EL CERRITO –– Though the effort is being described as “a work in progress,” El Cerrito has set the ground rules for a pair of cannabis dispensaries that will be allowed after recreational marijuana use becomes legal in California next year.
The action taken by the City Council Tuesday marks an end to the lengthy process of repealing a 2006 ordinance prohibiting medical marijuana dispensaries and allowing cannabis sales within the city.
El Cerrito will issue permits to two dispensary operators who will be allowed to sell cannabis and cannabis-related products as well as deliver the cannabis to customers within the city.
The operators will undergo background checks, provide a business plan and a security plan, and offer community benefits as part of the application process.
Cannabis smoking and consumption will be banned within the dispensaries and measures to protect cannabis supplies and limit the amount of cash stored on the premises will be required as part of the security plan.
The dispensaries must be located on San Pablo Avenue and be more than 600 feet from parks and schools
