Half Moon Bay looking to commercial cannabis

If the ordinance passed, licensed businesses would be able to transport immature plants to and from other licensed commercial cannabis businesses outside the city, but would not be permitted to cultivate mature plants, or test, manufacture and conduct retail sales of any cannabis products.

The ordinance currently has no schedule for adoption, and its draft is meant to serve as a conversation starter to gauge community interest, Deputy City Manager Matthew Chidester said.

Chidester said city staff began work on an ordinance last year to legalize full-scale commercial marijuana operations before the City Council discovered widespread community concerns, including impacts on young residents, security, property values and the environment.

So the City Council decided to hold off on that ordinance and further research the impacts and feasibility of full-blown commercial cultivation in Half Moon Bay, Chidester said, while in the meantime pursuing the nursery option.

“We believe this limited nursery ordinance will alleviate previous concerns and we’re hoping folks can see how this might benefit our community,” Chidester said.

As for benefits to the community, Vice Mayor Harvey Rarback said the goal of the nursery ordinance is to support local agriculture and workers.

“We need to revive the agricultural heritage of Half Moon Bay and this would be a great way to start,” he said, referencing the decline of the cut flower industry in Half Moon Bay.

Rarback said he hopes residents realize the nursery option is far less impactful than full-scale commercial cultivation.

“It’s the least objectionable possible way to have cannabis cultivation,” he said. “It doesn’t require an excessive amount of light, there’s absolutely no smell and there won’t be a need for armed guards because these plants aren’t as valuable as mature plants.”

Rarback also said bringing this “viable agricultural industry” to Half Moon Bay would require minimal effort, adding that some nurseries are already equipped to handle marijuana. Chidester echoed this point.

“Marijuana nursery operations look very, very similar to what’s already going on at existing nurseries,” Chidester said.

The ordinance would only permit commercial cannabis operations on properties that already have existing greenhouses in A-1 agricultural zones that meet required setbacks and buffers from Highway 1, as well as properties zoned primarily for residential use, schools, child care faculties and youth centers. Growing areas would also be capped at 66,000 square feet.

Chidester said there are only about four properties in the city that meet every requirement, and so far none of those property owners have expressed interest in marijuana cultivation. Any prospective growers currently living outside Half Moon Bay would have to work with existing property owners, he said.

“The number of folks who could apply for this license would be very limited,” he said.

Chidester also said there will be extensive community engagement on the proposed ordinance in the coming months, including community and council meetings and a survey. In the meantime, comments on the draft ordinance can be submitted on the city’s website.

zachary@smdailyjournal.com

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