Palm Desert considering lifting ban on commercial cannabis businesses

UPDATE 5:47 a.m.

Palm Desert City Manager Lauri Aylaian tells KESQ News Channel 3 / CBS Local 2 the city council plans to recommend the item on commercial cannabis businesses for deliberation at the next meeting on the September 28. No action will be taken at Thursday’s meeting.

Ayalian said members of the public and residents are still welcome to attend and comment on the item, and the council will listen. Any city council action won’t come until the 28th.
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The Palm Desert City Council is having a public hearing Thursday during its city council meeting to consider lifting current ban on commercial cannabis businesses within the city.

The council is considering passing an ordinance that would allow conditional use permits for commercial cannabis businesses in Palm Desert.

During their last meeting in August, city staff proposed an ordinance allowing a small number of businesses to operate. This includes dispensaries as well as testing and research facilities. They can only operate in certain areas of the city zoned for commercial use such as El Paseo or along stretches of Highway 111.

City staff originally planned on allow up to 30 permits in the city- with potentially around 19 dispensaries, but council members felt that was too many and wanted some further discussion.

Mayor Jan Harnik and Councilmember Susan Weber recused themselves from the discussion due to possible business conflicts.