City leaders roll out changes to Palm Springs marijuana laws
Palm Springs city leaders have rolled out changes to marijuana laws in their city.
The city council passed a new marijuana ordinance at their meeting on Wednesday, as people around the state gear up for recreational marijuana sales to go into effect this January.
“We’re really trying to get the word out to the community of what we offer here for alternative healing,” said Joy Brown-Meredith, President of Joy of Life Wellness Center.
Meredith and others around the state are getting set for recreational marijuana to take effect next year.
In the meantime, she and other dispensaries have also been working with city leaders rolling out new pot laws for Palm Springs, including changes to who can apply for certain types of marijuana-business permits such as grow houses or testing facilities.
“The previous ordinance only allowed non-profit collectives, to operate in the medical field, said Palm Springs City Councilmember Geoff Kors. “Now this new ordinance allows other people to operate in the medical field. and also recreational, pursuant to state law. “
Now with six medical marijuana dispensaries already in Palm Springs, Kors says city leaders are not accepting permits for new dispensaries at this time.
Meredith says the new city law takes effect while things are still being hashed out on the state level.
“Currently, there are over 50 bills sitting on the floor of the legislature, some have gone through already, some are still being reviewed. We really don’t know what all of the rules are going to be yet,” Meredith said.
Meredith, Kors, and others say they’ll team up to be ready as the state moves toward a growing recreational marijuana industry.
“We’re all going to have to work together as dispensary leaders, cultivators, and whoever else is going to come online now,” Meredith said.
“When the state allows it, we’re first in line and that will help those business’ plan, and be ready to start up,” said Kors. “Which hopefully will bring a great deal of revenue to the city, and also ensure that people can get medical products and recreational products if they want.”
Kors said Palm Springs city leaders will discuss how all marijuana businesses will be taxed moving forward in a meeting next week.
More: I-Team and Stands for You investigations
Find us on Facebook: KESQ News Channel 3 & CBS Local 2
Follow us on Twitter for breaking news updates: @KESQ & @Local2
We’re on Instagram! @KESQ_News_Channel_3 & @CBSLocal2
