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HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 1.A 06/26/2017ffel 9005 Agenda Item #1.A Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council through City Manager Ken Savano, Police Chief Eric Danly, City Attorney SUBJECT: Workshop to Discuss Current Federal, State, and Local Marijuana Regulations and Petaluma Neighborhood Preservation and Enforcement Issues Since Adoption in January, 2016 of the Current Petaluma Medical Marijuana Regulations in Chapter 10.15 of the City of Petaluma Municipal Code and to Receive Council Direction Regarding Potential Amendments to Petaluma's Marijuana Regulations RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the City Council discuss the agenda materials and staff presentation regarding current Federal, State and local marijuana regulations and Petaluma neighborhood preservation and enforcement issues since adoption in January, 2016 of the current Petaluma medical marijuana regulations in Chapter 10.15 of the Petaluma Municipal Code. As part of the Council's deliberation on current marijuana regulations, staff recommends that the Council consider and provide staff direction on potential amendments to Petaluma's existing medical marijuana regulations to make them applicable also to non - medical marijuana, in accordance with the following analysis and recommendations. BACKGROUND Introduction On January 26, 2016, the Petaluma City Council adopted the current ordinance found in Chapter 10.15 of the Petaluma Municipal Code regulating medical marijuana in the City. In November 2016, Proposition 64, the "Adult Use of Marijuana Act" was approved by California voters. Chapter 10.15 of the Petaluma Municipal Code does not address a variety of community and public safety issues related to the passage of Proposition 64. This workshop is intended to assist the City Council in considering legal developments related to marijuana through and including passage of Proposition 64, community and public safety issues in the context of Proposition 64 and marijuana law generally, and policy and regulatory options available to California cities. The workshop materials include staff recommendations for possible amendments to the City's medical marijuana regulations intended to ensure public safety and neighborhood preservation in Petaluma. Following is a summary of the history of federal, state and local marijuana legislation and case law, as background for a discussion of current marijuana issues in Petaluma. History of Marijuana Law Controlled Substances Act In 1970, Congress enacted the Controlled Substances Act ( "CSA ") which, among other things, makes it illegal to import, manufacture, distribute, possess, or use marijuana in the United States. Marijuana is still illegal under federal law as it exists today.1 Compassionate Use Act In 1996, California voters approved Proposition 215 entitled "The Compassionate Use Act of 1996" ( "CUA "), which creates a limited exception from criminal liability under state law for seriously ill persons who are in need of medical marijuana for specified medical purposes and who obtain and use medical marijuana under limited, specified circumstances.2 The CUA expressly anticipated the enactment of additional local legislation. It provides: "Nothing in this section shall be construed to supersede legislation prohibiting persons from engaging in conduct that endangers others, nor to condone the diversion of marijuana for non - medical purposes. "3 Medical Marijuana Program On January 1, 2004, the Legislature adopted Senate Bill 420, known as the Medical Marijuana Program ( "MMP ").4 The MMP establishes the term "qualified patient," defined as a person whose physician has recommended the use of marijuana to treat a serious illness or any other illness for which marijuana provides relief.5 The MMP also establishes the term "primary caregiver," defined as a person who is designated by a qualified patient and "has consistently assumed responsibility for the housing, health, or safety" of the patient. "6 Qualified patients and primary caregivers for qualified patients have immunity from state criminal liability for possession of marijuana. Petaluma Municipal Code Chapter 10.15 On January 21, 2007, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 2269 N.C.S., adding Chapter 10.15 to the Municipal Code, which prohibited dispensaries within Petaluma City limits. The ordinance was intended to protect residents from the secondary impacts associated with dispensaries, such as illegal sales, loitering, fraud, assaults and other crimes, and to prevent increased demands for police response resulting from those activities. Chapter 10.15 did not address marijuana cultivation. 121 U.S.C. 801 et seq. 2 Health and Safety Code §11362.5, et seq. 3 Health and Safety Code §11362.5(b)(2). 4 Health and Safety Code § §11362.7 - 11362.83. 5 Health and Safety Code §11362.7(1); see also §11362.5(b)(1)(a). 6 Health and Safety Code §11362.7(d); see also §11362.5(e). 7 Health and Safety Code, §11362.7(e). N Medical Marijuana Case Law Following enactment of the CUA and MMP, there was extensive litigation regarding the extent that cities and counties could regulate medical marijuana. In 2013, the California Supreme Court finally settled the issue of dispensary bans. In City of Riverside, the California Supreme Court held that cities have the authority under their land use and police powers to restrict, limit or entirely exclude facilities that distribute medical marijuana and to enforce such policies by nuisance actions.8 In the same year, following the Riverside case, the Third District Court of Appeal held in Maral that cities have the authority to ban marijuana cultivation within their boundaries.9 At the time of the City of Riverside and Maral rulings, it was well settled that California cities had the authority to ban both marijuana dispensaries and cultivation. Subsequently, on December 1, 2015, the Fifth District Court of Appeal issued its opinion in Kirby, which upheld a county ordinance banning medical marijuana dispensaries, cultivation and storage, but invalidated the ordinance's classification of local medical marijuana cultivation as a misdemeanor. 10 The court held that Section 11362.71 of the MMP preempts local criminalization of medical marijuana cultivation. Although the court in Kirby invalidated the local criminalization of medical marijuana cultivation, the court noted that local prosecution of medical marijuana cultivation public nuisances is not preempted, because the Legislature recognizes the failure to abate a public nuisance after notice as a separate crime. Medical Marijuana Regulation and Safety Act Three bills, AB 243, AB 266, and SB 643, collectively entitled the "Medical Marijuana Regulation and Safety Act" ( "MMRSA ") were signed by the Governor October 9, 2015.11 The three bills were triple joined and signed as a package. The legislation created a statewide regulatory and licensing program covering a broad range of medical marijuana related activities, including cultivation, commercial cannabis activity, transport, delivery, and physician recommendations of medical marijuana. In some ways the MMRSA regulatory scheme is similar to that governing alcohol, with the state licensing distributers /retailers, and local governments retaining some local control through exercise of their police powers. AB 243, part of the MMRSA regulating medical marijuana cultivation, generally prohibits cultivating medical marijuana without first obtainin� both a permit from the local jurisdiction in which the cultivation will occur, and a state license. 2 Under this bill as originally proposed, if a local jurisdiction did not have land use regulations or ordinances regulating marijuana cultivation in effect by March 1, 2016, the state would become the sole licensing authority for medical marijuana cultivation in that jurisdiction. The bill's author ultimately introduced urgency legislation that deleted the deadline. Section 11362.777(g) of the MMRSA created an exception from state licensing requirements for qualified patients cultivating marijuana in cultivation areas that do not exceed 100 square feet for 8 City of Riverside v. Inland Empire Patients Health and Wellness Center, Inc., (2013) 56 CalAth 729. 9 Maral v. City of Live Oak, (2013) 221 Cal.App.4th 975. 10 Kirby v. County of Fresno, (2015) 242 Cal.App.41h 940. 11 Business and Professions Code §§ 144, 205.1, 2220.05 et seq., 19300 et seq., Fish and Game Code § 11362.769 et seq., Government Code §9147.7, Health and Safety Code § 11362.775 et seq., Labor Code § 147.5, Revenue and Taxation Code §31020, Water Code § 13276 et seq. 12 Health and Safety Code §11362.777(b) the patient's personal medical use and not for sale, distribution, donation, or provision to any other person or entity, and for primary care givers cultivating marijuana in cultivation areas that do not exceed 500 square feet exclusively for the personal medical use of not more than five specified qualified patients for whom they act as primary caregivers without compensation, . except as permitted by law. 13 This exception in the MMRSA was important for local jurisdictions like Petaluma that considered banning medical marijuana cultivation, subject to an exception for qualified patients and primary caregivers, because it excused eligible qualified patients and primary caregivers fiom obtaining state cultivation licenses, which they would be unable to obtain without a local permit. Without the exception in Section 11362.777(g), Petaluma would have been required to issue local permits for qualified patients and primary care givers to permit them to cultivate medical marijuana without violating state law. The exemption in Section 11362.777(g) expressly reserved local jurisdictions' authority to regulate or ban the cultivation, storage, manufacture, transport, provision or other activity by exempt persons, and to enforce such regulations or bans. 14 In other words, the MMRSA expressly permitted local agencies like Petaluma to ban local cultivation of medical marijuana altogether, regardless of the exception for qualified patients and primary caregivers. AB 266, part of the MMRSA regulating commercial cannabis activity such as manufacturing, distributing, processing, storing, testing, labeling, transporting, or selling medical cannabis or medical cannabis products, expressly did not supersede or limit existing local authority for law enforcement activity, enforcement of local zoning requirements or local ordinances, or enforcement of local permit or licensing requirements.15 AB 266 provided that medical marijuana deliveries as defined can only be made by a dispensary and in a local jurisdiction that does not explicitly prohibit it by a local ordinance. 