Belmont solidifies cannabis operations

The permits discussed during the meeting Tuesday, Jan. 23, would be valid for two years and require background checks — disqualifying those with criminal histories — as well the submittal of on-site security plans, state licenses and the restriction of anyone under the age of 18 or 21 on the premises, depending on whether it is a medical dispensary. 

The stores would also be subject to regular inspections conducted by the Police Department, and the businesses would incur the cost of three separate fees, ranging from $500 to $2,500. While regulating cannabis stores would be new for the city’s law enforcement, the same process has been in effect for similarly labeled businesses, such as massage parlors. 

“This is not new to us. Cannabis is new to us, but the regulatory side is not new. We’ve had several establishments in my tenure where we have shut them down for violation of regulations and pulling permits and things like that, so that concept is not new,” Police Chief Ken Stenquist said. 

Allowing storefront cannabis in the city will begin as a pilot, with no more than two retail cannabis operators and one distribution business allowed for the time being. The prequalification process for business proposals remains underway, although several businesses have submitted inquiries for consideration. The entire approval process, which includes rezoning, regulatory permit approval, and public hearings is estimated to take about six months. 

“I can support it. We’ve talked about it at length. We’ve studied it at length. I think this does a good job of wrapping up everything we’ve studied and listened to, so I can support it,” Councilmember Tom McCune said. 

Vice Mayor Gina Latimerlo also reiterated the city’s thorough due diligence process around such regulated substances. All councilmembers voted in favor of the city code changes allowing the operation and regulation of cannabis businesses.