HomeMy WebLinkAboutITEM #4A - Planning Commission Report - Canna Temp Events 05.22.2024
PLANNING COMMISSION STAFF REPORT
DATE: May 22, 2024 NEW BUSINESS
SUBJECT: THE DEPARTMENT OF SPECIAL PROGRAM COMPLIANCE FOR
DISCUSSION REGARDING RECOMMENDED LOCATIONS FOR
CANNABIS TEMPORARY EVENTS.
FROM: Department of Special Program Compliance
SUMMARY:
This agenda item provides the Planning Commission with an opportunity to discuss
proposed locations and provide direction to staff to bring back an ordinance identifying
locations for temporary cannabis events.
BACKGROUND:
On December 4, 2019, City Council adopted Ordinance 2005, establishing section
5.55.100 Temporary Cannabis Event Permit. At the time of adoption, City staff proposed
the Palm Springs Convention Center for said events; however, due to the Agua Caliente
Band of Cahuilla Indians, prohibition of commercial cannabis activity on trust lands of the
tribe and its members. Identifying alternate locations was placed on hold during the COVID
pandemic.
Staff engaged a nine-person workgroup to assist in identification of potential locations for
temporary cannabis events. The workgroup consisted of local cannabis professionals
whose enthusiasm and favorable outlook on the cannabis industry was evident. The group
made numerous recommendations. Despite a discussion to identify potential negative
findings about the recommendations, none where identified.
DISCUSSION:
Under California Business and Professions Code Section 26200(e), which became
effective January 1, 2019, the City may permit temporary cannabis events, at locations
designated by the City, where participants who are 21 years of age or older may sell and
consume cannabis. An event would very likely take place outdoors and would likely take
the form of festival or expo where vendors would sell cannabis and cannabis products, and
eventgoers could smoke or otherwise consume cannabis.
To hold this type of event, an event organizer must obtain a State Cannabis Event
Organizer (Type 14) license and a State Temporary Cannabis Event license.
The State requires local approval of a proposed cannabis event prior to issuing a
Temporary Cannabis Event license. Consequently, if the City Council wishes to permit
Planning Commission Staff Report
May 22, 2024
Cannabis Temporary Events
Temporary Cannabis Events in the City, then the City Council must implement a process
through which a cannabis event application can be evaluated and approved.
Types of Cannabis Events:
Types of cannabis events could include the following:
• Cannabis Conferences: Cannabis conferences are organized with the intention of
bringing together individuals for a common purpose, revolving around cannabis.
They provide an opportunity for attendees to expand their cannabis knowledge
through presentation from industry leaders, investors, doctors, patients, and those
at the forefront of innovation. They also offer insights into legislative developments
and shed light on changes anticipated in the future. These conferences may include
the sale and consumption of product.
• Cannabis Conventions: Cannabis conventions are resource hubs for the rapidly
expanding cannabis industry. These are events where businesses, entrepreneurs,
investors, educators, patients, advocates, and consumers can all connect, learn,
and grow. They are focused on local market needs of wherever they are held, but
also tie those needs into the industry at large. These conventions may include the
sale and consumption of product.
• Cannabis Expositions and Trade Shows: Cannabis expositions and trade shows are
public exhibitions which operate as a microcosm of the activities taking place in the
cannabis market. They tend to offer an array of activities for an engaging experience.
They also feature an inherent dynamism. This is created by the presence of
interactive exhibits, workshops, and showcasing of innovative technology by various
vendors, and the wide variety of participants from different industries. These
expositions and trade shows may include sale and consumption of product.
• Cannabis Festivals: Festival revolving around cannabis, focus on music, advocacy,
education, activism, and having fun with a focus on consuming product.
Venues for Consideration:
If the City proceeds with the permitting of temporary cannabis events, then locations for
such events should be designated. The workgroup recommended City parks to be
considered. The parks identified for consideration include:
• Baristo Park 296 S. Calle Encilia
• DeMuth Park 4200 E. Mesquite Avenue
• Downtown Park 230 N. Museum Drive
• Frances Stevens Park 500 N. Palm Canyon Drive
• Gateway Park 3701 E. Vista Chino
• Ruth Hardy Park 700 Tamarisk Road
• Sunrise Park 480 S. Sunrise
• Victoria Park 2744 N. Mesquite Avenue
Planning Commission Staff Report
May 22, 2024
Cannabis Temporary Events
In addition, the workgroup also suggested the ability to close streets to host outdoor events
that would host non-inhalation consumption, as well as allow private venues for
consideration. Some of the suggested areas include:
• Palm Canyon south of Baristo, stretching down to Ramon.