16 Together, these MMRSA provisions recognized the authority of local jurisdictions to ban or otherwise regulate commercial cannabis activity like marijuana processing, as well as local delivery of medical marijuana. SB 643, part of the MMRSA regulating physician cannabis recommendations and commercial cannabis activity, provided that qualified patients and primary caregivers as defined are exempt from the licensing requirements under that chapter. 17 These statutes provided a legal basis for local agencies, if they wished, to ban commercial cannabis activity and marijuana delivery. Amendments to Chapter 10.15 of the Petaluma Municipal Code On September 28, 2015, the City Council conducted a workshop to consider the issue of local regulation of medical marijuana cultivation and a draft ordinance that would amend the City's existing medical marijuana regulations to include requirements regarding medical marijuana cultivation. Interested parties, including medical marijuana and patient advocates and patients attended the meeting. The Council did not introduce the draft ordinance and directed to staff to conduct stakeholder meetings. 13 Health and Safety Code § 11362.777(g). 14 Health and Safety Code § 11362.777(g). 15 Business and Professions Code § 19315 (a). 16 Business and Professions Code § 19340(a). 17 Health and Safety Code § 19319(a). 0 In accordance with direction of the City Council, on November 6, 2015, staff from the Police Department met with representatives of the Sonoma Alliance for Medical Marijuana (SAMM), the Sonoma County Growers Alliance (SCGA), and Americans For Safe Access (AFSA). All three local organizations provide support services for medical marijuana patients. They expressed interest in working with the City to develop local regulations: The dialogue was productive and the stakeholders appreciated the work by staff to address nuisance issues while respecting patient rights. Following the stakeholder meetings staff presented and discussed the stakeholder recommendations in the staff report prepared for City Council consideration. The stakeholder recommendations included the following: • that the City of Petaluma adopt the same local regulations adopted by the County of Sonoma; • removal of the restriction limiting indoor cultivation areas that are not locally prohibited to 50% of the non - living or garage area of a residence; and • establishment of a permit process to create local tax revenue benefits. At the time, the use of Petaluma homes for illegal cultivation of marijuana for commercial sale was increasing, as indicated by the following: • at the more than 30 community town hall meetings held beginning in 2013, marijuana cultivation in neighborhoods remained one of the top five neighborhood complaints of City residents; • complaints from property owners who rented their homes and subsequently discovered that renters converted the homes to indoor marijuana grows; • a significant increase in home invasion robberies, with such attacks frequently involving guns and violence; and • an increase in the number of complaints from residents about indoor or outdoor marijuana grows. Of concern to Police Department staff at the time was the potential for using the medical marijuana laws to skirt the law and grow marijuana illegally for commercial sale. The Police Department was aware of people obtaining Proposition 215 cards from multiple medical marijuana patients and using the cards to grow additional marijuana for commercial sale. The unclear distinction between medical and illegal commercial cultivation and the lack of local regulations governing medical marijuana cultivation created difficulties for'law enforcement and the community by: • enabling large indoor cultivation areas in homes; • increasing building and. fire code violations exposing residents and neighbors to potential hazards and endangering first responders; • exposing residents to health hazards from mold and water damage; • creating increased nuisance conditions in neighborhoods; and • increasing other illegal activities such as the frequency of home invasion robberies, and gun use, undermining neighborly communities. On November 16, 2015, the City Council considered for introduction, a draft ordinance prepared in response to the Council's September guidance to staff and stakeholder input. The draft ordinance created a single exception to a ban on cultivation: qualified individuals could utilize up to 100 square feet of non - living, indoor space, at their residence. The exception would allow cultivation inside a house, or in an enclosed ancillary structure, such as a garden shed, as long as the structure consisted of opaque walls, a roof, and a door with a lock. Based on testimony provided at the public meeting, and similar correspondence, the City Council provided further direction related to outdoor cultivation: A majority of the Council members supported excluding from the City's cultivation ban limited outdoor cultivation for qualified patients and primary caregivers consisting of up to three mature plants that can be cultivated outdoors, as part of the 100 square foot maximum. At the time, the March 1, 2016 deadline included in AB -243 was also discussed, with the Council directing that any amendments to Chapter 10.15 of the Petaluma Municipal Code should be completed so that the ordinance would become effective prior to March 1, 2016. On January 4, 2016, staff presented the City Council a revised ordinance to amend Chapter 10.15 consistent with the Council's November, 2015 direction. The City Council introduced the ordinance. Ordinance 2563 - N.C.S. was adopted January 25, 2016 and took effect February 25, 2016. The Ordinance incorporated the following amendments into the medical marijuana regulations in Chapter 10.15 of the Petaluma Municipal Code: • an updated purpose section addressing the intent to expand Chapter 10.15 to regulate medical marijuana cultivation, commercial cannabis activity, and delivery; • a replacement definitions section adding definitions required by the expanded chapter and updating definitions to conform to the MMRSA; • an updated dispensary prohibition that also prohibits commercial cannabis activity, subject to exceptions specified in the chapter; • a prohibition against marijuana cultivation, subject to specified exceptions for qualified patients and primary caregivers; • a prohibition against medical marijuana delivery, subject to specified exceptions for qualified patients and primary caregivers; • a revised prohibition against the granting of medical marijuana entitlements in the City, consistent with the expanded purposes of the chapter; and • a revised enforcement provision establishing that all activity prohibited under the chapter is a public nuisance. Ordinance 2563 — N.C.S required qualified patients and primary caregivers to satisfy the following to qualify for the cultivation exception: • They must be qualified patients or primary caregivers as defined by law. • Either a qualified patient or primary caregiver must reside full -time at the residence where the medical marijuana cultivation occurs. • Cultivation of medical marijuana in any agricultural, commercial, office, industrial, open space, special purpose, or overlay /combining zoning districts could not qualify. • Cultivation using grow lights that exceed one thousand two hundred (1,200) watts or generators or gas products could not qualify. • Only outdoor cultivation consisting of 3 or fewer mature plants qualified. • Cultivation that can be seen or smelled from the public right of way or private property could not qualify. R • Cultivation inside of residences that are not in full compliance with the City's Municipal Code, including its building code and fire code, could not qualify. • Indoor cultivation that exceeds the lesser of 50% of the non - living area/garage area of a residence or 100 square feet, or that displaces required on -site parking could not qualify. • Where indoor and outdoor cultivation are both occurring at the same residence, only cultivation that meets all the requirements for eligible indoor and outdoor cultivation and that does not exceed a total 100 square feet for the indoor and outdoor cultivation areas combined could qualify. • Cultivation must remain at all times a secondary or accessory use to the residential use of the residence to qualify. The prohibition in Ordinance 2563 N.C.S. against commercial cannabis activity was intended to treat commercial medical marijuana processing in the City as a nuisance. Such processing, including extracting hash oil from marijuana, has resulted in property loss in the City and poses significant risk of personal injury and property damage. To harmonize Petaluma's medical marijuana regulations with the MMRA, it was necessary to address commercial cannabis activity because the MMRSA covers marijuana processing under its definition of commercial cannabis activity. The definition of cultivation in the MMRA does not cover processing. The addition of a delivery ban, subject to a specified exception for qualified patients and primary caregivers, was intended to address health and safety hazards, negative neighborhood impacts and increased demands on the police department that can result from medical marijuana delivery occurring during nighttime hours, or consisting of large amounts of marijuana, or involving medical marijuana delivery by minors. By adopting a cultivation ban that included an exception for qualified patients and primary caregivers, Ordinance 2563- N.C.S. had the effect of banning all marijuana cultivation in the City, except that of qualified patients and primary caregivers in accordance with the ordinance requirements. As a result, eligible patients and primary caregivers could avoid violating local and state cultivation regulations. Similarly, Ordinance 2563- N.C.S.included an exception to its medical marijuana delivery ban for delivery to qualified patients and primary caregivers consistent with the ordinance. By adopting commercial cannabis and delivery bans that contained exceptions for qualified patients and primary caregivers, Ordinance 2563- N.C.S. provided a means for qualified patients and primary caregivers to avoid violating local and state commercial cannabis and delivery regulations. Ordinance 2563.N.C.S. was also drafted to be consistent with the holding in Kirby by defining violations of the chapter to be public nuisances. 18 Throughout the City's medical marijuana regulatory process, City staff has advised against issuing medical marijuana permits, because marijuana remains illegal under federal law, and City authorization of marijuana activity could be a basis of liability for the City and its officials under the CSA.19 So far the City Council has not supported issuance of local medical marijuana permits. In 2011, in a case before the Second District Court of appeal, the court considered whether the City of Long Beach permitting regulations for medical marijuana collectives was preempted by 18 Kirby v. County of Fresno, (2015) 242 Ca1.App.4' 940. 