The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday gave the final stamp of approval for lounges attached to marijuana dispensaries, where people can legally smoke what they buy.
The proposal passed 3-2, with supervisors Monica Martinez and Kim De Serpa dissenting.
Supporters predict that so-called cannabis consumption lounges will attract tourists, bolster the struggling cannabis industry and offer a place to socialize and smoke.
The idea does not sit well with everyone. At the March 11 meeting during the first read of the new ordinance, Santa Cruz County Superintendent of Schools Faris Sabbah shared a letter signed by all the county’s school superintendents expressing their opposition. At that same meeting, law enforcement officials also warned of increased numbers of stoned drivers leaving the lounges.
De Serpa said her opposition stems from when her father was killed by a drunk driver when she was 3. The loss left her and her pregnant mother in poverty.
“That’s my background story, and why I’m absolutely against putting more people under the influence on the roads,” she said.
De Serpa also pointed to the story of Allison Endert, who was working as an analyst for then Supervisor Ryan Coonerty when a driver under the influence of marijuana struck and killed her on June 15, 2020.
The new ordinance, she said, also normalizes marijuana use for young people.
“This is what you’re approving,” De Serpa said. “It’s shocking to me that this board would ever agree to allow people under the influence of cannabis to be on our roads, in our rural areas, in our downtown areas under the influence of cannabis putting people at risk,” she said.
Supervisor Monica Martinez, responding to statements from County Counsel Jason Heath that the county would face no liability if a stoned driver causes harm, asked for an amendment that would allow the Cannabis Licensing office to repeal a dispensary’s license if that happened.
“I do feel like there is some moral liability for us if we choose to pass this and allow more impaired drivers on our roads,” she said.
But that proposal fell flat with a board that seemed poised to approve the ordinance.
Supervisor Justin Cummings pointed out that the board has been mulling the proposal since it came forward in November 2023.
“It’s legal now, and so we have to figure out a way to incorporate it into our society in a way that’s going to be as safe as possible,” he said.
Supervisor Manu Koenig said that numerous facilities are in operation throughout California, and that he found no incidents related to cannabis lounges after speaking with law enforcement officials.
“We’re not approving drugged driving with this policy,” he said. “There are numerous ways that people could get to a lounge other than driving.
“The question really is, do we want Santa Cruz entrepreneurs to have any role in the challenging and rapidly changing role in the cannabis market, or should we let the local industry die out?”
Even with the approval, county residents are not likely to see a pot lounge open anytime soon.
Dispensaries still have to create a separate space for them, where employees can avoid the smoke. They must also have a separate HVAC system, deal with the Planning Department and amend their license and safety plan, said county spokesman Jason Hoppin.
Total stupidity. Will there be police outside ready to bust drives high on pot like they do nearby bars that serve booze? Pot is just as lethal.