July 2, 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

More Commercial Uses Could Be Coming to RAND Building

July 1, 2025

July 1, 2025

Amendment Unlocks New Opportunities, Secures $5.5 Million in Community Benefits The Santa Monica Planning Commission unanimously approved an amendment to...

People are Using Palisades for “Disaster Tours.” Local Officials Are Trying to Stop Them

July 1, 2025

July 1, 2025

A new motion introduced to City Council requests a coordinated strategy from LADOT, the Los Angeles Police Department, and the...

Santa Monica Favorite Esters Rebrands as Esters Wine Shop & Oyster Bar

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

New Concept Launches With French-Spanish Flair and Free Bubbles Esters Wine Shop, the fave Parisian-style wine bar in downtown Santa...

Letter to the Editor: Santa Monica’s Great Park: It’s Time to Deliver on 100 Years of Promise

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

Santa Monica stands at the edge of history. For nearly a century, residents have consistently supported turning the airport land...

Why Nordstrom Says It’s Closing Its Santa Monica Place Location

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

A Nordstrom spokesperson explained the closure as a strategic realignment Nordstrom confirmed its decision to close its Santa Monica store...

Three-Bed Palisades Highlands Townhouse Hits Market for $1.7M

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

The Mediterranean-style property, located at 1529 Michael Lane, is part of a 71-unit community A remodeled 1,919-square-foot townhouse in the...

Six-Bed Mar Vista Hilltop Home Under Construction Lists for $5.3M

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

The private backyard is complete with a pool, spa, fire pit, built-in BBQ, and areas for outdoor dining A stunning...

(Video) Getty Villa Reopens Six Months After Dodging Destruction of Palisades Wildfires

June 29, 2025

June 29, 2025

With the reopening also comes a new exhibit, “The Kingdom of Pylos” Getty Villa Reopens Six Months After Dodging Destruction...

Free Virtual Planetarium Shows Coming to SMC in July

June 29, 2025

June 29, 2025

The virtual format is in place as construction of the new SMC Planetarium and Observatory nears completion The Santa Monica...

Santa Monica Adopts $793.3M Budget for FY25-27, Prioritizing Housing and Safety

June 29, 2025

June 29, 2025

The budget preserves core services and invests in major projects, including over $1 billion in hotel investments The Santa Monica...

Iranian Pastor in West L.A. Speaks as Church Rocked by Immigration Raids 

June 28, 2025

June 28, 2025

Five Detained as Fear Spreads Through Persian Christian Faith Community  Fear has spread through a West Los Angeles congregation after...

California Doubles Down on Hollywood: $750M in Tax Credits Approved for Film and TV Industry

June 28, 2025

June 28, 2025

State Lawmakers Back Major Expansion of Production Incentives, Raising Job Projections Los Angeles’ film and television industry is poised to...

Park: “Our Water Infrastructure Must Be Emergency-Ready Every Day”

June 28, 2025

June 28, 2025

Councilwoman expressed cautious relief at the news but emphasized the need for robust infrastructure The Los Angeles Department of Water...

Washington Square Pizza Opens to the Public

June 28, 2025

June 28, 2025

New York Style Pizza “By-The-Slice” Now at the Beach By Nick Antonicello  Washington Square Pizza formally opened its doors today...

California Allocates $5B for Road Repairs, Transit Expansion

June 28, 2025

June 28, 2025

The funding aims to improve road safety, reduce traffic congestion, and promote cleaner transportation California is investing nearly $5 billion...