Commercial Cannabis Update - Fall 2021

At its meeting on August 17, 2021, the Monterey City Council has expressed their initial support for commercial cannabis.

Staff has been directed to move forward with the Cannabis Roadmap, which includes consideration of as few as one and as many as three cannabis retailers total in the City of Monterey, located in the downtown (except Alvarado Street), Lighthouse District, and Cannery Row Business District (except Cannery Row itself). Council also stated that it would consider cannabis retail operations on Cannery Row and at the Monterey County Fairgrounds at some point in the future. The Council expressed an interest in maintaining a State standard of 600 feet buffer zones around schools, day care centers, and youth centers.

Staff is now working on environmental review and conducting additional research on cannabis retail selection processes. This is an in-depth process that will require significant staff time, among other City Council priorities that affect the Community Development Department, which includes affordable housing, sea level rise adaptation, and more.

To watch the latest City Council Meeting on the topic, please view the video below.