19 U.S. v. Oakland Cannabis Buyers Coop (2001) 532 U.S. 483. VA the CSA .20 The court concluded that the Long Beach regulations were preempted, and considered in dicta whether the city's. regulations required city officials to violate federal law by aiding or abetting GSA violations. The court noted that the U.S. Attorneys for the Eastern and Western Districts of Washington took the position that state employees who conducted activities mandated by Washington proposals for licensing marijuana growers and dispensaries would not be immune from CSA liability. The court further observed that even though a California court held that law enforcement officials who return confiscated medical marijuana do not thereby violate the CSA, the court was uncertain whether "the federal courts would take such a narrow view. "21 The Long Beach case was superseded by grant of review, but in October, 2011, the U.S. Attorneys for California also sent letters to local governments indicating that city employees who conduct activities mandated by local marijuana ordinances were not immune from CSA liability. The Department of Justice updated its position in 2013. However, the issue of potential local agency and local agency official liability under the CSA related to local marijuana permits is not a settled question. Proposition 64 — The Adult Use of Marijuana Act California voters approved the Control, Regulate and Tax Adult Use of Marijuana Act, referred to as the Adult Use of Marijuana Act ( "AUMA "), in November, 2016.22 The act took effect the day after the election on November 9, 2016. The AUMA decriminalized for state law purposes specified personal use and cultivation of nonmedical marijuana, and established a state regulatory and licensing program for nonmedical marijuana commercial cultivation, testing, distribution and manufacturing. The AUMA regulatory scheme established for nonmedical marijuana is largely similar to that established for medical marijuana under the MMRSA, with some differences. The AUMA preserved intact regarding nonmedical marijuana much of the authority of local agencies to regulate or ban medical marijuana pursuant to the CUA, MMP, and the MMRSA. However, the AUMA bars local agencies from prohibiting specified personal use and cultivation of nonmedical marijuana. More particularly, the AUMA provides that it is not a violation of state or local law for persons 21 years old or older to: • possess, process, transport, purchase, obtain, or give away to persons 21 years old or older without any compensation whatsoever not more than 28.5 grams of marijuana not in the form of concentrated cannabis or not more than 8 grams of concentrated cannabis, including as contained in marijuana products; 23 • possess, plant, cultivate, harvest, dry, or process not more than six living marijuana plants and possess the marijuana produced by the plants; 24 • smoke, or ingest marijuana or marijuana products; or t025 • possess, transport, purchase, obtain, use, manufacture, or give away marijuana accessories to persons 21 years of age or older without any compensation whatsoever. 26 20 Pack v. Superior Court (2011) 199 Cal.App.4h 1070, review granted and opinion superseded by Pack v. Superior Court (2012) 136 Ca1.Rptr. 3d 665. 21 Pack v. Superior Court (2011) 199 Ca1.App.4 h 1070, review granted and opinion superseded by Pack v. Superior Court (2012) 136 Cal.Rptr. 3d 665, citing City of Garden Grove v. Superior Court (2007) 157 Cal.App.4tli 355. 22 Health and Safety Code § 11018 et seq., Business and Professions Code §26000 et seq., Revenue and Taxation Code §34010 et seq., Food and Agricultural Code §81000 et seq. 23 Health and Safety Code § 11362. l(a)(1),(2). 24 Health and Safety Code §11362.1(a)(3). 25 Health and Safety Code §11362,1(a)(4). 8 Under the AUMA, permitted personal cultivation: must be in accordance with reasonable local regulatory ordinances; 27 must ensure that living plants and any marijuana they produce in excess of 28.5 grams are kept within the person's private residence or upon the grounds of the residence in a locked space not visible by normal unaided vision from a public place; 28 cannot exceed six living plants cultivated, harvested, dried or processed within a single private residence, including a house, apartment unit, mobile home, or other similar dwelling, or upon the residence grounds at one time. 29 Although the AUMA permits local agencies to impose reasonable regulations on personal, nonmedical marijuana cultivation, harvesting, drying, and processing, such regulations may not take the form of a complete prohibition, as long as the permitted activities occur inside a private residence or an accessory structure to a private residence that is fully enclosed and secure. 30 Also, local jurisdictions cannot prevent those that are licensed under the AUMA from transporting marijuana or marijuana products on public roads. 31 The AUMA authorizes local agencies to completely prohibit outdoor cultivation of nonmedical cannabis on the grounds of private residences. 32 If the California Attorney General determines that use of nonmedical marijuana in California is lawful under federal law, local prohibitions of outdoor cultivation of nonmedical marijuana on private residence grounds are deemed repealed.33 The AUMA also permits public and private employers to maintain drug and alcohol free workplaces and to prohibit marijuana use by employees and prospective employees. 34 Under the AUMA local agencies may also prohibit or restrict possession, processing, transportation, purchasing, obtaining, giving away, planting, cultivating, harvesting, drying, processing, smoking, ingesting, or manufacturing marijuana or marijuana products in buildings owned, leased or occupied by the local agency.35 The nonmedical marijuana uses legalized for state law purposes under the AUMA do not include: smoking or ingesting marijuana or marijuana products in public places except specified licensed retail establishments ;36 smoking marijuana or marijuana products in a location where smoking tobacco is prohibited; 37 26 Health and Safety Code §11362.1(a)(5). 27 Health and Safety Code §11362.2(a)(1). 28 Health and Safety Code §11362.2(a)(2). 29 Health and Safety Code § 11362.2(a)(3). 30 Health and Safety Code § 11362.2(b)(2). 31 Business and Professions Code §26080(b). 32 Health and Safety Code §11362.2(b)(3). 33 Health and Safety Code §11362.2(b)(4). 34 Health and Safety Code §11362.45(f). 35 Health and Safety Code §11362.45(g). 36 Health and Safety Code §11362.3(a)(1). 37 Health and Safety Code §11362.3(a)(2). 6 • smoking marijuana or marijuana products within 1000 feet of a school, day care center, or youth center while children are present, except in or upon the grounds of a private residence or in specified retail establishments, but only if the smoking is not detectable by others on the grounds of the school, day care center or youth center while children are present; 38 • possessing an open container of marijuana or marijuana products while driving, operating or riding in the passenger seat or compartment of a motor vehicle, boat, vessel, aircraft or other vehicle used for transportation; 39 • possessing, smoking or ingesting marijuana or marijuana products in or upon the grounds of a school, day care center or youth center while children are present;40 • manufacturing concentrated cannabis using a volatile solvent, unless under license; 41 • smoking or ingesting marijuana or marijuana products while driving, or operating a motor vehicle, boat, vessel, aircraft or other vehicle used for transportation;42 or • smoking or ingesting marijuana or marijuana products while riding in the passenger seat or compartment of a motor vehicle, boat, vessel, aircraft or other vehicle used for transportation except as permitted on a motor vehicle, boat, vessel, aircraft or other vehicle used for transportation that is operated as part of a licensed retail establishment while no persons under 21 years of age are present. 43 The AUMA permits local agencies to regulate and completely prohibit nonmedical marijuana businesses that would be subject to state license under the AUMA.44 The state cannot approve applications for nonmedical marijuana commercial licenses if doing so would violate any lawful local ordinance or regulation governing nonmedical marijuana businesses. 45 Applicants for state nonmedical marijuana business licenses need not provide documentation they have obtained an authorization to operate from the local jurisdiction in which the business plans to operate. 46 The AUMA also establishes a marijuana taxation scheme. Effective January 1, 2018, marijuana retail sales are subject to a state excise tax of 15% of gross receipts in addition to existing state and local sales tax. 47 In Petaluma, the total tax rate on retail nonmedical marijuana sales will be 23.125% of gross receipts. Also effective January 1, 2018, the AUMA imposes a cultivation tax on harvested nonmedical marijuana at the rate of $9.25 per dry- weight ounce on all marijuana flowers, and $2.75 per dry- weight ounce on all marijuana leaves. 48 After reimbursing state agency regulatory costs, and funding grants for university research and the Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development, the AUMA allocates proceeds from the state marijuana taxes as follows: 60% for youth programs, substance abuse education, prevention and treatment; 20% for environmental cleanup and remediation; and 20% for state and local programs to reduce driving while intoxicated and local government grants for law enforcement, fire protection and 38 Health and Safety Code §11362.3(a)(3). 39 Health and Safety Code §11362.3(a)(4). 40 Health and Safety Code §11362.3(a)(5). 41 Health and Safety Code §11362.3(a)(6). 42 Health and Safety Code §11362.3(a)(7). 43 Health and Safety Code §11362.3(a)(8). 44 Business and Professions Code §26200(a). 45 Business and Professions Code §26055(e). 46 Business and Professions Code §26056(a). 47 Revenue and Taxation Code §34011. 4' Revenue and Taxation Code §34012. [[I] other pro rams addressing public health and safety associated with implementation of the AUMA.4 Local governments that ban nonmedical marijuana cultivation, retail sales or products are ineligible for grants. 50 The AUMA exempts from taxation medical marijuana sales and cultivation for personal use and by qualified patients and primary caregivers in accordance with the CUA.51 The AUMA permits imposition of local taxes on nonmedical marijuana. 