Lathrop council may open first pot shop in OK town

Last month, the Lathrop Planning Commission voted 3-2 to recommend that the Lathrop City Council approve the Central California Greens Dispensary.

And on Monday, it will be up to council to give what could be final approval for the city’s first and only cannabis dispensary which, if approved, would open in the High 5 building on South Harlan Road.

Lathrop City Council will discuss the matter on Monday, July 11, when it meets at 7 p.m. inside the council chambers of Lathrop City Hall, located at 390 Towne Center Drive.

After years of a hardline approach to medical cannabis, Lathrop introduced an ordinance late last year that would amend Lathrop’s municipal code to allow regulation of commercial cannabis operations within city limits – putting the city in compliance with existing California law that changed when voters approved a campaign initiative that decriminalized the personal use of cannabis and cannabis products.

Although the law permits the personal possession and use of cannabis and related products, municipalities have always retained control over regulations associated with commercial cultivation, sale and other facets of business – allowing local governments to develop ordinances that best suit the communities they serve.

The proposed 2,000 square foot location would be located on the ground floor of High 5 Office Plaza – the three-story office complex located on S. Harlan Road, visible from I-5 – and would have exterior control of 390 square feet. in the area, secure sales area, safe, storage area and office. The outdoor check-in area will be where customers are screened before admission, which will have a capacity of 25 people, and the company will set up an online waiting list.

According to the draft development agreement, the company will only be allowed to operate between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. and must always have armed security on the premises with an additional armed security guard present when shipments of base products of cannabis are introduced.

Indoor and outdoor security cameras that will be monitored by a third-party vendor are also part of the plans, and a conditional use license will bind the company to regulations outlined in the development agreement.

The location is outside the 1,000 foot buffer zone which is measured from the center line of the street from Spartan Way and Lathrop Road and Golden Valley Parkway.

If approved by the council, the business will be allowed to deliver cannabis products to customers residing in the community. If the residence is located less than 600 feet from a school, delivery cannot take place until after 3 p.m.

Lathrop City Council generally meets the second Monday of the month at Lathrop City Hall – located at 390 Towne Center Drive – at 7 p.m. For information on upcoming meetings, or to view a copy of the agenda or accompanying supplemental materials visit the City of Lathrop website at www.ci.lathrop.ca.us .

To contact journalist Jason Campbell, email [email protected] or call 209.249.3544.

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