Four years after imposing a moratorium on cannabis-related businesses, Vacaville might be seeing such businesses in the future.
Since the passage of Proposition 64 in 2016 — which legalized recreational cannabis use in California –, cities throughout the state have debated whether or not to allow cannabis businesses and if so, which regulations should be applied.
In 2020, Vacaville voters approved Measure V, which authorized a tax on cannabis deliveries from outside the city but did not approve cannabis operations within Vacaville.
The only type of business staff and consultants are not recommending is cultivation businesses, due to high water usage, possible conflicts with Solano County agricultural productions and the potential to result in light pollution if using the greenhouse at night.
For manufacturing businesses, Love said there was a potential economic benefit and they were not as visible to the public.
Likewise, Love said there was a potential economic benefit to distribution businesses, and access to the freeway system could attract new businesses.
Testing labs, Love said, would present the fewest safety challenges due to having the least amount of cannabis on site.
For retailers, there are two types: storefront and nonstorefront, the latter of which strictly operates on a delivery model.
Finally, Love said storefront businesses would have better control to access products if in limited locations, although they also have strict regulations and potential for property crimes.
Staff is recommending the council conduct a study session in May with a draft ordinance to repeal the prohibition and also present regulations on zoning designations and which “sensitive receptors” a commercial retailer could be near within a 600 foot buffer.
Rowlett said he was in favor of businesses in the industrial area, namely manufacturing and microbusinesses, but was not interested in commercial centers just yet.