52 Local taxation of nonmedical marijuana would apply in addition to the state marijuana excise tax under the AUMA and existing local sales tax. 53 In other words, an additional local tax rate applicable to nonmedical marijuana sales in Petaluma would be on top of the 23.125% rate. DISCUSSION The issue of marijuana cultivation in Petaluma continues to result in frequent reports to the Police and Planning Departments, in requests for permits for commercial cultivation; in interest in cultivation for personal or medicinal use; in public safety incidents that include electrical fires or ignition of chemical substances utilized in the cultivation process; from crimes occurring at grow sites; and from neighborhood concerns regarding odors, late night traffic, and related nuisances. Since the enactment of the January 2016 amendments to Chapter 10.15, the Police Department has responded to and successfully resolved more than 29 residential marijuana cultivation complaints. There were 13 indoor cultivation complaints and 16 outdoor cultivation complaints. As a result of the Chapter 10.15 regulations, the Police Department was able to successfully abate all 29 nuisances reported in residential neighborhoods. Of the reported cases, Code Enforcement issued 6 "Notices to Correct," 4 "Notices of Violation," 12 violators voluntarily corrected the problem, and 7 were addressed through criminal prosecution. At the present time, there are no outstanding marijuana cultivation complaints. None of the abatements required significant commitment of City Attorney's Office resources or outside legal fees. The City Council direction during the September 23, 2015 workshop recognized the need of a segment of the community for medicinal marijuana, as well as the importance of ensuring the health and safety of the entire community. However, since the passage of Proposition 64, the regulatory tools that the Police Department has used to successfully abate marijuana nuisances in Petaluma neighborhoods are rendered ineffective. The existing Chapter 10.15 regulations allow the City to exercise local authority recognized in the MMRSA and in the medical marijuana case law to ban within the City of Petaluma most medical marijuana- related activity, including dispensaries, cultivation, commercial cannabis activity and delivery, subject to specified exceptions for qualified patients and primary caregivers. The limited exceptions for qualified patients and primary caregivers in the existing ordinance are intended to work in conjunction with exemptions in the MMRSA so that qualified patients and primary caregivers in Petaluma can cultivate and receive delivery of sufficient medical marijuana without violating local or state law and without creating nuisance conditions in the City that create safety risks and diminish the quality of life for all citizens. 49 Revenue and Taxation Code §34019. so Revenue and Taxation Code §34019(fl(3)(c). si Revenue and Taxation Code §34011(g), §340120). 12 Revenue and Taxation Code §34021. " Revenue and Taxation Code §34021. 11 The City's existing medical marijuana regulations created exceptions to local bans on medical marijuana activity, as opposed to establishing a permit scheme, to avoid any potential for City or City official liability under the CSA, as discussed earlier in this report. Accordingly, Chapter 10.15 provides for limited circumstances under which the City will not enforce its prohibition on medical marijuana cultivation and other medical marijuana related activity without expressly authorizing any medical marijuana related activity. This avoids involving the City and City officials in activity that purports to authorize violations of federal law, while accommodating access for patients. The January, 2016 amendments to Chapter 10.15 addressed the concerns expressed by a majority of the Council that cultivation should not occur inside the living areas of structures. A majority of the Council members were also in favor of excluding from the City's cultivation ban limited indoor and outdoor cultivation for qualified patients and primary caregivers. The existing regulations balance the health and welfare of medical marijuana patients and the health and welfare of all Petaluma citizens by ensuring that the exceptions for qualified patients and caregivers do not lead to public nuisances from marijuana odor, attractiveness to theft and related criminal activity. The Council also expressed concerns regarding excessive energy use and adequate ventilation and these considerations were addressed as well. The passage of Proposition 64 creates the challenge as well as the opportunity to address nonmedical marijuana regulation to maintain public safety and the quality of life in Petaluma. Before the 2016 updates to Chapter 10. 15, the Police Department lacked the enforcement tools to address marijuana cultivation in residential neighborhoods. The 2016 amendments provided the necessary enforcement means needed to abate medical marijuana cultivation. Now that Proposition 64 has decriminalized nonmedical marijuana cultivation and other related activities for purposes of state law, staff recommends amending Chapter 10.15 again to apply the same regulations that have been imposed on medical marijuana in the City to nonmedical marijuana, for the same reasons the Council authorized the 2016 amendments. However, some additional changes are needed to comply with key provisions in Proposition 64. For example, staff recommends replacing square footage limits on medical marijuana cultivation under Chapter 10.15 with a limit of 6 plants per residence. In addition, Staff recommends that the Council consider directing staff to prepare amendments to Chapter 10.15 of the Petaluma Municipal Code that would establish regarding nonmedical marijuana the following, consistent with the current regulations governing medical marijuana: • an updated purpose section addressing the intent to expand Chapter 10.15 to regulate nonmedical marijuana in addition to medical marijuana dispensaries, cultivation, commercial cannabis activity, and delivery; • a replacement definitions section adding definitions required by the expanded chapter and updating definitions to conform to definitions in the AUMA; • a prohibition against nonmedical marijuana cultivation, subject to an exception for 6 plants and the marijuana they produce in accordance with the AUMA; • a prohibition against nonmedical marijuana delivery, subject to specified requirements of the AUMA; • a prohibition against the granting of nonmedical marijuana entitlements in the City, consistent with the expanded purposes of the chapter; and 12 a revised enforcement provision establishing that all activity prohibited under the expanded chapter is a public nuisance. In keeping with the provisions of existing Chapter 10. 15, staff recommends that the following requirements also be applied to nonmedical marijuana: • No cultivation of nonmedical marijuana in any agricultural, commercial, office, . industrial, open space, special purpose, or overlay /combining zoning districts. • Cultivation may not use grow lights that exceed one thousand two hundred (1,200) watts or generators or gas products. • Only cultivation totaling no more than 6 plants (including indoor and outdoor cultivation) per residence is exempt. • Cultivation that can be seen or smelled from the public right of way or private property is not exempt. • Cultivation inside of residences that are not in full compliance with the City's Municipal Code, including its building code and fire code, is not exempt. • Subject to the AUMA exception for 6 plants, indoor cultivation that exceeds the lesser of 50% of the non - living area/garage area of a residence or 100 square feet, or that displaces required on -site parking is not exempt. • Cultivation must remain at all times a secondary or accessory use to the residential use of the residence to be exempt. Staff believes that the recommended amendments to Chapter 10.15 of the Petaluma Municipal Code to make the requirements of that chapter applicable to nonmedical marijuana can preserve patients' access to medical marijuana, and preserve the City's existing regulatory tools for preventing nuisances and maintaining quality of life in Petaluma neighborhoods, while at the same time complying with changes to state marijuana law pursuant to Proposition 64, the Adult Use of Marijuana Act. FISCAL IMPACT The Police Department would continue to enforce violations of Petaluma Municipal Code Chapter 10.15 with existing resources. If other City Council policy direction is given, associated financial impacts would be evaluated and included in future staff recommendations and agenda materials. ATTACHMENTS 1. Existing Chapter 10.15 of the Petaluma Municipal Code 2. League of California Cities' Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Proposition 64 3. League of California Cities' AUMA Memo 13 Attachment 1 Home F . _ 1> _ ._ CHAPTER 10.15 MEDICAL MARIJUANA 10.15.01,0 Purpose.:.:....:::: SHARE::........`J The purpose of this chapter is to promote the public health, safety and welfare by: A. Protecting citizens from the secondary impacts associated with medical marijuana dispensaries and commercial cannabis activity, including, but not limited to, increased public consumption of marijuana and the potential for increased marijuana DUls, illegal resale of marijuana obtained at low cost from dispensaries, loitering, fraud in obtaining or use of medical marijuana identification cards, robbery, assaults, and other crimes. B. Protecting citizens from secondary impacts associated with commercial cannabis activity such as medical marijuana cultivation, including, but not limited to, electrical fires and ignition of chemical substances utilized in the cultivation process, crimes occurring at grow sites, and neighborhood concerns regarding odors, late night traffic, and related nuisances. C. Protecting citizens from secondary impacts of medical marijuana delivery, including, but not limited to, delivery for recreational use, delivery of quantities of marijuana exceeding the reasonable requirements of qualified patients and primary caregivers, delivery during nighttime hours, and delivery by minors. D. Preventing increased demands for police response resulting from activities at medical marijuana dispensaries and cultivation sites, commercial cannabis activity and medical marijuana delivery and thereby avoiding reduction in the ability of the city's public safety officers to respond to other calls for service. (Ord. 2563 NCS §1 (part), 2016: Ord. 2269 NCS §2 (part), 2007.) 