this date, "delivery only" (i.e., delivery of medicinal cannabis) businesses can be permitted, subject to reasonable zoning regulations for public health and safety, within the City of Visalia. This means that warehouse-based businesses could legally operate in the City of Visalia as long as they sold medicinal cannabis via delivery only ...
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