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.”