• E. Arenas Road between Palm Canyon and Indian Canyon Drive.
• E. Arenas Road between Indian Canyon Drive and S. Calle Encilia.
• Any outdoor streets.
• Industrial zones, such as M-1, utilizing vacant warehouses.
• PS Surf Club
• Estate homes and hotels venues that allow complete buyouts for events.
Staff met with the Parks and Recreation on April 22, 2024. While the commission was not
supportive of the proposed park locations, they were adamant that parks with playground
equipment should not be considered. Additionally, concern regarding odor was expressed.
In addition to recommending potential locations to Council, Planning Commission may want
to consider recommending a limitation on the number of special cannabis events that could
be held either annually or on a quarterly basis.
ANALYSIS:
Many other jurisdictions throughout California are hosting such events. Some cities and
counties have hosted outdoor events, many host in enclosed convention centers. The
challenge with identifying locations in the City is identifying venue options. Starting with
outdoor events and specific parks, for a specific number of events per year in an optional
route to determine the positive and negative impacts the City may experience. Planning
Commission may recommend additional provisions to be included in their recommendation
to Council, including:
• Limit the number of cannabis events held in the City.
• Require an odor absorbing ventilation and exhaust system to be installed so that
any odor, vapor, or smoke generated from the outdoor consumption area is not
detected outside the property or boundary area, or anywhere adjacent property or
public rights-of-way, or within any other unit located in the same building.
• Designated Cannabis Consumption Area shall not be visible from any public place
or non-age restricted area.
• Mandatory setbacks from neighborhoods.
• Mandatory setbacks from restaurants and bars.
• Mandatory setbacks from local cannabis businesses.
CONCLUSION:
Staff anticipates that there will be some community interest in adult-use temporary
cannabis events if authorized by the City at one or more of the proposed venues. Staff
Planning Commission Staff Report
May 22, 2024
Cannabis Temporary Events
will return to Planning Commission with a proposed Ordinance identifying locations in
June 2024. Planning Commission’s recommendations will be presented to Council for
consideration in July 2024.
Director: Veronica Goedhart, Special Program Compliance
Attachments:
1. Temporary Cannabis Event Application
2. Workgroup Biographies
3. California Temporary Event Comparison Chart
4. Department of Cannabis Control Cannabis Event Informational Flyer
5. Map of Trust Lands
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
Cannabis Special Event
Information and Application
The City laws for the issuance of Cannabis Special Event permits can be found at Palm Springs Municipal
Code 5.55.100. In addition to the laws established by the City of Palm Springs, event operators must also
comply with the regulations established by the California Department of Cannabis Control.
DEPARTMENT OF CANNABIS CONTROL EVENT REGULATIONS
Cannabis Event Organizer License
1. Cannabis Events can only be held by a person who has already been issued a cannabis
event organizer license by the Department of Cannabis Control.
2. This is an annual license, with fees based on the number of events organized by the
licensee per year.
3. The cannabis event organizer is not authorized to cultivate, distribute, manufacture, or
sell cannabis or cannabis related products unless the organizer also holds a separate
license to engage in such commercial cannabis activities.
State Temporary Cannabis Event License
1. To obtain a temporary cannabis event license, the cannabis event organizer licensee
must apply to the Department of Cannabis Control.
2. A temporary cannabis event license will not be issued for more than four (4) consecutive
days.
3. Each cannabis event must be issued a separate temporary cannabis event license by the
Department of Cannabis Control for the specific date(s) and location of the event.
4. Written approval from the City authorizing on-site cannabis sales and consumption by
persons aged 21 and older at the event is required for all temporary cannabis events prior
to application to the Department of Cannabis Control.
5. The organizer will be required to provide to the Department of Cannabis Control a list of
all licensees providing on-site sales at the event.
Application No.:
_____________________
Received:
_____________________
Cannabis Event Sales and Consumption
1. All cannabis goods shall be transported to the event site by a licensed distributor.
2. All cannabis goods must be tested prior to retail sale.
3. Only a licensed retailer licensed to sell cannabis goods to retail customers can sell at a
temporary cannabis event.
4. All cannabis goods shall adhere to retailer requirements pertaining to displays, exit
packaging, customer returns, daily sales limits, and free samples.
