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Calling it a sensible approach to a drug that’s legal and widely accepted in the Bay Area, Mountain View City Council members unanimously agreed Tuesday night to start work on city regulations that would allow recreational marijuana stores to open up in the city.
At a Sept. 19 study session, council members overwhelmingly supported looking into “suitable locations” for the sale of recreational and medical marijuana both of which share the same licensing and regulations under new state laws as well as a local framework for permitting marijuana sales in Mountain View.
City Council members also showed interest in a ballot measure imposing an additional tax on pot sales, which could pump millions of dollars into the city’s coffers each year.
Mayor Ken Rosenberg said Mountain View residents spoke loud and clear last November that they favored legalizing recreational marijuana, and it would be odd for the city to ban marijuana sales and expect other cities in the region to meet the demand. Election results showed that more than two-thirds of the city’s voters supported the Adult Use of Marijuana Act (AUMA), also known as Proposition 64.
“Mountain View is known for its leadership on all sorts of issues, and I don’t see why we shouldn’t be on this issue as well,” Rosenberg said.
Vice Mayor Lenny Siegel said marijuana sales present an “opportunity” to breathe new life into the city’s brick-and-mortar retail industry, which has struggled to stay afloat in Mountain View because of high costs. The city needs to move away from the idea that marijuana use is a crime, he said, and look at zoning recreational pot shops along major commercial districts including the downtown corridor, the San Antonio Shopping Center and stretches of El Camino Real.
“To me, this is something that people should be able to go to after their dinner and dessert in downtown Mountain View,” he said. “It’s socially acceptable in this area and we shouldn’t pretend otherwise.”
Finding a suitable locale for marijuana retailers shouldn’t be a big deal, said Mountain View resident Serge Bonte. He said a marijuana store would be perfectly acceptable in any location where it’s okay to have a gun shop, a liquor store or any businesses that sells alcohol, tobacco or e-cigarettes.
“I don’t know why we should be stigmatizing something that’s going to be regulated even more than tobacco or liquor,” he said.
Under the AUMA, the state is required to put together regulations for the fledgling recreational marijuana industry by Jan. 1, 2018, and begin issuing licenses the next day. State officials are currently going through an “emergency rule-making process” for its regulatory licensing structure, which is expected to be completed later this year likely the first week of December. Unless cities and counties have regulations or prohibitions in place by Jan. 1, these state rules would be the sole regulations governing marijuana businesses.
Given the tight timeline and the potential for a months-long lapse in local control, City Council members agreed to impose a temporary moratorium on recreational pot businesses in Mountain View while city staff work on regulations and changes to land use designations. The council is expected to vote on a 45-day moratorium later this fall, which can be extended for either one or two years.
Throughout the meeting, council members acknowledged that marijuana sales are already happening in the city, and will continue regardless of whether they are allowed under city laws. Councilwoman Pat Showalter said that regulating the processing and sale of marijuana at least gives the city some control over the quality and safety of the product, and should avert situations where people unwittingly purchase marijuana laced with other drugs.
“If we pretend (marijuana) hasn’t been legalized, I think we’re kind of shirking our responsibility,” she said.
Sean Kali-rai, a Fremont resident and a lobbyist for the local cannabis industry, said there are dispensaries already selling pot in the South Bay and the Peninsula including one in Mountain View and that the city needs to follow the footsteps of San Jose and find ways to responsibly regulate the sales.
“You have 16 illegal retail delivery companies in the city (of Mountain View), they’re making sales,” Kali-rai said. “You don’t know what they’re selling, you don’t know who they’re selling to. You don’t know the quality of the product, whether it’s tested or not. You aren’t getting any of the revenue, and your police department is having to dealing with the consequences.”
Marijuana sales under the AUMA are subject to an excise and a cultivation tax, but all of that money goes directly to the state. In order for Mountain View to reap the benefits from pot sales on a local level, the city would need to seek voter approval by placing a tax measure on the ballot. The November 2018 election would likely be the earliest time for such a ballot measure, said City Manager Dan Rich.
