ACTION:
____________________________
Clerk/Secretary
Department: City Manager Item No:
Prepared by: Amanda Lee, Assistant City Manager Meeting Date: February 22, 2022 Approved by: Patrick Johnson, City Manager Agenda Location: Discussion SUBJECT: CANNABIS CULTIVATION AND CANNABIS CONSUMPTION RECOMMENDATION: Discuss cannabis cultivation and cannabis consumption.
PRIOR ACTION: None.
STATEMENT ON THE SUBJECT: Councilmember Contreras requested the City Manager place a discussion item on an upcoming City Council meeting agenda to discuss cannabis cultivation and cannabis consumption.
FISCAL IMPACT: There is no direct fiscal impact associated with this discussion item.
EXHIBITS: None.
AGENDA
REPORT
CITY COUNCIL
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
SUCCESSOR AGENCY
BUENA SANITATION DISTRICT
JOINT POWERS FINANCING AUTHORITY
D2
02/22/2022 D2 1 of 1
Discussed cannabis cultivation and cannabis consumption. Directed staff to research cannabis cultivation and bring back a draft plan to allow for up to three licenses. Vote: 4-1 (Ritter opposed)
From:Lisa Schy
To:Public Comments
Subject:Regarding Cannabis in Vista
Date:Tuesday, February 22, 2022 9:18:29 AM
Hi there, I saw a post online regarding a public discussion of Vistas Cannabis Cultivation and Consumption. I just wanted to voice a few things since I’m unable to attend in person.
Thank you for your time.
- I’m wondering how many folks in Vista are incarcerated for just Cannabis charges? I think it’s more than right to start releasing anyone with a non-violent Cannabis charge and to clear that charge, especially since Cannabis is starting to become legal. It should be legal for ALL folks.
- Question: Do Cannabis dispensaries and businesses have an equity program to help marginalized groups of people in the Cannabis industry? The drug war has harmed a lot of folks, especially the black and Latinx communities. The groups who have been most affected by this deserve an equal opportunity to step into the Cannabis industry and unfortunately the system is set up to help people who already have wealth and more accessible resources. (mostly white folks with wealth)
- Months ago I sent in some thoughts I had regarding how the Cannabis revenue should be used. I was in support of more lighting in Vista and did not support hiring another sheriff. I’m also 1000% in support of using the extra money to help groups of people who have been most affected by the drug war; Cannabis equity programs, (Cannaclusive has amazing information and resources regarding that) providing more resources for homeless people, and Cannabis education.
- I’m aware that there are still a lot of people who see Cannabis as a “gateway drug” and something that is harmful. I feel as if there is a lot of work to be done in helping reduce the stigma attached to Cannabis before more productive and fair steps are made. Community Cannabis education programs would be a very beneficial step in helping some people learn more about the plant and it’s benefits, therefore helping reduce the stigma which has harmed so many people for years. Maybe there’s already a program for that? Before I finish up, I just wanted to add that I would love to get involved with the community regarding Cannabis. I’m currently still waiting on daycare for my twin toddlers, (covid set us back with that) and after they’re able to get in, I will have more availability to help.
Thank you so much for your time and I hope you all have a great day. - Lisa Schy
ADD TO PACKET
D2