5. All cannabis goods sales or consumption at the event must be limited to persons 21 years
of age and older.
6. Access to the area where cannabis consumption is allowed shall be restricted to persons
21 years of age and older and shall not be visible from any public place or non-age
restricted area.
7. Consumption of alcohol or tobacco shall not be allowed on the cannabis event premises.
8. Payment to a cannabis event organizer may not be determined based on, or tied to, the
sale of cannabis goods.
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS CANNABIS EVENT CONDITIONS
1. The applicant shall submit a Special Event application form to the City of Palm Springs
with all required supplemental information (as applicable) including:
a) A copy of the site plan detailing the layout of the event according to the submittal
requirements contained in the application. The site plan must depict:
• Location of the event.
• All entrances and exits to be used by participants at the event.
• All cannabis consumption areas.
• All retail areas where cannabis goods will be sold.
• Location of cannabis waste storage.
• Location of each licensee participating in the event.
• Each exhibitor area must be assigned a cannabis event location number, and
the markings on the diagram shall be in black-and-white print.
• Location of emergency services, including ambulances.
• Path of travel within designated premises.
• Location and precise distance measurements from the outer boundary of the
event location and any of the following: school; public playground; public park;
day care/childcare center; youth center; cannabis dispensary; cannabis
lounge.
b) A copy of the Certificate of Liability insurance in the amount of a minimum of
$1,000,000, naming the City as additional insured and in accordance with the
submittal requirements contained in the application.
c) A copy of the organizer’s Cannabis Event Organizer License issued by the
Department of Cannabis Control.
d) A copy of the security plan with a list detailing all Security Guards and their Guard
Card License and emergency response and evacuation plan. The security plan must
contain information related to:
• How the applicant will secure the premises, limit loitering around entrances
and exits, manage potential crowds, control diversion, manage security, and
identify appropriate personnel.
• How the Cannabis Event Organizer will ensure the limited access area will not
be visible to the public. The area should be clearly identified on the premises
diagram and fenced.
e) A copy of the traffic management plan that includes management of City sidewalks
and public rights-of-way within a ¼ mile radius of the event site. The traffic
management plan shall contain a parking plan, and a map of any off-site parking for
the event that includes property owner authorization for any off-site parking and
information detailing how attendees will get to the event site from the off-site parking
area.
f) A copy of the waste management plan including a ¼ radius around the event site. The
area included in the waste management plan shall be free of debris, litter, or any other
evidence of the event within 24 hours of the end of the event.
2. Itinerary of the proposed event, including set up, event activities, and break down of the
event.
3. The applicant shall obtain a Temporary Cannabis Event License through the California
Department of Cannabis Control and comply with all regulations in Chapter 5 (Cannabis
Events) of the California Code of Regulations, Title 16, Division 42.
4. The applicant shall pay all fees to ensure the City obtains full cost recovery for all staff,
including Special Program Compliance, Planning, Public Safety, Public Works, and Legal
Counsel. To ensure compliance, a code officer with inspection authority will be on-site for
all temporary events.
5. The applicant shall notify property and business owners within a 1,500-foot radius of the
event, by mail, 14 calendar days prior to said event, using for this purpose the last known
name and address of such owners as shown upon the current tax assessor’s. Notice is
deemed received two days after date of postmark. The list of property owners and tenant
addresses shall be typed upon gummed labels, together with required postage. The list
shall be prepared and certified by the applicant, or a title insurance company, civil
engineer, or surveyor license to practice in California. The notice shall state the nature of
the event, location of the property (text or diagram), the date, time, and place of the
scheduled event.
6. A temporary cannabis event must comply with all Palm Springs Fire Department
regulations.
7. The applicant must provide a complete list of vendors with proof of licensure 14 days prior
to the event date. Only entities that hold a local license may provide onsite sales of
cannabis goods at the event. The list must include:
• Copy of all licensees’ state licenses and local authorizations.
• A list of all employees that will be providing onsite sales of cannabis goods at the
temporary event.
8. Access and Equity requirements. Description of how the Cannabis Event Organizer will
expand opportunity to a variety of permitted retailers and cannabis business owners:
• For events with an estimated attendance of 500 or fewer: 1 or more retailers
required, with one retailer with fewer than ten (10) employees.
• For events with an estimated attendance of 501 to 1000: 2 or more retailers
required, with one retailer with fewer than ten (10) employees.