Council members were less interested in allowing commercial cultivation of marijuana in the city, if only because it doesn’t really make sense in a small city with limited outdoor space and land values that are cost-prohibitive. Siegel said he had no problem prohibiting cultivation because it doesn’t make any sense for Mountain View.
Marijuana delivery services, on the other hand, are not only feasible in Mountain View but already taking place. Councilman Chris Clark argued it would be unrealistic for the city to put a one- or two-year ban on deliveries, which would be tough to enforce and could clash with permitted sales in neighboring cities. He suggested that the city pass a separate 45-day moratorium specifically on delivery services that can be lifted once California unveils its state-wide regulations on marijuana businesses later this year.
The City Council took a similar step late last year, when it agreed to drop its moratorium on outdoor marijuana cultivation for personal use, essentially ceding regulatory control to the wording in the AUMA. Mountain View residents are allowed to grow up to six marijuana plants, provided they are in a “locked space” and out of public view.
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It’s a no-brainer, Win/Win proposition = the citizenry will be well served and the city will make a lot of $ …
As usual, ignorant legislators recognize no distinction between medical and recreational use of Cannabis. That is one of the reasons that the medical cannabis research has been so slow. For medical use (suggested by a licensed medical professional) there should not be any added tax. If you want to treat recreZtional use of Cannabis as alchol or cigarettes and tax it, that’s OK if voted in, but dropping that boom on the many who depend on cannabis to help them deal with known problems is an absurdity and grossly prejudiced unnecessary control.
Don’t we have enough other and more important issues? People know where to buy the stuff. We don’t need it for sale in our town. Soooo inappropriate. Yes. I wonder sometimes whether people are on crack when they make decisions. Trying to be nice here, but the massive number of completely inappropriate local government decisions over the last 15 years and the consequential overcrowding, traffic and other horrors have made Mountain View an undesirable place to live except for transient /short term contract workers and commuters.
What the heck has happened here? How much of this is corporate Google greed?
I agree with Really, seriously…. our city is getting worse and worse. Let Los Altos open a pot shop!
The Council’s desire to tax cannabis is a perfect storm of ignorance and greed. Their willingness to ban cultivation of this miraculous herb is similarly misguided. Future generations will look back on cannabis prohibition accurately as a racist crime against humanity. Those who see clearly and fight bravely to end this crime will be recognized as heroes.
Cannabis is one of the most useful and safe botanical medicines in the world, able to ameliorate and treat literally *hundreds* of mental and physical ailments much more safely than any prescription drug. Cannabis should be widely available for anyone who wants it. Statistically safer than peanuts or strawberries, cannabis in its raw form should NOT be taxed. It is the right of every human on earth to use botanical medicines free from excessive government regulation or suppression.
What will the exact conditions of recreational marijuana? Can people above 18 buy at a shop and smoke outside in designated areas the same as tobacco smokers? Will there be places like hookah restaurants where you can sit to smoke? And when will this begin?
I use marijuana to ease constant nerve pain. It is more effective than prescription drugs with no side effects. The prescription drugs have destroyed my digestive tract. I’d be very grateful to buy such wonderful and effective medicine close to home.
One side seems to be arguing with name calling and stereotyping, the other side with logic and empathy.
In 2009 we were prepared to bring safe, affordable and secure access to medicinal cannabis for the sick patients of Mountain View. Thanks to some folks jumping the gun, Matt Lucero, a Campbell resident, owner of Buddy’s to name one blatant offender. With some bad advice from our Chief of police to our lovely City Attorney Jannie Quinn,a San Jose resident, after a year of “study sessions” the city council said NO to medical cannabis here in the city that I was born and raised in 50 years ago. Here is a link for those short memories…
http://www.mercurynews.com/2010/05/31/mountain-view-developing-medical-marijuana-ordinance/
I suppose that now that the city can tax recreational marijuana they stand to make some money…but wait! I thought Marijuana is Illegal at the Federal level? Oh yea it is…but we are “sanctuary city” that doesn’t care what the Federal Government says?
Shame on you Jannie! Feel lucky you are not an elected official! Sorry about your commute from SJ.
