City Council
MEETING DATE: 5/13/2015
TITLE:
Title
Proposed State Marijuana Legislation
End
FROM:
Charlie McClendon, City Manager
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
This item is presented for information and direction only.
Body
BACKGROUND:
California voters passed Proposition 215 in 1996 authorizing Medical Marijuana in the state. The Cathedral City Council in 2014 passed a local ordinance allowing and regulating Medical Marijuana dispensaries. It is possible that a ballot initiative legalizing recreational use of marijuana may appear on the statewide ballot in 2016.
DISCUSSION:
The League of California Cities, of which Cathedral City is a member, has taken an active role in evaluating the legislation, which is under consideration at the state level, to determine its effect on local communities and Cities' ability to enact local regulations and controls related to Medical Marijuana. Bills under consideration at the legislature this session include AB 34, which the League opposes and AB 266, which the League supports.
Erin Sasse of the League of California Cities, Riverside Division, will be present at the study session to discuss the proposed marijuana legislation and the League's position on the bills. Council will discuss the bills and may take a position in support or opposition to the bills.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Cathedral City voters authorized a tax on medical marijuana dispensary sales of up to 15% in November of 2014. No taxes have been collected to date.
ATTACHMENTS:
AB 266 Fact Sheet - League of California Cities
AB 34 AB 266 Comparison - League of California Cities
AB 34 AB 266 Talking Points - League of California Cities