March 15, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Santa Monica Seeks Public Input on Cannabis Equity Program

This Program Aims to Ensure That Individuals Affected by Past Criminalization Have Fair Access to Opportunities

Santa Monica is calling for community feedback to shape the social equity component of its forthcoming adult-use cannabis program, part of an ongoing effort to implement legal cannabis sales in the city.

Following the adoption of an Interim Zoning Ordinance in 2023, the city permitted its two medicinal cannabis retailers to sell adult-use products. City officials are now preparing a broader ordinance that will allow adult-use cannabis businesses of all types, incorporating a program to address social equity.

This equity program aims to ensure that individuals and communities disproportionately affected by past cannabis criminalization have fair access to opportunities in the legal cannabis industry. City staff will collect data on local cannabis-related arrests and demographic trends, combining it with resident input to inform the program’s development.

Residents are encouraged to complete a brief, 10-minute survey by November 30, available in both English and Spanish, to share their experiences and views on the impact of cannabis criminalization, especially within communities of color. Additionally, a public workshop will be held on November 13 at the Ken Edwards Center, offering an overview of the cannabis industry, the effects of criminalization on local communities, and a preview of the next phases of the program.

The draft ordinance and social equity assessment are expected to be reviewed by the Planning Commission and City Council in early 2025.

in News, Upbeat
<>Related Posts

Your Guide to Free Museum Weekend: 30 SoCal Museums Waiving Admission Fees

March 14, 2025

March 14, 2025

Explore Art, History, and Culture for Free as Museums Across LA Open Their Doors Art and history lovers in Southern...

Mayor Bass’ Text Messages Deleted Amid Pacific Palisades Fire Response Scrutiny

March 13, 2025

March 13, 2025

Public Records Requests Reveal That Mayor Bass’ Phone Auto-Deletes Messages On January 7, as powerful winds and dry conditions fueled...

Venice Art Crawl Opens Registration for March 20 Event

March 13, 2025

March 13, 2025

Organizers encourage artists of all disciplines to sign up before the deadline Registration is now open for the upcoming Venice...

Sen. Ben Allen to be Honored at ‘Stairway of the Stars’ Concert in Santa Monica

March 13, 2025

March 13, 2025

The concert, now in its 74th year, features nearly 900 students from elementary, middle, and high schools across the SMMUSD...

Palisades High School Band to Perform at Hollywood Bowl to Honor First Responders

March 13, 2025

March 13, 2025

Titled WE ❤️ LA, the event will feature a program spanning classical, jazz, and iconic film scores The Palisades Charter...

Santa Monica College President Honored as 2025 Woman of the Year for Assembly District 51

March 13, 2025

March 13, 2025

Her tenure has focused on expanding access to education for underrepresented communities Santa Monica College Superintendent and President Dr. Kathryn...

Film Review: Mickey 17

March 13, 2025

March 13, 2025

MICKEY 17Rated R137 MinutesReleased March 7th Mickey 17 plays like a journey, a momentous journey, to another planet.  It’s 2054,...

Baltaire Celebrates 10 Years with a ‘Decade of Decadence’ Anniversary Bash On Saturday

March 13, 2025

March 13, 2025

Brentwood’s Iconic Steakhouse Marked a Milestone With an Unforgettable Night of Fine Dining Last Saturday night was the official party...

Three Charged in FEMA Fraud Scheme Following California Wildfires

March 13, 2025

March 13, 2025

Fraud related to disaster benefits carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison Three individuals, including two from...

(Video) Baltaire’s Amazing 10th Anniversary Party

March 13, 2025

March 13, 2025

The Greek Salad prepared table side. Bluefin Toro with Crispy Rice, wasabi, spicy mayo, pickled ginger. Chateaubriand, 16 oz, with...

(Video) See Inside the New Google Store in Santa Monica

March 13, 2025

March 13, 2025

The Shop Marks the Second Physical Retail Space on the West Coast For the Tech Giant The Shop Marks the...

(Video) Wildfire Attorney. Law Offices of Allen Farshi

March 13, 2025

March 13, 2025

How The Law Offices of Allen Farshi Can Safeguard You Amid Wildfire Loss. For more information, check out the video...

(Video) H&H Bagels Now Open in Santa Monica

March 12, 2025

March 12, 2025

The New York Bagel Spot finally arrived at 710 Montana to crowds and long lines. Here’s that bagel sandwich goodness....

The Ultimate Guide to St. Patrick’s Day 2025 in West Los Angeles, Where to Eat, Drink & Party

March 12, 2025

March 12, 2025

From Irish-Inspired Brunches to Green Beer Towers & Drag Bingo, We’ve Got You Covered Los Angeles is going all out...

Michelin Unveils Newest Additions to Its California Guide, Seven Los Angeles Restaurants Recognized

March 12, 2025

March 12, 2025

Exciting New Dining Destinations Join the Michelin Selection in Los Angeles, Culver City, Santa Monica ​The Michelin Guide has recently...