Done ranting…
I use CBD for pain relief from surgeries. As for someone with chronic back pain and had surgeries for it, CBD is more effective than opioids. I refuse to take opioids, as they make me drowsy and sleepy. CBD helps with pain relief and inflammation without any negative side effects, so I can go on with my day without problem. CBD doesn’t hinder my thinking like opioids and very safe when eaten. I have had tremendous help with only CBD and I believe it is an extremely effective medicine.
People opposing cannabis, why don’t you oppose any establishment selling alcohol?
The social ills the the alcohol dispensaries cause is actual. Documented lives lost every single day from alcohol. Alcohol affects the rational decision making area of the brain, as the comments show.
Medical cannabis has been used with great success and minimal issues here for over 20 years. I fear someone drinking alcohol more than I do someone using cannabis. Besides, the CBD strains don’t even have a psycho-active effect 9doesn’t make you high, just alleviates the symptoms of many medical conditions.
Also, I’m a huge proponent of State Rights!
Before you scream about others using cannabis, put down that bottle of wine forever before you begin to speak. Otherwise you’ll look like someone saying we should all stop eating pie, while you gorge on cake.
The facts of the societal dangers as well as common sense drove this decision. Remember, it’s been going on for over 20 years now. The only issues seem to be between people’s ears.
I am glad to see our council addressing this proactively. Voters legalized this product and our city should prepare for how it will be sold. But, I think they should ultimately wait to see what the state comes up with for regulations before they pass their own to avoid duplication and possible confusion that might be unnecessary.
I also oppose the idea of adding their own local taxation. They get their share of sales tax. Council recognizes the struggle of brick and mortar shops, so why would they want the local shops to have built-in higher prices due to a local tax? Also, one of the hopeful goals of legalization is to end the illegal trade that fuels so much crime and illegal land use. High taxation on the legal trade will provide incentive for a black market.
A stoned disarmed population is much easier to control… Think about it… 😉
Grumpy OP: I was going to say something similar, now I don’t have to. Thanks.
I have an idea for the empty Printers Inc. space. Snack shop. To add to the Vice Mayor’s suggestion, after dinner, dessert, and wacky weeedis on Castro St., finish your perfect Mountain View evening out with an extra-large bag of Doritos and Twizzlers.
If retail space is lacking, the weed could be sold out of the mobile homes parked up and down Shoreline. It would rival Amsterdam’s coffee shop experience. Each Toke Truck would offer a different plant blend and growing region. Put Mountain View on the map!
Can’t get enough of the Boomers on this article complaining about “jazz cigarettes” that these young kids are getting hopped up on.
Worth pointing out that the term “pot shops” in the headline is already quite biased and derogatory. The correct term is “cannabis.”
“A stoned disarmed population is much easier to control… Think about it… ;-)”
OK, I am thinking about it, trying to find an example and I just did. Back in the 60’s there was an entire youth population who would very frequently get stoned, far more so than today’s youth by all accounts. They were also the uncontrollable protesters who were instrumental in stopping the Vietnam War. The government would have loved to get them under their control, but it was simply impossible.
Thanks for telling us to think about it. We were able to refute your premise by doing so. Do you have an example of a society where your theory plays out?
So you want to legalize pot in the city. Did you forget that it is illegal under federal law… State law doesn’t matter.
Oh that’s right we live in a sanctuary city, county, state whatever you want to call it so you can do anything. When are all you feel good liberals going to understand that there are laws.
Pot should remain a medicine and only a medicine for those who need it.. To do otherwise only creates another social problem in this city.
I am not surprised by the city council because they only look at what’s popular and profitable.
I am not amazed anymore at the arrogance of this left coast mentality. you’ll figure it out in time but stupid is as stupid does.
God I wish they only sold it in brownie form. I don’t care if you get stoned, but don’t make me smell it. Ugh.
They do, as well as other edibles. I feel the same irritation about cigarette smoke or when a woman wears too much perfume.
