The Paso Robles City Council made a significant decision this week that could reshape local cannabis policy. In a 4-1 vote, council members approved expanding cannabis access by allowing the city's three existing cannabis delivery businesses to serve adult-use customers, not just medical patients. They also agreed to begin developing a framework that could eventually permit storefront sales.
Mayor John R. Hamon Jr. and Councilmembers Kris Beal, Steve Gregory, and Fred Strong voted in favor, while Councilmember Chris Bausch opposed the expansion, citing concerns about retail operations.
For years, Paso Robles has been one of the most restrictive cities in San Luis Obispo County. Storefront dispensaries and cultivation have been prohibited, leaving only medical cannabis delivery within city limits. Adult-use cannabis delivery was allowed only from businesses outside the city, creating limited access for residents and reducing potential local tax revenue.
Community members, including representatives from the business sector, voiced strong support for expanding cannabis delivery services to adult-use customers. Several speakers highlighted that Paso Robles was missing out on significant tax revenue that could be directed toward city services. Others argued that regulated storefronts and cannabis delivery options ensure safer, taxed, and closely monitored distribution compared to unregulated channels.
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