• For events with an estimated attendance of 1001 people or more: 3 or more
retailers required, with one retailer with fewer than ten (10) employees.
Description of how the applicant will work to further the City’s equity goals as a part of the
temporary cannabis event.
9. A temporary cannabis event shall not commence before 10:00am on any day and shall
end no later than 10:00pm on any day. A cannabis event may not run for more than four
(4) consecutive days.
10. The applicant shall be responsible for reimbursement costs to the City of Palm Springs
for “extraordinary law enforcement services” generated by the event.
11. Cannabis Event Organizers will be responsible for ensuring the event medical plan
includes contingencies for cannabis consumption.
12. Certified Emergency Medical Technician required at all events.
13. Dab bars or the act of dabbing is prohibited at all Cannabis Events. Dabbing includes, but
is not limited to, the action or practice of inhaling small quantities of concentrated oil, resin,
shatter, or wax.
14. If you are selling food at your cannabis event, you will be required to submit a Riverside
County Environmental Health Permit.
15. The applicant must sign an acceptance of Terms and Conditions Agreement upon receipt
of the permit approval letter.
Additional information may be required. Additional conditions may be imposed by City
staff as deemed necessary to preserve the health, safety, and welfare of the event
attendees, employees, and the surrounding community. No more than four temporary
cannabis events shall be permitted in any 12-month period, and no applicant may apply
for more than one temporary cannabis event permit in any 12-month period.
Section 1 – Identifying Information (to be completed by all applicants):
a. Corporate Name / Business Owner Name
b. “Doing Business As” Name
c. Business Structure (check only one)
Corporation (or foreign corporation) Limited Liability Company (LLC)
Sole Proprietorship Limited Partnership
General Partnership Limited Liability Partnership
Non-Profit Corporation Other (specify)
d. State Cannabis Event Organizer
Number
e. BOE Sellers Number f. State Tax ID g. Federal Tax ID
h. Business Owner Name and Name of Business Entity is an entity is owner or partial
owner
i. Business Owner Driver’s License # / State
or Passport if no Driver’s License
j. Business Physical Site Address (Street number and name, city, state, zip code)
k. Business Mailing Address (if different than physical address -- Street number and name, city, state, zip code)
l. Business Phone Number m. Business Owner Contact Phone Number
n. Business Email o. Business Owner Contact Email
p. Business Web Site address
Section 2 – Special Event Information:
Name of Event:
Event Date(s):
Hours of Proposed Event:
Address of Proposed Event:
Estimated Number of Proposed Attendees:
Primary Point of Contact During the Event
Name:
Email: Phone:
Mailing Address: City/Zip:
Section 3 – Cannabis Licensee Information:
Please list below all cannabis licensees that will be selling cannabis products at the event, please
note only state licensed retailers and microbusinesses authorized to conduct retail can sell cannabis
products at temporary events.
• For each licensee, please attach a copy of their current City of Palm Springs business tax
license.
• For each licensee, please attach a list of all employees that will be providing cannabis
products at the event.
• Any changes to the list of licensees or employees, after submission of the Special Event
Permit Application must be submitted to the Special Activity Permits Division at least one
week in advance of the event.
Licensee Name License Type State License
Number
License Expiration
Date
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
-For each licensee, please attach a copy of their current City of Palm Springs business tax certificate. -For each
licensee, please attach a list of all employees that will be providing cannabis products at the event. - -Any changes
to the list of licensees or employees after submission of the Special Event Permit Application For Temporary
Cannabis Events must be submitted to the Special Programs Division at least one week in advance of the event.
Section 4 – Onsite Consumption Information. Complete the following section if cannabis will be
consumed at your event.:
Please attach an Onsite Cannabis Consumption Plan that outline:
• The different forms of onsite consumption that will be allowed.
• Where the consumption will take place.
• How the Applicant will deter drugged driving.
• How Applicant will ensure cannabis consumption will not be visible from a public place.
• How Applicant will ensure no consumption/sale of alcohol and tobacco will take place
• Whether any consumption will take place within 1,000 feet of a school, daycare, or youth center.
• A completed odor control plan that addresses and minimized the impact to surrounding areas. The
plan should clearly demonstrate distance from other businesses, parking lots, and normal walking
paths. The event should restrict consumption away from entrances.
OUTDOOR CANNABIS CONSUMPTION IS RESTRICTED TO EDIBLES.