10.15.020 Definitions.11 SHARE "Commercial cannabis activity" means cultivation, possession, manufacture, processing, storing, laboratory testing, labeling, transporting, distribution, or sale of medical cannabis or a medical cannabis product, except as set forth in California Business and Professions Code Section 19319, related to qualifying patients and primary caregivers, in accordance with the definition in California Business and Professions Code Section 19300.5, subdivision (k), as that section and subdivision may be amended or interpreted by the California courts or superseded by any successor statute. "Cultivation" means any activity involving the planting, growing, harvesting, drying, curing, grading, or trimming of cannabis, in accordance with the definition in California Business and Professions Code Section 19300.5, subdivision (1), as that section and subdivision may be amended or interpreted by the California courts or superseded by any successor statute. "Delivery" means the commercial transfer of medical cannabis or medical cannabis products from a dispensary up to an amount determined by the Bureau of Medical Marijuana Regulation to a primary caregiver or a qualified patient as defined in Section 11362.7 of the California Health and Safety Code, or a testing laboratory, in accordance with the definition in California Business and Professions Code Section 19300.5, subdivision (m), as that section and subdivision may be amended or interpreted by the California courts or superseded by any successor statute. "Dispensary" means a facility where medical cannabis, medical cannabis products, or devices for the use of medical cannabis or medical cannabis products are offered, either individually, or in any combination, for retail sale, including an establishment that delivers, pursuant to express authorization by local ordinance, medical cannabis and medical cannabis products as part of a retail sale, in accordance with the definition in California Business and Professions Code Section 19300.5, subdivision (n), as that section and subdivision may be amended or interpreted by the California courts or superseded by any successor statute. Dispensary does not include the following uses, so long as the location of such uses is otherwise regulated by and strictly complies with this code and other applicable law, including California Health and Safety Code Sections 11362.5 and 11362.7, et seq., as such sections may be amended from time to time: A. A clinic licensed pursuant to Chapter 1 of Division 2 of the Health and Safety Code. B. A health care facility licensed pursuant to Chapter 2 of Division 2 of the Health and Safety Code. C. A residential care facility for persons with chronic life- threatening illness licensed pursuant to Chapter 3.01 of Division 2 of the Health and Safety Code. D. A residential care facility for the elderly licensed pursuant to Chapter 3.2 of Division 2 of the Health and Safety Code. E. The delivery, administration or provision of medical marijuana by a designated primary caregiver to the qualified patient of the primary caregiver or to the person with an identification card who has designated the individual as a primary caregiver at the primary residence of the qualified patient or person with an identification card who has designated the individual as a primary caregiver. Y r. •6 /� "Fully enclosed and secure structure" means a code compliant space within a building, greenhouse or other structure which has a complete roof enclosure supported by connecting walls extending from the ground to the roof, which is secure against unauthorized entry, provides complete visual screening, and which is accessible only through one or more locking doors. "Mature plant" means a plant that has flowers, or is more than twelve inches wide, or more than twelve inches tall. "Primary caregiver" shall have the same definition as set forth in California Health and Safety Code Section 11362.7, as it may be amended or superseded by any successor statute, and as interpreted by the California courts, including but not limited to the California Supreme Court case of People v. Mentch (2008) 45 Cal. 4th 274. "Qualified patient" shall have the same definition as set forth in California Health and Safety Code Section 11362.7, as it may be amended or superseded by any successor statute, and as interpreted by the California courts. "Residence" means a legal dwelling unit and all detached structures such as garages, sheds, greenhouses, and other structures on the same legal parcel(s) as the dwelling unit. (Ord. 2563 NCS §1 (part), 2016: Ord. 2269 NCS §2 (part), 2007.) 10.15.030 Prohibition of medical marijuana dispensaries and commercial cannabis aCtl Vl t.... .............HRRE .............. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . It shall be unlawful for any person to engage in, conduct or carry on, or to permit to be engaged in, conducted or carried on, in the city of Petaluma, the operation of a dispensary or commercial cannabis activity except as otherwise expressly provided in this chapter. (Ord. 2563 NCS §1 (part), 2016: Ord. 2269 NCS §2 (part), 2007.) 10.15.040 Prohibition of medical marijuana cultivation,,.... SHARE .:.:......:.:y It shall be unlawful for any person to engage in, conduct or carry on, or to permit to be engaged in, conducted or carried on, in the city of Petaluma, the cultivation of marijuana other than: A. Indoor cultivation that is solely for the personal use of one qualified patient and that at all times remains an accessory use to the primary residence of either the qualified patient or his or her primary caregiver; where the cultivation area does not exceed fifty percent or one hundred square feet of the nonliving or garage area of the residence, or a lesser amount in accordance with subsection B of this section, whichever is less; that does not 3 as displace any required on -site parking; that is within a fully enclosed and secure structure with no visual or olfactory evidence of cultivation detectable from the public right -of -way or other private property; that does not utilize lighting that exceeds one thousand two hundred watts; that does not require the use of an electric generator; and that does not use gas products (CO2, butane, etc.); and B. Outdoor cultivation that is solely for the personal use of one qualified patient that at all times remains an accessory use to the primary residence of either the qualified patient or his or her primary caregiver; where the cultivation area does not exceed one hundred square feet, or a lesser amount so that the total cultivation area pursuant to this section including indoor and outdoor cultivation at the residence does not exceed a combined total of one hundred square feet; that does not exceed three mature plants, with no visual or olfactory evidence of cultivation detectable from the public right -of -way or other private property; that does not utilize lighting that exceeds one thousand two hundred watts; that does not require the use of an electric generator; and that does not use gas products (CO, butane, etc.). (Ord. 2563 NCS §1 (part), 2016.) 10.15.050 Prohibition of medical marijuana deliverv.0 SHARE J It shall be unlawful for any person to engage in, conduct or carry on, or to permit to be engaged in, conducted or carried on, in the city of Petaluma, the delivery of medical marijuana, except for delivery of medical marijuana: From a dispensary outside the city that is operating in accordance with applicable state and local law to a qualified patient or primary caregiver within the city in accordance with the requirements of Health and Safety Code Section 19340, any successor statute, and any regulations promulgated under California Health and Safety Code Section 19340 or any successor statute, where: A. Persons delivering medical marijuana in the city possess no more than one pound of medical marijuana at any time while making medical marijuana deliveries in the city; and B. The delivery is carried out by a person at least eighteen years of age; and C. The delivery occurs between the hours of eight a.m. and eight p.m. (Ord. 2563 NCS §1 (part), 2016.) 4 /7 10.15.060 Prohibition of medical marijuana entitlements.1 SHARE ' No medical marijuana dispensary, commercial cannabis activity, medical marijuana cultivation operation, or medical marijuana delivery operation, however described by the applicant, will eligible for or be issued any entitlement, license or permit to operate in the city, or have any such entitlement renewed, including, but not limited to, any business license or home occupation permit, and any such application shall be denied citing this section. (Ord. 2563 NCS §1 (part), 2016.) 10.15.070 Public nuisance.; 8HflRE ............................. ...... ...................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................. Any medical marijuana dispensary, commercial cannabis activity, cultivation, delivery or other use or activity caused or permitted to exist in the city in violation of any provision of this chapter shall be and is hereby declared a public nuisance. Violations of this chapter may be enforced by any applicable laws or ordinances, including, but not limited to, Chapter 1.10. (Ord. 2563 NCS §1 (part), 2016.) l kom'e s NN, a�., Attachment 2 January 9, 2017 I �,_ L LEAGUE° OF CALIFORNIA CITIES Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Adult Use of Marijuana Acti Proposition 64 Question #1: When does the AUMA take effect? Answer: The AUMA took effect November 9, 2016, the day after the election. But note, the AUMA requires a state license to engage in commercial nonmedical marijuana activity. Licensing authorities are required to begin issuing licenses by January 1, 2018 and the League anticipates that the issuance of licenses will not occur much in advance of January 1, 2018. Thus, the AUMA provisions legalizing commercial nonmedical marijuana activity will not become operational until the state begins issuing licenses (likely in late - 2017). The AUMA provisions legalizing personal use and cultivation of nonmedical marijuana took effect November 9, 2016. Question #2: Can private individuals cultivate nonmedical marijuana at home beginning November 9, 2016? Answer: Yes, within a private residence by a person 21 years and older for personal use. The AUMA provides that local governments can reasonably regulate, but cannot ban the personal indoor cultivation of up to six nonmedical marijuana plants per private residence. This includes cultivation in a greenhouse that is on the property of the residence but not physically part of the home, as long as it is fully enclosed, secure, and not visible from a public space. Because this activity is not subject to state licensing requirements, individuals may engage in personal indoor cultivation beginning November 9, 2016, unless a city enacts an ordinance imposing a reasonable regulatory scheme that would preclude them from doing so before complying with the city's regulatory requirements. Local governments may regulate or ban all personal outdoor cultivation. However, the AUMA includes language purporting to repeal any ordinance that bans personal outdoor 'Please consult your City Attorney before taking action to implement the AUMA. The answers to these FAQs may be different in your city based upon your municipal code, regulations, and policies. The answers do not constitute legal advice from the League of California Cities'. cultivation upon the California Attorney General's determination that nonmedical use of marijuana is lawful under federal law. Question #3: Is there a limitation on the number of marijuana plants that can be cultivated within a single residence? Answer: Yes. Not more than six living plants may be planted, cultivated, harvested, dried, or processed within a single private residence, or upon the grounds of that private residence, at one time. A "residence" is defined as a house, an apartment unit, a mobile home, or other similar dwelling. No matter how many persons over 21 years of age are living in a "residence," only 6 