May 31, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Santa Monica Cannabis Stores Seek Extended Hours Amid Customer Demand

Should Santa Monica Cannabis Stores Stay Open Later: Report 

The sale and possession of recreational cannabis have been legal in the state of California since 2018. There are currently only two cannabis stores in the city of Santa Monica, Harvest of Santa Monica and Local Cannabis Company. While state law allows such retail outlets to stay open until 10:00 p.m., because the hours of the stores are regulated by the state and local municipalities, in the city of Santa Monica, retail cannabis stores are only allowed to stay open until 8:00 p.m.

People purchase and use cannabis products for several reasons, for relaxation from stress, as a sleep aid, some for pain management, and some merely for recreational purposes. A store that closes at eight o’clock poses a problem for people with heavy work schedules and long commutes, which seems counterproductive for people who work hard and need some rest. 

We spoke with a representative of Harvest Santa Monica, Stephen Ratino, to find out what his thoughts are on the issue.

Stephen Ratino: Normally in our other location, in LA County, we’re open up till 10:00 p.m. and which is the time mandated by state regulations. We’ve noticed there’s a significant amount of increased business later on in the day. More people tend to come in after getting off of work and coming home for the day. 

Dolores Quintana: So when do people tend to arrive?

Stephen Ratino: They’re always rushing in. People are hitting us at late last minute, at eight o’clock. We’re rushing them in, rushing them out. It’s not really as good of an experience that we would like. The state of California says you can operate from 6:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. but the regulations also state that each city is allowed to make their own stipulations as long as they follow the state regulations as well.

Dolores Quintana: What are the hours of operation for Harvest Santa Monica?

Stephen Ratino: 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday and then noon until 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, so it’s even less time on Sundays.

Dolores Quintana: Do you have any restrictions on time in your other location in LA County? 

Stephen Ratino: No, they go with the state rules, which is 6:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. We are aware that there are some other cities that do have similar restrictions. We choose not to operate in those because of those restrictions. But we did want to open up in Santa Monica because it’s just a such a beautiful place. The people are great. We want to work with the community. It’s really easy to work with everybody from the city of Santa Monica. 

The last question that I asked Ratino was about how cannabis dispenseries hours being extended in Santa Monica could benefit the city and its residents. He estimated that the store could potentially bring in 20 to 30% more tax income for the city or roughly $800 to $1,500 in taxes per day, if open to the more financially optimal and state mandated time of 10:00 p.m.

We also spoke with Jonathan Ty, who has lived in Santa Monica for 25 years and is a customer of Harvest Santa Monica. 

Dolores Quintana: How has your experience with Harvest Santa Monica been since the store opened?

Jonathan Ty: Before Harvest opened, if you wanted something to help you sleep, you would have to drive down to Venice. We were all thrilled to see a store come in to Santa Monica that is a safe and pleasant place to shop. They’ve always got security there. Recently, it was 8:30 p.m. and I had to drive down to Venice, and I thought that I would much rather spend my money in Santa Monica and not have to drive to another city. 

Mayor Phil Brock took the time to answer our questions on the matter, and he had a great point about a new law that was recently passed regarding cannabis sales. 

Mayor Brock: I’m prepared to bring the topic to the City Council, but we’re in the middle of coming up with a social equity plan so that diverse people in the community have a chance to be involved in these businesses, manage these businesses, and get good jobs in the community in these businesses as we expand cannabis in the city.

Brock added, “I’m not sure when, but I will be asking for it. In addition to that, I think that as our discussions move forward on cannabis licensing in Santa Monica with a social equity component, that we will also look at the establishment of a lounge or a restaurant bar with cannabis. Governor Newsom recently signed the bill into law that legalizes such lounges so now is a good time to bring that into consideration.”

in News
<>Related Posts

Defensible Space, Defined: How A Plus Tree Protects Communities from Wildfire

May 30, 2025

May 30, 2025

In the wildfire-prone landscapes of the Western United States, safeguarding homes and communities requires proactive measures. A Plus Tree, a...

Westside Ballet to Present Spring Showcase and Gala Featuring NYCB Stars This Weekend

May 30, 2025

May 30, 2025

The Huntley Santa Monica Beach Community Service Award will go to first responders from Los Angeles and Santa Monica in...

Salt & Straw Unveils Summer Pie Series with Five Seasonal Ice Cream Flavors

May 30, 2025

May 30, 2025

Five New Flavors Inspired by Classic Summer Pies Will Be Introduced Salt & Straw is giving summer a scoopable twist with...

Palisades Village to Reopen in 2026 with Revamped Retail, Dining, and Community Spaces

May 29, 2025

May 29, 2025

Elysewalker Set to Return With Park Reconstruction, Holiday Events, and Streetscape Upgrades Palisades Village, the open-air shopping and lifestyle destination...

(Video) Signs That Your Aging Loved Ones Are in Need of Caregiving

May 29, 2025

May 29, 2025

To Find Out More, Go To Safelyhomeagain.com To Find Out More, Go To https://t.co/ZcOduvaP03 pic.twitter.com/9E2uPzzZO6 — Santa Monica Mirror (@SMMirror)...

(Video) Last Thursday Concert Series Kicks off at Venice Boardwalk

May 29, 2025

May 29, 2025

The shows happen at Dudley Ave. at the pergolas on the north end of the boardwalk The shows happen at...

Santa Monica Public Library Launches Summer Reading Program to Promote Literacy

May 29, 2025

May 29, 2025

Running from June 14 through August 16, the program encourages participants of all ages to track their reading progress and...

Film Review: Jane Austen Wrecked My Life

May 29, 2025

May 29, 2025

FILM REVIEWJANE AUSTEN WRECKED MY LIFERated R98 MinutesReleased May 30th Jane Austen Wrecked My Life is a refreshingly simple and...

Burger Chain Tied to Late Rapper Nipsey Hussle Announces Venice Boardwalk Location

May 29, 2025

May 29, 2025

The announcement marks the brand’s expansion from its Fairfax District debut earlier this year Marathon Burger, a new franchise honoring...

Levain Bakery Debuts ‘Levain à la Mode’ with Local Ice Cream Partners for Summer

May 29, 2025

May 29, 2025

Seasonal Offering With Wanderlust Creamery is a First in Cookie Shop’s History For the first time in its three-decade history, Levain...

Bay Cities Italian Deli Responds to Health Code Closure, Commits to Corrective Action

May 29, 2025

May 29, 2025

Santa Monica Landmark Disputes Rodent Claims but Acknowledges Violations Bay Cities Italian Deli, a Santa Monica staple renowned for its...

(Video) Interviews with Rick Caruso and Elyse Walker, with a Dennis Quaid cameo

May 28, 2025

May 28, 2025

We spoke at the Press Conference to announce plans to reopen Palisades Village Shopping Mall. Actor Dennis Quaid arrives to...

Santa Monica Landlord to Pay $685K in Tenant Harassment Lawsuit

May 28, 2025

May 28, 2025

The settlement, announced Tuesday, resolves allegations of tenant harassment and discrimination under the city’s Tenant Harassment and Housing Anti-Discrimination ordinances...

Film Review: Bring Her Back

May 28, 2025

May 28, 2025

By Dolores Quintana Grief is the price of love.  Danny Philippou and Michael Philippou’s second feature film, Bring Her Back,...

County Assessor Stresses Need For Fire-Affected Households to Update Addresses to Receive Relief Checks

May 28, 2025

May 28, 2025

Assessor’s Office Offers Automatic Tax Relief for Fire-Affected Homeowners Following the destruction caused by wildfires earlier this year, the Los...