NO OUTDOOR SMOKING OR VAPING
I certify that I am not aware of any violations of any provision of the Palm Springs Municipal
Code or California State law related to operation of this commercial Cannabis Special Event. ________________ _______________________________________________ Dated: Print Name: _______________________________________________
Signature of Applicant
Section 2 – Certifications/Assurances and Warranties (to be completed by all applicants)
a. WAIVER AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY AND AGREEMENT TO INDEMNIFY CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
The applicant and all owners and operators hereby waive and release the City of Palm Springs from all liability for monetary damages
related to or arising from the application for a renewal license, any pre-licensure background investigation, the issuance of a renewal
license, or the enforcement of the conditions of the license. The undersigned certifies that under no circumstances shall the undersigned
file any cause of action for monetary damages against the City of Palm Springs, the licensing official or any City employee because of this
application to renew a license, or issuance of a renewal license, or enforcement of the conditions of the license.
b. Release of City of Palm Springs from Liability to License Applicant and Licensee
By applying for a renewal, the applicant/licensee, owners and operators, and each of them, waive and release the City of Palm Springs, and
its elected officials, employees, agents, insurers and attorneys, and each of them, from any liability for injuries, damages, costs and
expenses of any nature whatsoever that result or relate to the investigation, arrest or prosecution of business owners, operators, employees,
clients or customers of the applicant/licensee for a violation of state or federal laws, rules or regulations relating to cannabis, including but not
limited to any background investigation associated with licensing determinations.
c. Agreement to Indemnify City of Palm Springs
By applying for a renewal pursuant to the City of Palm Springs cannabis program and by accepting a renewal license from the
City of Palm Springs, the applicant/licensee, owners and operators, and each of them, jointly and severally if more than one, agree
to indemnify, defend and hold harmless the City of Palm Springs, and its elected officials, employees, agents, insurers and
attorneys, and each of them, against all liability, claims and demands, of any nature whatsoever, including, but not limited to, those
arising from bodily injury, sickness, disease, death, property loss and property damage, arising out of or in any manner related to
the operation of the cannabis business that is the subject of the license. d. The undersigned certifies that any proposed new cannabis business manager and/or anyone proposed to obtain an ownership interest in
the business referenced herein represents and certifies they have submitted to a Live Scan background check no earlier than 30 days
prior to the date of this application.
e. The applicant represents and certifies that they continue to hold in good standing any license required by the State of
California for cannabis business operations.
f. The applicant understands that operators, employees, and members of the cannabis business may be subject to prosecution under
federal laws.
g. The person whose signature appears below is authorized to sign this application on behalf of the business and all owners and operators
of the business and has submitted this information and all attachments to renew a Palm Springs cannabis license.
AFFIRMATION AND CONSENT
Under penalty of perjury, I hereby declare that the information contained within and submitted with the application is complete, true, and accurate. I
understand that a misrepresentation of fact is cause for rejection of this application, denial of a license, or revocation of a license issued.
APPLICANT SIGNATURE PRINTED NAME AND TITLE DATE
State of California
County of
On , before me, (insert name and title of the officer),
personally appeared , who proved to me on
the basis of satisfactory evidence to be the person(s) whose name(s) is/are subscribed to the within instrument and
acknowledged to me that he/she/they executed the same in his/her/their authorized capacity(ies), and that by his/her/their
signature(s) on the instrument the person(s), or the entity upon behalf of which the person(s) acted, executed the instrument.
I certify under PENALTY OF PERJURY under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing paragraph is true and
correct. WITNESS my hand and official seal.
(Seal) Signature: _______________________________
A notary public or other officer completing this certificate verifies only the
identity of the individual who signed the document to which this certificate is
attached, and not the truthfulness, accuracy, or validity of that document.
Cannabis Temporary Event – Venue Recommendation Workgroup Biographies
Scott Rusczyk: Scott has thirty (30) years of experience in business consulting,
management, administration, and operations. Scott is presently, the President of CVCAN
(Coachella Valley Cannabis Alliance Network), an organization that provides a
responsible and productive voice in the cannabis industry. Although non-practicing, he
graduated Brooklyn Law School and became a partner a NYC corporate reorganization
and bankruptcy law firm. Thereafter, Scott served as Executive Vice President of an LA
based merger & acquisition firm specializing in acquiring, improving, and successfully
selling companies in a variety of industries. He currently provides business development
services for The Caputo Group - a family-owned professional employer organization.
