County approves new cannabis rules

Santa Cruz County became one of the first counties in the state to set rules for the sale of recreational marijuana.
By a unanimous, 5-0 vote during Tuesday’s regular meeting, the Board of Supervisors agreed to amend Santa Cruz County Code 7.130 to allow the dozen existing cannabis retailers in the county to sell adult-use marijuana as of Jan. 1 — in addition to the medical cannabis they now sell.
The county is also trying to spread the word about cannabis to potential growers in the community.
According to an Oct. 23 email to the local cannabis community from the county’s licensing manager, Robin Bolster-Grant, many people have made inquiries about cannabis rules and regulations after the beginning of the year when Prop 64 goes into effect.
Bolster-Grant wrote that the public comment period for a draft environmental impact report of how marijuana will affect the county closes on Tuesday at 5 p.m. People can read the draft report and comment at www.co.santa-cruz.ca.us/cannabislicensingoffice.aspx. She emphasized in the email that until the Board of Supervisors approve an ordinance, which she expected in mid-2018, no development or land clearing that would require a county permit is legal.
Bolster-Grant did write that the county Cannabis Licensing Office has set up a Facebook to distribute regular updates and public notifications at https://www.facebook.com/County-of-Santa-Cruz-Cannabis-Licensing-609963642725711.