living plants may be cultivated at one time. (Health & Safety § 11362.2(b)(3).) Question #4: Can a landlord ban the cultivation/smoking of marijuana on his or her property? Answer: Yes. An individual or private entity may prohibit or restrict personal possession, smoking, and cultivation of marijuana on the individual's or entity's privately owned property. A state or local government agency also may prohibit or restrict such activities on property owned, leased, or occupied by the state or local government. (Health & Safety §§ 11362.45(g) and (h).) Ouestion # 5: Can a city ban personal indoor cultivation in all leased or multi -unit residences within the city? Answer: No. A city cannot prohibit personal indoor cultivation of marijuana in all leased or multi -unit residences within the city. However, because cities may reasonably regulate personal indoor cultivation, a city might be able to condition permit approval for personal indoor cultivation in a leased residence on the applicant receiving permission from his or her landlord. Ouestion # 6: Does a city's ban on commercial cultivation, personal outdoor cultivation, or retail sales of marijuana or marijuana products make it ineligible for state grant monies for law enforcement, fire protection, or other local programs addressing public health and safety associated with the implementation of Prop 64? Answer: Yes. If a city bans commercial cultivation, or personal outdoor cultivation, or retail sales of marijuana or marijuana products, it is ineligible to receive state grant monies funded through the new state excise taxes that take effect on January 1, 2018. (Revenue and Taxation Code § 34019(e)(3)(D).) Question #7: What does the AUMA say about possession, transporting, purchasing or giving away of non - medical marijuana? Answer: A person 21 years of age or older may possess, process, transport, purchase or give away to persons 21 years of age or older not more than 28.5 grams of marijuana in the non - concentrated form and not more than 8 grams of marijuana in a concentrated i form including marijuana products. If the AUMA passes, these activities will be lawful under state law and cannot be prohibited under local law. Question #8: Do cities that ban or regulate medical marijuana businesses need to update their ordinances to include nonmedical marijuana? Answer: Yes. The AUMA prohibits state licensing authorities from issuing a license to a commercial nonmedical marijuana business if operation of the business violates a local ordinance of the jurisdiction in which the business will operate. This means that a city wishing to adopt business or land use regulations prohibiting or regulating commercial nonmedical marijuana businesses must adopt an ordinance prior to the date the state begins issuing licenses, which the League anticipates will be in late 2017.2 Question #9: Can cities be confident that a permissive zoning code, by itself, provides sufficient protection against nonmedical marijuana businesses setting up shop without local approval? Answer: No. It is unlikely that cities will succeed in arguing that nonmedical marijuana land uses are prohibited by permissive zoning codes under the AUMA, because the AUMA does not contain the same protective language as the MMRSA with respect to permissive zoning. Therefore, cities that wish to ban all or some nonmedical marijuana activities should adopt express prohibitions, even if they operate under a permissive zoning code. Question #10: Are cities at risk of losing the opportunity to impose bans on personal outdoor cultivation if they don't act until after the November election? Answer: No. A city may adopt an ordinance banning or regulating personal outdoor cultivation at any time. Ouestion #11: Are cities at risk of losing the opportunity to impose bans on nonmedical marijuana businesses, if they don't act until after the November election? Answer: No. However, if a city does not adopt an ordinance expressly banning or regulating nonmedical marijuana businesses before the state begins issuing state licenses nonmedical businesses, a state - licensed nonmedical marijuana business will be able to operate within its jurisdiction without local permission or permitting. This is due to a provision in the AUMA that provides that state licenses cannot be issued where the activity would violate a local ordinance. If a jurisdiction has no ordinance regulating nonmedical marijuana businesses, then the local regulatory scheme is silent on that type of activity, and the state can unilaterally issue a license under terms fully compliant with the AUMA. Cities may adopt an ordinance expressly banning or regulating such operations after the state begins to issue licenses, but it will be difficult to terminate the state licensee's operations until the state license is up for renewal. Therefore, the best practice is to adopt an ordinance before the state begins issuing state licenses. 2 Please see Question #8 regarding the use of public roads for transportation and delivery. Question #12: Can cities ban deliveries under the AUMA? Answer: Yes..Cities can ban deliveries within their territorial limits. However, cities cannot prevent the use of public roads for the delivery of marijuana. For example, if a licensed delivery company located in City A must travel on public roads through City B to make an authorized delivery in City C, City B cannot prohibit the licensed delivery company from travelling on public roads in City B to get to City C. In addition, cities may not prevent the use of public roads within its jurisdiction to transport nonmedical marihuana. Question #13: What is the best way for cities to notify the state licensing agencies of their local ordinances that regulate and/or prohibit commercial non - medical marijuana activities within their jurisdictions? Answer: Unless the state licensing agencies indicate otherwise, cities should mail copies of their local ordinances that regulate or prohibit commercial nonmedical marijuana activities within their jurisdictions to the Department of Consumer Affairs, the Department of Food and Agriculture, and the Department of Public Health. Cities should regularly check each Department's website to ensure that this practice complies with any regulations the Departments may pass regarding notice of local ordinances. In addition, Cities should ensure that any updates or amendments to local ordinances that regulate or prohibit commercial nonmedical marijuana activities are promptly submitted to each Department. Ouestion #14: What are the rules regarding taxation under the AUMA? Is it true that marijuana can no longer be subject to sales tax? Answer: Under the AUMA, there is a 15% state excise tax on recreational marijuana, but medical marijuana is exempt from state and local sales tax altogether. The rationale is that marijuana consumed for truly medical purposes is no different from conventional pharmaceuticals, which are also exempt from federal, state, and local sales. tax. However, other forms of excise tax may be levied on all marijuana, whether medical or recreational. For example, a cultivation tax, a manufacturing tax, or the most common, a business license tax may still be levied at the local level on any commercial marijuana activity. But note, because the AUMA levies a state excise tax of 15% on recreational marijuana, all local governments have reason to be concerned about the cumulative tax rate when local tax levies are added to that. For that reason, locals are encouraged to look at existing local taxes and to assess what marijuana - related revenue streams may be derived from those sources before levying additional taxes that are specific to marijuana. 4 LEAGUE° OF CALIFOKN1A CITIES Attachment 3 1400 K Street, Suite 400 • Sacramento, California 95814 Phone: 916.658.8200 Fax: 916.658.8240 www.cacities.org MEMORANDUM' To: League of California Cities' City Managers Department League of California Cities' City Attorneys Department From: League Staff Date: September 26, 2016 Re: The Control, Regulate and Tax Adult Use of Marijuana Act On November 8, 2016, the Control, Regulate, and Tax Adult Use of Marijuana Act ( "AUMA" or "Act ") will come before California voters as Proposition 64. If passed, the AUMA will legalize the nonmedical use of marijuana by persons 21 years of age and over, and the personal cultivation of up to six marijuana plants. In addition, the AUMA will create a state regulatory and licensing system governing the commercial cultivation, testing, and distribution of nonmedical marijuana, and the manufacturing of nonmedical marijuana products. The regulatory system governing these commercial marijuana activities largely mirrors the Medical Marijuana Regulation and Safety Act ( "MMRSA "), but there are key differences. This memorandum will provide an overview of the AUMA, highlight the ways in which the AUMA differs from the MMRSA, and identify the issues that cities will need to take action on if the AUMA passes. I. Overview of the AUMA A. Personal Nonmedical Marijuana Use The AUMA makes it legal for persons 21 years of age or older to: (1) smoke or ingest marijuana or marijuana products; (2) possess, process, transport, purchase, obtain, or give away to persons 21 years of age or older, without any compensation, 28.5 grams of marijuana, or 8 grams of concentrated marijuana, including as contained in marijuana products; and (3) possess, plant, cultivate, harvest, dry or process up to six living marijuana plants for personal use.2 The AUMA requires that marijuana in excess of 28.5 grams that is produced by plants kept pursuant to the personal cultivation provision of the Act be kept in a locked space on the grounds of a private residence that is not visible from a public place s Although persons 21 years of age or older may use and possess nonmedical marijuana under the Act, their ability to engage in these activities is not unfettered. The AUMA prohibits the smoking 1 DISCLAIMER: These materials are not offered as or intended to be legal advice. Readers should seek the advice of an attorney when confronted with legal issues. Attorneys should perform an independent evaluation of the issues raised in these materials. 2 Health & Saf. Code § 11362.2(a). 