LA Cannabis Task Force Says "It's Time to Get Loud"

The Los Angeles Cannabis Task Force, one of the leading cannabis organizations in California's largest city, has announced a call-to-action for citizens to appear at The City of Los Angeles Planning Department's Hearing on the City of LA Proposed Land Use Regulations associated with cannabis legalization and Voice Opposition to the Proposed Regulatory Structure.

The Hearing will occur at the City of Los Angeles Planning Department Hearing on Thursday June 29 at 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon in Room 1010 of Los Angeles City Hall. The LA City Hall is located at 200 N. Spring St, Los Angeles CA 90012.

The LA Cannabis Task Force is urging its members and the public to CONFRONT THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT ON FOLLOWING ISSUES:

Issue 1). The City should issue licenses, not "certificates of compliance with limited immunity."

Rationale:

1. All other cities and counties in California regulating cannabis are issuing licenses

• Under the proposed draft regulations, City will not issue licenses for commercial cannabis businesses.

• Instead, the City will issue “Certificates of Compliance” and give cannabis businesses limited immunity from enforcement.

1. "Limited immunity" does not mean lawful, or licensed.

2. The City’s proposed regulations perpetuate the failed limited immunity of Proposition D.

3. It is not clear whether the State of California will recognize a "Certificate of Compliance".

• In California, cannabis businesses are required to secure local licenses before applying for a state license.

• Gov. Brown’s administration has alreadyrejected limited immunity as a licensing structure.

1. All other cities and counties in California regulating cannabis are issuing licenses.

Issue 2). The proposed regulations go against the will of California voters, Los Angeles voters, the Legislature, and the Governor.

Rationale:

1. Medical and recreational cannabis use is legal in California.

2. Californians have spoken again…and again…and again:

• Medical cannabis has been legal in California since 1996.

• Governor Brown signed the Medical Cannabis Regulation Act in 2015.

• 64% of California voters approved Proposition 64 in 2016.

• 80% of LA voters approved Measure M in 2016.

1. ISSUE BUSINESS LICENSES NOT CERTIFICATES OF COMPLIANCE

Issue 3). 800 feet between dispensaries and from sensitive uses is too restrictive and will limit the retail market. Distances should be measured from building to building, not property line to property line.

Rationale:

1. State law calls for 600 feet.

• The City of LA should follow State law, and not create a more restrictive environment in the largest cannabis market in the world.

• This proposed regulation will drive up illicit operators, increase public safety issues, and not allow the City to properly deal with real demand.

Issue 4). Volatile Manufacturing (Type 7 License) must be an allowed use in the City of Los Angeles.

Rationale:

1. Volatile Manufacturing is recognized by the State of California as an allowable use.

2. It is already used in products that we use and consume every day.

• Hydrocarbon Extraction is an U.S. FDA approved extraction method used to make common household vegetable oils, fish oils, perfumes, dessert flavorings, and more. We consume these products every day.

1. It is as safe as a backyard propane grill.

• Certified operators work in OSHA compliant facilities, following safety standards established by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) - all to handle petroleum gases no more dangerous than the propane found in backyard grills and apartment kitchens all across the city.

1. It is best for consumers and the environment.

• Hydrocarbon extraction is the most efficient production method by an order of magnitude, keeping product prices affordable for citizens. It produces the best tasting products, which are more resistant to microbiotic growth & molds found in other extracts. In a regulated lab, it generates no toxic waste, making it ideal for the local environment.