Approaching all such projects from an owner/operator perspective, he is intimately
familiar with sourcing and managing staff, financial and administrative matters, as well as
operations.
Jurgen Weiss: Jurgen’s career in the cannabis industry started in 2008 at the first legal
cannabis facility in Palm Springs, named Cannahelp. Since then , he has worked with
multiple cannabis facilities in the Coachella Valley. He has been in the cannabis industry
for 16 years. Since day one in his cannabis career, he has always been focused on the
highest quality product possible. Some of his best memories come from the cannabis
cups and different events that brought everyone in the industry together, for the better.
His experience at all these events could really help with the growth of the cannabis
industry in Palm Springs.
Tim Smith: Eventi Productions was founded by Tim Smith after working in the corporate
events arena for more than 20 years. Tim has produced several large conferences and
tradeshows, such as Oracle OpenWorld, which has upwards of 85,000 attendees.
Through Tim’s real-world experience, he has assembled a tight-knit team with a wide
range of knowledge and expertise on all aspects of event production and management.
Julie Montante: Julie has owned three (3) cannabis stores in Palm Springs; PSA
Organica, 420 Lounge and 420 Bank & Lounge. She has been in the cannabis industry
for 20 years. She was interested in joining the Special Event Planning group to make sure
cannabis gets the respect it should have, as well as the city, to make sure events are ran
properly with fair pricing, and to see if we can keep vendors, it in the Coachella Valley
so all our business can thrive and join in. She believes the city does a great job in all
events that take place and works on all of them.
Nasser Azimi: Ohana Cannabis is a statewide operator with dispensaries, deliveries,
and distribution centers in Northern and Southern California. Ohana has been operating
a robust and fully functional onsite consumption lounge in Emeryville since 2018 with new
onsite consumption locations going live in San Francisco and Oakland. Ohana also has
an active event management license. Ohana has been in operation since its inception in
the City of Sacramento during 2015 and has gained significant experience in every
cannabis vertical from cultivation to distribution, delivery, dispensary, onsite consumption,
and events management. Ohana has extensive experience in cannabis events and
consumption lounges. We have developed a unique approach to cater to the needs of
traditional cannabis consumers focused on smokables and vapes, but also the consumer
group that chooses other cannabis products such as drinks, edibles, tinctures, topicals,
and infused food products. Emeryville, being very similar to Palm Springs in terms of
tourism, we managed to capture the attention of locals and tourists from all over the world
to create a 5-Star experience for customers who visit our facilities.
Dan Donohue: Dan has been a part of the Eventi Productions team since the agency’s
inception in 2014. He comes to the Eventi team with 20 years of experience managing
operations and producing large-scale events in public education. Dan manages Eventi’s
workflow, project timelines, business development, finance, human resources, and
business structure. Dan is thrilled to be a part of a team that helps its clients scale their
business with world-class events.
Jocelyn Kane: Jocelyn Kane is the former Executive Director of San Francisco’s
Entertainment Commission and was charged with ensuring the health and vitality of
indoor and outdoor entertainment venues and outdoor events in San Francisco. She also
served on San Francisco’s Cannabis Legalization Task Force to bring fair and sensible
policy to cannabis regulations. Jocelyn is now working as a consultant to the Cannabis
Industry through her company, 24 Palm Trees LLC, assisting companies in every part of
the supply chain with understanding California’s rules on compliance, licensing, and
permits on both the local and state level. Located in Palm Springs, she also served as the
Legislative Director of the Coachella Valley Cannabis Alliance Network (CVCAN), the
Valley’s only Cannabis trade association, and is now the Vice President of the CVCAN
Board of Directors.
Brian Applegarth: Brian Applegarth is a cannabis travel subject matter expert and
independent consultant. Informed by data, Brian helps destinations, brands, and
businesses develop and grow in the visitor economy. Brian is the founder of the Cannabis
Travel Association International and he leads the cannabis and hemp work groups for
Destinations International and the California Travel Association. Brian’s work is data
driven. He was the sole advisor on the first ever national research on the cannabis travel
audience in the United States. Brian offers consultative services that center around
destination development and marketing strategies. He is a certified cannabis sommelier
and a certified cannabis therapy consultant, and co-produced the California State Fair
Cannabis Awards & Exhibit
Steve Wijatyk: Wijatyk opened Reefer Madness in March 2020, right when Governor
Newsom ordered shelter in place orders. Wijatyk remained open as an essential
business, reaching new customers by waving signs on busy Ramon Road and provided
extended hours. It has one of the largest cannabis inventories in the Coachella Valley
and prides itself on always having favorite products in store. The business is constantly
researching different strains and their many different benefits to provide the most accurate
information to the consumer and be able to direct them to the appropriate product for their
needs.