3 Health & Saf. Code § 11362.2(a)(2). of marijuana: (1) in any public place, except where a local jurisdiction has authorized use on the premises of a retailer or microbusiness in accordance with Business and Professions Code section 26200; (2) where smoking tobacco is prohibited; (3) within 1,000 feet of a school, day care center, or youth center while children are present; and (3) while driving, or riding in the passenger seat of, any vehicle used for transportation.4 Moreover, individuals cannot possess marijuana on school grounds, in day care centers, or in youth centers while children are present, or possess an open container of marijuana or marijuana products while driving, operating, or riding in any vehicle used for transportation.5 The AUMA further provides that cities may prohibit possession and smoking in buildings owned, leased, or occupied by the city, and that employers, including cities, may maintain a drug and alcohol free workplace by prohibiting the use, consumption, possession, transfer, transportation, sale, display or growth of marijuana in the workplace.6 1. Personal Cultivation The AUMA provides that local governments can reasonably regulate, but cannot ban, personal indoor cultivation of up to six living marijuana plants within the person's private residence.7 The Act defines private residence as "a house, an apartment unit, a mobile home, or other similar dwelling unit. "8 This includes cultivation in a greenhouse on the same property as the residence that is not physically part of the home, as long as it is fully enclosed, secure, and not visible from a public space.9 The AUMA completely protects the ability of local governments to regulate, and to ban, personal outdoor cultivation operations. 10 However, it purports to repeal any ordinance that bans outdoor cultivation upon the California Attorney General's determination that nonmedical use of marijuana is lawful under federal law. 11 B. Commercial Nonmedical Marijuana Activity Under the AUMA, California will have a comprehensive state regulatory system for nonmedical marijuana that governs the industry from "seed to sale." The Bureau of Marijuana Control, currently the Bureau of Medical Cannabis Regulation, which is within the Department of Consumer Affairs, will have primary responsibility for administering and enforcing the AUMA. 12 The AUMA divides state licensing and enforcement responsibilities among three agencies: (1) the Department of Consumer Affairs, which will issue licenses for marijuana the transportation, 4 Health & Saf. Code §§ 11362.3; 11362.4. ' Health & Saf. Code §§ 11362.3(3), 11362.3(4). 6 Health & Saf. Code § 11362.45 (f) -(g). ' Health & Saf. Code §§ 11362.1(a)(3), 11362.2. 8 Health & Saf. Code § 11362.2(5). 9 Health & Saf. Code § 11362.2(a)(2). 10 Health & Saf. Code § 11362.2(b)(3). " Health & Saf. Code § 11362.2(b)(4). 12 Bus. & Prof. Code § 26010. 2 storage, distribution, and sale of marijuana; 13 (2) the Department of Food and Agriculture will issue marijuana cultivation licenses, which will administer the provisions of the AUMA related to the cultivation of marijuana; 14 and (3) the Department of Public Health, which will issue licenses for marijuana manufacturers and testing laboratories. 15 Each of these state licensing authorities is responsible for creating regulations governing their respective areas of responsibility, and must begin issuing licenses by January 1, 2018.16 A state marijuana license will be valid for one year. 17 A separate state license is required for each commercial marijuana business location. 18 With the exception of testing facilities, any person or entity licensed under the AUMA may apply for and be issued more than one type of state license. 19 1. Local Control All nonmedical marijuana businesses must have a state license. 20 A state license cannot issue to an applicant whose operations would violate the provisions of any local ordinance or regulation, 2 1 However a state applicant need not provide documentation that the applicant has a local license or permit. The AUMA does not limit the authority of a local jurisdiction to adopt and enforce local ordinances regulating or completely prohibiting state - licensed marijuana businesses. 22 Local jurisdictions may establish "standards, requirements, and regulations regarding health and safety, environmental protection, testing, security, food safety, and worker protections that exceed state standards. "23 2. Local Enforcement Like the MMRSA, the AUMA establishes a dual enforcement scheme for commercial marijuana activities that violate either state or local laws. The state licensing authorities will enforce state statutes and regulations. State authorities can suspend or revoke state licenses, 24 pursue civil penalties against violating businesses in an amount equal to three times the applicable licensing fee per violation, 25 or may prosecute violators criminally. 26 Local authorities will be responsible 13 Bus. & Prof. Code § 26012(a)(1). 14 Bus. & Prof. Code § 26012(a)(2). 15 Bus. & Prof. Code § 26012(3). 16 Bus. & Prof. Code §§ 26012(c), 26013 (a). 17 Bus. & Prof. Code § 26050(c). 18 Bus. & Prof. Code § 26055(c). 19 Bus. & Prof. Code § 26053. 20 Bus. & Prof. Code § 26038.) 21 Bus. & Prof. Code § 26055(e). 22 Bus. & Prof. Code § 26200(a). But see, Bus. & Prof. Code §§ 19340(f), 26080(b), 26090(c) [prohibiting cities from preventing the use of public roads to lawfully transport or deliver nonmedical marijuana]. 23 Bus. & Prof. Code § 26201. 24 Bus. & Prof. Code § 2603. 25 Bus. & Prof. Code § 26038(a) 26 Bus. & Prof. Code § 26038(c). for enforcing local ordinances and regulations. 27 For state - licensed facilities operating within a city, a city may have authority to enforce state law and regulations "if delegated the power to do so by the [ B]ureau [of Marijuana Control] or a licensing authority. "28 II. Key Differences Between the AUMA and MMRSA A. Licensing The MMRSA established dual licensing of medical marijuana businesses, requiring both local approval and a state license in order for a'business to operate legally. 29 Specifically, the MMRSA requires applicants to provide the relevant state licensing entity with documentation proving their compliance with local ordinances and regulations. 30 The AUMA does not require an applicant to provide evidence of local permission prior to being issued a state license. 31 Instead, the AUMA prohibits state licensing entities from approving licenses for activities that would violate local ordinances. 32 Thus, state licensing officials bear the onus of evaluating local regulatory compliance. Under this system, the AUMA allows a nonmedical marijuana business licensed by the state to operate within city limits unless the city's municipal code prohibits the use. Cities that wish to regulate or prohibit nonmedical marijuana businesses will need to do so before the State begins issuing licenses, either by enacting a nonmedical marijuana ordinance /regulation or by amending an existing medical marijuana ordinance /regulation to include nonmedical marijuana within its scope. B. License Revocation Under the MMRSA, revocation of a local license or permit unilaterally terminates the ability of the medical marijuana business to operate in the jurisdiction issuing the permit, until such time as the local permitting entity reinstates it.33 . Under the AUMA, if a local jurisdiction revokes a local license, permit, or authorization for a licensee to engage in commercial marijuana activity within the local jurisdiction, the Bureau of Marijuana Control must initiate proceedings to determine whether the state license issued should be suspended or revoked within ten days of being notified by the local jurisdiction of the local revocation. 34 Note, however, that, even if the state license is not suspended or revoked immediately, the business cannot operate within the local jurisdiction once local revocation occurs. 27 Bus. & Prof. Code § 26200 (b). 28 Bus. & Prof. Code § 23202(a). 29 Bus. & Prof. Code § 19320(b). 30 Bus. & Prof. Code § 19322(a). 31 Bus. & Prof. Code § 26056. 32 Bus. & Prof. Code § 26055(e). 33 Bus. & Prof. Code § 19320(d). 34 Bus. & Prof. Code § 26200(c). M C. Personal, Indoor Cultivation Under the MMRSA, local governments possess the power to regulate and completely ban personal, indoor cultivation. 35 Under the AUMA local governments can "reasonably regulate" indoor cultivation of up to six marijuana plants for personal use, but cannot ban it.36 D. Personal Outdoor Cultivation Under the MMRSA local governments can prohibit all outdoor cultivation. Under the AUMA local governments can prohibit all outdoor cultivation, until such time as the Attorney General determines that the use of nonmedical marijuana is lawful in the State of California under federal law. 37 Upon such determination, the AUMA purports to repeal all local bans on outdoor cultivation. 38 E. Amendment Any portion of the MMRSA can be amended at any time, if there is sufficient political. support within the Legislature for making substantive changes to the regulatory structure. Under some circumstances, an amendment to the MMRSA by the Legislature might arguably violate The Compassionate Use Act of 1996 (adopted by the voters as Proposition 215), which decriminalized the personal use of medical marijuana. 39 Under the AUMA, the Legislature may amend Sections 5 (relating to the use of medical marijuana for medical purposes) and 6 (relating to state licensing) and the provisions relating to penalties by majority vote. The Legislature may amend any other provision of the Act by a 2/3 vote. Any amendment must further the purposes and intent of the AUMA. The purpose and intent of the Act include allowing local governments to ban nonmedical marijuana businesses. F. Taxation The AUMA imposes new state taxes on medical and nonmedical marijuana in the following manner: • Effective January 1, 2018, the AUMA imposes an excise tax at the rate of 15% of gross retail sales receipts . 40 o This tax will be in addition to existing state and local sales tax.41 Given that state and local sales taxes can range from 7 -10 %, the combined excise tax + sales tax at the retail level could approach 25 %; 35 Health & Saf, Code § 11362.777(g); Maral v. City of Live Oak (2013) 221 Cal.App.4th 975, 984; Kirby v. County of Fresno (2015) 242 Cal.App.4th 940, 969 -970. 36 Bus. & Prof. Code § 11362.2(b)(1). 37 Bus. & Prof. Code § 11362.2(b)(4). 38 Bus. & Prof. Code § 11362.2(b)(4). 39 Health & Saf. Code § 11362.5. 40 Rev. & Tax Code § 34011(a). Effective January 1, 2018, the AUMA imposes a separate cultivation tax on all harvested marijuana as follows: 42 o $9.25 per dry- weight ounce on all marijuana flowers; o $2.75 per dry- weight ounce on all marijuana leaves; The AUMA prohibits imposition of state and local sales taxes on medical marijuana. 43 The AUMA exempts marijuana cultivated for personal use from taxation. 44 The AUMA does not pre -empt local taxation. 45 However, the AUMA's estimated cumulative tax rate of nearly 35% on the purchase of nonmedical marijuana has potentially troubling implications for local governments. A high state tax rate by itself may depress sales and stimulate the black market. Any local taxation of marijuana should be governed by an awareness that a high retail sales tax rate, imposed on an industry that, until recently, has not been regulated at all, might stimulate black market activity and compromise the anticipated yield of revenue. In order to avoid such a result, cities might consider imposing an excise tax on discrete commercial nonmedical marijuana activities rather than on retail sales. New taxes on marijuana require compliance with Proposition 218. 