WATSONVILLE — The Watsonville City Council will look to lift its restrictions on recreational marijuana Tuesday, a little more than a year after it prohibited the sale and manufacturing of the product.
As it became legal to purchase marijuana for recreational use in California on Jan. 1, Watsonville will consider allowing its existing medical marijuana cultivators and manufacturers to produce and sell for the adult-use market as well, according to a report by Community Development Director Suzi Merriam.
In December 2016, the council prohibited the sale and manufacturing of recreational marijuana in the city, citing a need for more time to come up with regulations.
The Watsonville Planning Commission recommended unanimously on Dec. 5 for the council to lift the restriction.
Also during Tuesday’s meeting, the council will consider adding a section to the city’s municipal code that requires all dogs and cats to receive a microchip implant.
A microchip is an electronic chip that is injected under the animal’s skin using a needle. It contains a number that is used to identify the animal, and studies have shown that microchipped animals are more likely to be reunited with their owners should they be lost.
In late 2013, the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter Board of Directors approved an ordinance that requires all dogs and cats over the age of four months to be implanted with a microchip, although exemptions are allowed, such as for medical reasons.
Watsonville’s proposed ordinance states that if an impounded dog or cat is found without a microchip, the owner must pay for it to receive the implant.
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The Watsonville City Council will meet Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, 275 Main St., fourth floor. To view the agenda, visit tinyurl.com/ybv9n43m.