POLICY AREA CITY & COUNTY OF SAN
FRANCISCO
CITY OF OAKLAND CITY OF SANTA ROSA CITY OF SACRAMENTO HUMBOLDT COUNTY LOMPOC
Authorization To
Host Cannabis
Special Events
San Francisco Board of
Supervisors;
Established 1 year pilot program
with option to extend 2 years;
Pilot program only allows 7-8 events
per year;
Adopted separate permit rules and
regulations;
Later adopted amendments to
require local vendors only.
Oakland Council passed Ordinance
in 2018;
No more than 12 permits may be
issued for the same location or
same individual or entity per
calendar year;
Permit regulations unique to each
event.
Santa Rosa passed Ordinance in
January 2018;
Events on city property required
Special Event Permit;
Events on non-city property require
Temporary Use Permit;
Permit regulations unique to each
event.
Sacramento Council passed
resolution to authorize special event
at Cal Expo in 2018;
Cal Expo Board of Directors
approved policies and guidelines for
hosting cannabis special events at
Cal Expo;
Sacramento Council Ordinance and
resolution to require City
authorization to host events at Cal
Expo in 2019.
Humboldt County Board of
Supervisors passed Ordinance in
2018;
History of special events in
Humboldt County with onsite
consumption prior to Ordinance
approval;
Number of events allowed per year
and/or location are subject to
discretionary permit process.
Lompoc Council passed Ordinance
in 2022. Events are limited to two
events per year.
Events are limited to 2,000
attendees, with the exception of Ken
Adam Park, which is limited to 500
attendees.
Location Of
Cannabis Special
Events
Events only allowed on public
property;
Pilot program only allows for outdoor
events;
Cannabis special events temporarily
exempt from City smoking
ordinance.
Events allowed on public and private
property;
Events allowed outdoors;
Prohibits smoking in places of
employment and unenclosed
recreational areas.
Events allowed on county
fairgrounds, private property, and
public property;
To date, have only hosted one event
at Sonoma fairgrounds;
Does not prohibit indoor or outdoor
events, but prohibits consumption
(including vaping) where smoking is
prohibited.
Events only allowed at Cal Expo;
Events only allowed outdoors, no
smoking allowed in any State
buildings on Cal Expo grounds;
Smoking has been allowed in tented
areas.
Events allowed at county
fairgrounds, private property; and
public property;
Both indoor and outdoor events
permitted.
Events only allowed at Riverbend
Park, Ken Adam Park and River
Park, based on availability.
City Staff Onsite At
Cannabis Special
Events
City staff onsite at events, including
consumption areas;
Fire staff conducts onsite
inspections prior to the event, and
monitors from observation areas
during event;
Polce patrol transportation areas
from outside event;
Police do not staff consumption
areas, but will enter in the event
there is an emergency.
Staff perform vendor inspections in
consumption area prior to event;
No city staff inside of consumption
areas during event;
Oakland Police Department will
remain on perimeter during event.
No city staff inside of consumption
areas in the event of an emergency.
Cal Expo staff onsite at events, but
do not enter designated
consumption areas;
State will request additional staffing
from City Police and County Sheriff
Department;
Police will enter consumption area in
the event of an emergency.
County staff onsite at events, but do
not enter designated consumption
areas.
City staff onsite during event.
State Visibility
Requirements
Must obscure visibility into the
consumption area of at least 8 feet;
Gated fence or fenced-in buffer area
surround the consumption space to
limit overlap with publicly-accessible
areas.
Prohibits visibility of consumption
area from right of way.
Consumption areas must be
screened off from public.
Consumption area must be located
a minimum of 600 feet from any
simultaneous event at Cal Expo not
related to the cannabis special
event;
Must fence and screen off
designated consumption areas to
prohibit visibility from outside
consumption areas.
Consumption areas cannot be seen
from a public place.
Prohibits visibility of consumption.
Types Of Cannabis
Consumption
Prohibited
Prohibits dapping at events. Does not prohibit any type of
consumption.