1. Allocation of State Tax Revenues After repaying certain state agencies for marijuana regulatory costs not covered by license fees, and malting certain grants to universities for research and development and the Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development, the AUMA distributes the remaining tax revenue as follows: • 60% for youth programs, substance abuse education, prevention and treatment; • 20% for environmental cleanup and remediation; and • 20% for state and local programs that reduce DUI and grant programs designed to reduce negative health impacts resulting from marijuana legalization G. Deliveries Under the MMRSA, medical marijuana deliveries can only be made from a state - licensed dispensary in a city, county, or city and county that does not explicitly prohibit it by local ordinance. 46 A delivery person must carry a copy of the dispensary's state - issued license, a government ID, and a copy of the delivery request. 47 The patient or caregiver requesting the delivery must also maintain a copy of the delivery request. 48 Dispensaries and delivery Teople who comply with MMRSA are immune from prosecution for marijuana transportation. 9 41 Rev. & Tax Code § 34011(d). 42 Rev. & Tax Code § 34012. 43 Rev. & Tax Code § 34011(g). 44 Rev. & Tax Code § 340120). 45 Rev. & Tax Code § 34021. 46 Bus. & Prof. Code § 19340(a). 47 Bus. & Prof. Code §§ 19340(b)(2), 19340(d). 48 Bus. & Prof. Code § 19340(e). 49 Bus. & Prof. Code § 19317(f). rel Under the AUMA, deliveries can be made by a state - licensed retailer, microbusiness, or nonprofit unless they are prohibited by local ordinance.50 Although the AUMA does require a customer requesting delivery to maintain a copy of the delivery request, there is no express requirement that delivery people carry or maintain any records. 51 Moreover, unlike the MMRSA, the AUMA does not require that deliveries come from a dispensary. Instead, it states that "Deliveries, as defined in this division, may only be made by a licensed retailer or microbusiness, or a licensed-nonprofit under Section 26070.5. "52 Thus, there is at least some question regarding whether deliveries may be made from non - retail locations by retail employees. Under both the MMRSA and the AUMA, local jurisdictions can ban or regulate deliveries within their borders. 53 However, local jurisdictions cannot prevent a delivery service from using public roads to simply pass through its jurisdiction from a licensed dispensary to a delivery location outside of its boundaries. 54 III. Local Regulatory Options 55 The AUMA preserves the authority of a city to adopt business regulations and land use regulations for nonmedical marijuana activities. 56 A. Personal Marijuana Cultivation Under the AUMA local governments can regulate or ban all personal, outdoor cultivation, until such time as the Attorney General determines that the use of nonmedical marijuana is lawful in the State of California under federal law. In addition, local governments can "reasonably regulate," but cannot ban, personal, indoor cultivation. Nothing in the AUMA requires a city to enact an ordinance or regulation by a certain date. However, assuming that the AUMA passes, if a city does not have a ban or regulatory scheme govern ing personal, outdoor cultivation or a regulatory scheme governing personal, indoor cultivation in place before November 9, 2016, a person may legally engage in personal cultivation of up to six marijuana plants at his or her private residence. 50 Bus. & Prof. Code §26090(a). 51 Bus. & Prof. Code §26090(b). 5' Bus. & Prof. Code § 26090(a). 5s Bus. & Prof. Code §§ 19340(a), 19316(a), 26200. 54 Bus. & Prof. Code §§ 19340(f), 26080(b), 26090(c). 55 For a thorough discussion of the various marijuana regulatory options that a city may consider, see McEwen, Medical Maryuana- Revisited After New State Laws (Spring 2016) <http://www.cacities.org/Resources- Documents/Memb er- Engagement/Professional -D epartments/ City- Attorneys/Library /2016 /Spring - 2016/5 -2016 - Spring- Medical- Marijuana- %E2 %80 %93- Revisited - After >. In addition, sample ordinances may be found on the League's website, at: http: / /www.cacities.org/ Policy- Advocacy/Hot- Issues/Medical- Marijuana. But note: the regulatory schemes discussed in the McEwen paper and posted on the League's website pertain to medical marijuana businesses under the MMRSA and may need to be modified to comply with the requirements of the AUMA. 56 Health & Saf. Code § 11362.2; Bus. & Prof. Code §§ 26201, 26200(a). 7 B. Nonmedical Marijuana Businesses The AUMA recognizes a range of businesses, including dispensaries, cultivators, manufacturers, distributors, transporters, and testing laboratories. Cities may expressly ban, adopt business regulations, or adopt land use regulations pertaining to any or all of these businesses. Again, the AUMA does not require a city to enact a regulatory scheme or ban by a certain date. However, assuming that the AUMA passes in November, if a city wishes to regulate or ban marijuana businesses before marijuana businesses may legally operate within the city, the regulations or ban will need to take effect before the state begins issuing nonmedical marijuana business licenses. The League anticipates that cities have until January 1, 2018 to enact bans or regulations relating to nonmedical marijuana businesses, because: (1) nonmedical marijuana businesses cannot operate in any city without a state license; 57 (2) the state licensing agencies in charge of implementing the AUMA have stated that they anticipate that they will not begin issuing licenses under the NEVIRSA until January 2018, and it is unlikely that said agencies will be able to begin issuing licenses under the AUMA before they begin issuing licenses under the MMRSA; and (3) the AUMA does not require state agencies to issue licenses until January 1, 2018.58 It is not the League's position that state licensing agencies cannot issue licenses before January 1, 2018, just that it is unlikely that they will do so. C. Caution Against Use of Permissive Zoning Under a permissive zoning code, any use not enumerated in the code is presumptively prohibited, unless an authorized city official finds that the proposed use is substantially the same in character and intensity as those land uses listed in the code. 59 Although the NIMRSA upheld a city's 'authority to rely on permissive zoning to prohibit medical marijuana land uses, it is unlikely that cities will succeed in arguing that nonmedical marijuana land uses are prohibited by permissive zoning under the AUMA. This is so because: (1) the statutory language in the AUMA regarding local control seems to anticipate that a city will adopt an ordinance explicitly prohibiting and /or regulating nonmedical marijuana businesses (rather than relying on the silence of its Code to argue for a prohibited use); 60 (2) the AUMA does not contain the same protective language as the "Bus. & Prof. Code § 26038. 58 Bus. & Prof. Code § 26012 (c). s9 See City of Corona v. Naulls (2008) 166 Cal.AppAth 418, 433 -436. See also County of Los Angeles v. Hill (2011) 192 Cal.AppAth 861, 871 [holding that "medical marijuana dispensaries and pharmacies are not `similarly situated' for public health and safety purposes "]; City of Monterey v. Carr•nshimba (2013) 215 Cal.AppAth 1068, 1091 [holding that a medical marijuana dispensary was not substantially similar to the listed commercial use classifications for personal services, retail sales, pharmacies and medical supplies]; County of Tulare v. Nunes (2013) 215 Cal.AppAth 1188,1205 [holding that a medical marijuana collective did not qualify as an "agricultural" land use because "marijuana is a controlled substance and is not treated as a mere crop or horticultural product under the law "]. 60 Bus. & Prof Code § 26200 [ "Nothing in this division shall be interpreted to supersede or limit the authority of a local jurisdiction to adopt and enforce local ordinances to regulate businesses licensed under this division, including, but not limited to, local zoning and land use requirements, business license requirements, and requirements related 8 MMRSA with respect to permissive zoning; 61 and (3) the AUMA explicitly designates nonmedical marijuana as an agricultural product —thus if a city's permissive zoning code authorizes agricultural uses, the city may be precluded from arguing that marijuana is prohibited.62 Therefore, cities that wish to ban all or some nonmedical marijuana activities should adopt express prohibitions, even if they operate under a permissive zoning code. IV. What actions need to be taken? At this time city officials should: (1) review the city's municipal code; (2) consider whether they wish to regulate the personal cultivation of nonmedical marijuana indoors; (3) consider whether they wish to regulate or ban the personal cultivation of nonmedical marijuana outdoors; (4) consider whether they wish to enact business regulations of nonmedical marijuana businesses; (5) consider whether they wish to enact land use regulations of nonmedical marijuana businesses; (6) consider whether they wish to enact local taxes on marijuana; and (7) comply with Proposition 218 if they decide to enact local taxes on marijuana. Cities should prioritize considering or enacting ordinances regulating personal nonmedical marijuana cultivation, because it will be legal under state law on November 9, 2016 if the AUMA passes, whereas nonmedical marijuana businesses will not be able to operate lawfully until the state licensing system becomes operational (likely in late 2017). Although cultivation for personal use will be legal as of November 9, 2016 if the AUMA is approved by voters, local governments will not lose any regulatory authority if they do not have an ordinance in place addressing personal cultivation before the election. Locals will retain the ability to regulate personal cultivation and to enact related ordinances at any time after the election. The only change the AUMA will make in this area is to prohibit local bans of indoor cultivation for personal use. No ordinance enacted prior to the election can prevent this change in the law. to reducing exposure to second hand smoke, or to completely prohibit the establishment or operation of one or more types of businesses licensed under this division within the local jurisdiction. "] (emphasis added). " Compare Health & Saf. Code § 11362.777(b)(3) [a "person or entity shall not submit an application for a state license ... if the proposed cultivation of marijuana will violate the provisions of any local ordinance or regulation, or if medical marijuana is prohibited by the city, county, or city and county in which the cultivation is proposed to occur, either expressly or otherwise under principles of permissive zoning "] with Bus. & Prof Code § 26205(e) [ "Licensing authorities shall not approve an application for a state license under this division if approval of the state license will violate the provisions of any local ordinance or regulation adopted in accordance with Section 26200. "]. 62 Bus. & Prof. Code § 26067(a). VE