New CA legislation legalizes cannabis deliveries statewide, overriding city bans

New state legislation passed last week makes it legal for cannabis businesses to deliver pot anywhere in California, even in cities that have banned it.

“We can deliver to any city legally,” said Josh Starer, a board member of Atomic Budz dispensary in Cathedral City. “The question’s going to be if the cities fight back against the state legislature.”

He said he hopes his business can expand to new customers.

“Hopefully it will increase our business for here in the valley for cities that are not allowing dispensaries or deliveries,” Starer said.

The law overrides bans that some cities here in the valley have on cannabis sales, including Indio, Rancho Mirage, Indian Wells and La Quinta.

Some residents in those cities are against the new law.

“It should be up to the community,” said Sonia Guzman-Galvez in Indio.

Others praised delivery services for their added convenience.

“I think we should (be allowed to have deliver services) in La Quinta,” said Sharon Alvarez, a La Quinta resident. “We have a lot of elderly people and if they need it, they shouldn’t be driving. It’s much more convenient for them to come to us.”

Some expressed concerns about underage marijuana deliveries.

“Younger kids would probably have more access to it than you would want,” Guzman-Galvez said.

And businesses are urging city leaders to catch up to the rapidly expanding marijuana industry.

“The people of that city have a right to purchase legal cannabis that’s legal in California now,” Starer said. “Why should they not have the same right to have that legal cannabis delivered to their personal residence or place of work?”

The California Police Chief’s Association and the League of California Cities have publicly criticized the new legislation, which took effect last week.

Reporter Jake Ingrassia has the full story tonight on News Channel 3 at 6 p.m.

You can reach Jake on Twitter, Facebook or email him at jake.ingrassia@kesq.com.