Oh, sorry, I missed the “Only”. At least there IS an edible version. No such luck with perfumes and cigarettes 😉
Use of cannibis for medical conditions is fine but, given the already very distracted population, recreational cannibis is the last thing that’s needed! Mtn. View can find better ways to increase its income.
“MV Resident” wrote: “I have an idea for the empty Printers Inc. space”
Right idea, just not quite the right address. 420 Castro, across the street, was recently vacant, leading some locals to ponder what a perfect site it would be for recreational cannabis (given the number’s significance in this context). But the address was taken by purveyors of another class of popular often-recreational self-medications.
420 Castro now another Caffeine Shop? I medicate myself at home almost every morning. A ‘glass of red’ at the evening meal. And sometimes an evening out at a restaurant or drinking establishment (or morning at a Coffee House)
So, you cannot smoke in a restaurant (or bar!) so maybe we just need to have local code for Magic Brownie Houses. Don’t take a toke in a restricted public place however!
just do it Council
signed, not stoned since the 70’s
Agree with the other poster regarding the smell of marijuana – I always think it is a skunk at first when I smell it and then I realize. (tobacco smoke also makes me nauseous). Would prefer it not in downtown Mtn View and new San Antonio Center wafting through the air. Would be better at seedier strip malls which have liquor stores and tobacco shops- away from people strolling around. Agree home delivery sounds like the best idea as then is enjoyed in private and no-one is bothered by the smell.
I cant wait for medical crack!
If I can go buy beer at every local corner store, there’s no reason why I shouldn’t be able to buy marijuana as well.
The stupidity and prejudice of many members of our population is appalling. If the City taxes alcohol, then there is no reason NOT to tax pot—EXCEPT—we must learn to differentiate between recreational Pot, and medicinally helpful Cannabis. Medicinal alcohol is not taxed the same as recreational. The same should be true of Cannabis. It is really too bad that so many people are swayed by prejudice without knowledge.
Glad you aren’t on any rules committees, haha.
I get it though, I have a lot of restrictions I’d like to place on the other guy as well…as long as it discomforts the other guy and not me. We’re similar that way.
When my children reached drinking age, I did not have to explain to them that just because they could now legally drink alcohol, they necessarily had to drink a quart of scotch that very day and every day thereafter.
Just because you have a right to do something, does NOT mean that you should rush out and do it.
What’s this juvenile streak on the Mountain View City Council? What’s up with all the “Me too! Me too! Me too!” attitude? What’s the rush? Do we really want to become the weed capital of Silicone Valley? Is driving to San Francisco or San Jose to get pot such a hardship when you have $200-$300 to blow on some quality doobies?
Is the City so desperate for cash that it has to have the cannabis revenue? Is the tax deal with Google really that bad? Or the city really that financially irresponsible? If so, why doesn’t the City just sell joints, blunts and spliffs out of the City Hall building?
Please consider that sometimes, “Not in my backyard” is a good thing!
I honestly don’t believe in the reading comprehension skills of some of the commentators of this thread. The article was fairly clear on what is happening.
Technology will make this debate moot. Brick and mortar stores are so last century.
Just say: “Alexa, two doobies of Tacoma Coma, one King Kush and Double Diesel please” and, in short order, Amazon will deliver some organic, locally sourced weed by a micro drone direct from our own Mountain View Whole Food store. Maybe a complimentary bag of crisps as well…
These should not be allowed within one mile of any school, so basically the only place in the city where it should be allowed is next to the Amphitheater. I’m actually ok with opening one (and only one) pot shop in the city, if it’s next to the Amphitheater. Visitors are already getting high out of their minds, wrecking infrastructure, committing assaults, in some cases murders, so I don’t see the harm that one pot shop in that location can do. But the pot shop operators should be made to pay the salary of 1-2 MVPD officers to be on duty during operating hours, especially during concerts.
Alan L.: Cannabis is a plant and should NOT, in its raw form, be taxed. We do not tax prescription drugs, we do not tax botanical herbs, we do not tax tomatoes or strawberries. As cannabis is, according to the DEA, “safer than many foods we commonly consume” (DEA Ruling, 1988), there is no reason to tax it other than 1. ignorance or 2. greed.