Does not prohibit any kind of
consumption.
Does not prohibit any kind of
consumption.
Does not prohibit any kind of
consumption.
Prohibits dapping at events.
Cannabis Business
License Tax At
Cannabis Special
Events
Cannabis sales subject to local
cannabis tax.
Cannabis sales subject to local
cannabis tax.
Cannabis sales subject to local
cannabis tax.
Cannabis sales subject to local
cannabis tax.
N/A Cannabis sales subject to local
cannabis tax.
Event Security Event organizer must hire or
contract private security personnel
and EMS services to be onsite at
event.
Event organizer must hire or
contract private security personnel
and third-party services to be onsite
at event.
Event organizer must hire or
contract private security personnel
to be onsite at event.
Event organizer must hire or
contract private security personnel
and EMS services to be onsite at
event.
Event organizer must hire or
contract private security personnel
to be onsite at event.
Event organizer must hire or
contract private security personnel
and EMS services to be onsite at
event.
CANNABIS EVENT ORGANIZER LICENSE
• Cannabis events can only be held by a person
who has been issued a cannabis event organizer
license by the Bureau.
• The cannabis event organizer license is an
annual license, with fees based on the number of
events organized by the licensee per year.
• The cannabis event organizer is not authorized
to cultivate, distribute, manufacture, or sell
cannabis or cannabis products, unless the
licensee holds a separate license for that activity.
CANNABIS EVENT SALES AND CONSUMPTION
All temporary cannabis event sales must adhere
to the rules and requirements for on-site sales and
consumption of cannabis goods:
• All cannabis goods shall be transported to the
event site by a licensed distributor.
• All cannabis goods must be tested prior to retail
sale.
• Only a licensed retailer or microbusiness
licensed to sell cannabis goods to retail
customers can sell at a temporary cannabis
event.
• All cannabis goods shall adhere to retailer
requirements pertaining to displays, exit
packaging, customer returns, daily sales limits,
and free samples.
• All cannabis goods sales at the event must be
limited to persons 21 years of age or older.
• Licensees engaging in sales of cannabis goods
shall only conduct sales activities within their
designated area. Sales through use of a mobile
cart or similar means are prohibited.
CANNABIS EVENT
FACT SHEET
• Access to the area where cannabis consumption
is allowed shall be restricted to persons 21 years
of age or older and shall not be visible from any
public place or non-age-restricted area.
• Consumption of alcohol or tobacco shall not be
allowed on the cannabis event premises.
• Payment to a cannabis event organizer may not
be determined based on, or tied to, the sale of
cannabis goods.
TEMPORARY CANNABIS EVENT LICENSE
• To obtain a temporary cannabis event license,
the cannabis event organizer licensee must
submit an application to the Bureau at least 60
days before the first day of the cannabis event.
• Each temporary cannabis event must be issued
a separate temporary cannabis event license by
the Bureau for the specific date(s) and location of
the event.
• A temporary cannabis event license will not be
issued for more than four consecutive days.
• Cannabis events must be held at a county fair
or district agricultural association event, or at
another venue expressly approved by a local
jurisdiction for temporary cannabis events.
• Written approval from the local jurisdiction
authorizing on-site cannabis sales and
consumption by persons age 21 or older at the
event is required for all temporary cannabis
events.
• The cannabis event organizer will be required to
provide the following to the Bureau:
- A diagram of the physical layout of the event,
which includes information contained in
section 5601 (h)(5) of the Bureau’s regulations.
(continued on next page)
REVISED: 02/19
Bureau of Cannabis Control
2920 Kilgore Road
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
E bcc@dca.ca.gov | P (833) 768-5880
For the latest updates, follow
the Bureau on social media
WWW.BCC.CA.GOV
PDE_19-072
- A list of all licensees providing on-site sales
at the event. If the list of licensees changes
after the application is submitted or after the
license is issued, the applicant shall submit a
Notification Request Form, an updated list of
licensees, and an updated event diagram to
the Bureau no less than 72 hours before the
event.
- Contact information for a designated contact
person(s) who shall be on-site at the event and
reachable by phone during the event.
INFORMATIONAL OR EDUCATION CANNABIS
EVENTS
• Informational or educational cannabis events
where no cannabis goods are sold or consumed
are not required to obtain a temporary cannabis
event license.
• Any display of cannabis goods must comply with
statutory possession limits.
CANNABIS EVENT
FACT SHEET
(continued)
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