After several marathon meetings, much hand-wringing and numerous flip-flops, the Richmond, California City Council voted to allow three marijuana dispensaries in the city and place a 5 percent marijuana tax on the November ballot.
The decision reversed last week’s vote, which would have allowed an unlimited number of dispensaries in commercial districts.
The marijuana ordinance is due for a second vote in September, after the council returns from its summer recess, and would go into effect 30 days after that.
The new ordinance would allow three nonprofit dispensaries in the city – in commercial districts only, outfitted with surveillance cameras and subject to oversight by the cops. The dispensaries would not be allowed near schools, community centers, parks and other places frequented by children.
Richmond is already home to eight dispensaries, which are operating illegally according to the city attorney.