Ron Strider
Well-Known Member
A citizens committee in Colton has launched an initiative to regulate and tax local cannabis cultivation, manufacturing and distribution in order to generate millions of dollars in revenue for law enforcement, schools and public safety programs.
The Committee for Safer Neighborhoods and Schools recently filed its proposed marijuana ordinance with the city and will soon begin gathering signatures for placement on the 2018 ballot.
Meanwhile, the Colton City Council awaits a drafted ordinance of potential regulations recommended by a committee of city leaders and other representatives.
Ben Eilenberg, who represents the citizens committee, said his clients' ordinance would qualify Colton for state grant funding and bring in additional tax revenue without having to put a measure before voters, as cities must do when proposing new taxes.
Early drafts of the city's ordinance prohibit business owners from applying for a dispensary permit, thus disqualifying Colton from potential state grants even if it does allow personal growing, Eilenberg said. Business owners can apply for such permits under the citizen-led initiative, though marijuana shops could only open in certain areas of town far from residences, schools and other sensitive zones.
"We tried to be very sensitive to the fact that this is an issue that people are figuring out how to live with as neighbors," Eilenberg said. "And the last thing anyone needs is for this to impact their home, to impact their community."
The citizens' ordinance calls for a $250 application fee for fledgling businesses, as well as annual $5-per-square-foot permit fees for recreational cultivation, manufacturing and distribution. Businesses would also pay $100 annually per distribution truck.
After voters passed Proposition 64 last year, the Colton City Council approved a temporary ban of all cannabis activities locally with the goal of establishing a permanent plan by the end of this year.
In February, the council directed City Manager Bill Smith to explore potential pros and cons of regulating cultivation and manufacturing. A city-backed committee was later formed to develop recommendations for a city law.
Any cannabis ordinance would require approval from the city Planning Commission and council, with a proposed tax needing voter approval before implementation.
Colton's willingness to consider regulating marijuana locally prompted the citizens committee to draft its ordinance, Eilenberg said. "They see this as an opportunity to work with the city rather than force their way into something the city doesn't want."
City officials could not be reached for comment.
Proponents of the citizens initiative seek to protect the public health and safety through reasonable limitations; create regulations that accommodate Colton residents and businesses; provide a means to allow marijuana activities covered under Proposition 64; bring jobs to the city; and generate tens of million of dollars in annual revenue for public services.
Ideally, Eilenberg said, the group gathers enough signatures to prompt an adoption of its ordinance by the City Council. In that case, Colton would not incur the costs of a special election and start generating new tax revenue right away, Eilenberg said.
Though the state can begin awarding marijuana licenses on Jan. 1, no business will be able to get one for any type of marijuana activity without first showing proof of having a local license.
"This is not the marijuana industry trying to come in and turn Colton into a marijuana center," Eilenberg said. "This is much more about wanting to maximize Colton's tax revenue and state grant funding if it's going down the path of allowing cannabis in town.
"We really don't see this as being adversarial," Eilenberg added. "It's a competing implementation that the city may decide is better. It's not a fight."
News Moderator: Ron Strider 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Colton group petitioning to put citizen-backed marijuana initiative on 2018 ballot – Press Enterprise
Author: Brian Whitehead
Contact: How to contact the Press-Enterprise
Photo Credit: Lucy Nicholson
Website: The Press-Enterprise: Local News, Sports and Things to Do
The Committee for Safer Neighborhoods and Schools recently filed its proposed marijuana ordinance with the city and will soon begin gathering signatures for placement on the 2018 ballot.
Meanwhile, the Colton City Council awaits a drafted ordinance of potential regulations recommended by a committee of city leaders and other representatives.
Ben Eilenberg, who represents the citizens committee, said his clients' ordinance would qualify Colton for state grant funding and bring in additional tax revenue without having to put a measure before voters, as cities must do when proposing new taxes.
Early drafts of the city's ordinance prohibit business owners from applying for a dispensary permit, thus disqualifying Colton from potential state grants even if it does allow personal growing, Eilenberg said. Business owners can apply for such permits under the citizen-led initiative, though marijuana shops could only open in certain areas of town far from residences, schools and other sensitive zones.
"We tried to be very sensitive to the fact that this is an issue that people are figuring out how to live with as neighbors," Eilenberg said. "And the last thing anyone needs is for this to impact their home, to impact their community."
The citizens' ordinance calls for a $250 application fee for fledgling businesses, as well as annual $5-per-square-foot permit fees for recreational cultivation, manufacturing and distribution. Businesses would also pay $100 annually per distribution truck.
After voters passed Proposition 64 last year, the Colton City Council approved a temporary ban of all cannabis activities locally with the goal of establishing a permanent plan by the end of this year.
In February, the council directed City Manager Bill Smith to explore potential pros and cons of regulating cultivation and manufacturing. A city-backed committee was later formed to develop recommendations for a city law.
Any cannabis ordinance would require approval from the city Planning Commission and council, with a proposed tax needing voter approval before implementation.
Colton's willingness to consider regulating marijuana locally prompted the citizens committee to draft its ordinance, Eilenberg said. "They see this as an opportunity to work with the city rather than force their way into something the city doesn't want."
City officials could not be reached for comment.
Proponents of the citizens initiative seek to protect the public health and safety through reasonable limitations; create regulations that accommodate Colton residents and businesses; provide a means to allow marijuana activities covered under Proposition 64; bring jobs to the city; and generate tens of million of dollars in annual revenue for public services.
Ideally, Eilenberg said, the group gathers enough signatures to prompt an adoption of its ordinance by the City Council. In that case, Colton would not incur the costs of a special election and start generating new tax revenue right away, Eilenberg said.
Though the state can begin awarding marijuana licenses on Jan. 1, no business will be able to get one for any type of marijuana activity without first showing proof of having a local license.
"This is not the marijuana industry trying to come in and turn Colton into a marijuana center," Eilenberg said. "This is much more about wanting to maximize Colton's tax revenue and state grant funding if it's going down the path of allowing cannabis in town.
"We really don't see this as being adversarial," Eilenberg added. "It's a competing implementation that the city may decide is better. It's not a fight."
News Moderator: Ron Strider 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Colton group petitioning to put citizen-backed marijuana initiative on 2018 ballot – Press Enterprise
Author: Brian Whitehead
Contact: How to contact the Press-Enterprise
Photo Credit: Lucy Nicholson
Website: The Press-Enterprise: Local News, Sports and Things to Do
