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Santa Paula Cannabis Policy: Community Input on Potential Ballot Measure
Join the conversation as the City of Santa Paula explores the evolving landscape of cannabis regulation and revisits the potential impact of local policies on our community's future.
Introduction
Santa Paula voters made their voices heard in 2016 and 2018, shaping the city’s approach to cannabis regulation and taxation. While Proposition 64 and Measure N laid the foundation for local control, Santa Paula has not yet established a framework to allow commercial cannabis activities. Today, as neighboring cities adapt to changes in the cannabis industry and explore opportunities to generate local revenue, Santa Paula is re-examining its own policies to determine if regulatory adjustments could benefit the community. With no cannabis businesses currently operating within city limits, Santa Paula has yet to utilize the cannabis tax structure approved by voters. This potential revenue stream could bolster essential services like road maintenance, public safety, and other community programs. However, any adjustments to local regulations must reflect the values, concerns, and priorities of Santa Paula residents. As the City considers its next steps, community members are invited to weigh in, ensuring their perspectives guide decisions shaping the future of cannabis policy in Santa Paula.
Timeline
Upcoming Meetings & Events
Special Meeting Notice: Cannabis Ballot Measure Discussion
The City of Santa Paula invites community members to attend a Special City Council Meeting:
📅 Monday, April 6, 2026
⏰ 6:30 PM
📍 Community Center, 530 W Main Street
Agenda Item:
Administrative discussion on a proposed cannabis ballot measure.
🔗 View the full agenda and watch live:
https://ayrs.io/hykIy9
📺 The meeting will also be livestreamed on YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/CANNABISSPECIALMTG26
🌐 Spanish interpretation will be available.
Your participation and input are important. We encourage all residents to attend and stay informed.
Project Timeline
State Legalization (Prop 64)
Local Prohibition Maintained
Measure N Approved
Activities
Santa Paula Cannabis – Quick Facts
- Cannabis is legal in California, but cities decide whether businesses are allowed locally.
- Santa Paula currently prohibits most commercial cannabis businesses, including retail and cultivation.
- In 2018, voters approved Measure N (71.7%), creating a cannabis tax—but no businesses operate today because regulations were never implemented.
- The approved tax allows up to:
- 10% of gross receipts, and
- $25 per sq. ft. for cultivation/processing
- Residents can grow cannabis for personal use (up to 6 plants indoors with a permit).
- There are no cannabis storefronts currently operating in Santa Paula.
- As of 2024, medical cannabis delivery must be allowed, even if other cannabis businesses are prohibited.
- The City is now exploring whether to revisit cannabis regulations, potentially through a future ballot measure.
- Potential annual revenue (if allowed): approximately $300,000–$600,000.
Additional Information
What Are The City Rules About Cannabis/Marijuana?
This informational handout from the City of Santa Paula provides an overview of current local cannabis regulations, including what is permitted for personal use and what remains prohibited. It outlines key rules related to cultivation, possession, and use, as well as the City’s prohibition on commercial cannabis activities. The handout also explains permitting requirements for personal cultivation and offers guidance on where cannabis use is allowed. Designed to inform residents, it serves as a helpful resource for understanding how state law and local policies apply within Santa Paula.
Ordinance 1272 - Cannabis Regulations
This document is Ordinance No. 1272, adopted by the City of Santa Paula in 2017, which establishes the City’s regulations on cannabis activities. The ordinance prohibits all commercial cannabis operations such as retail, cultivation, manufacturing, and delivery within city limits. It also outlines rules for limited personal cannabis cultivation, allowing up to six plants indoors with a required permit and strict compliance standards. The ordinance was adopted to protect public health, safety, and community welfare while aligning with state law.
Ordinance 1272 - Amend Title 16 Cannabis Regulations
This document is Ordinance No. 1272, which amends Title 16 of the Santa Paula Municipal Code to regulate cannabis activities. It formally establishes a citywide prohibition on all commercial cannabis operations, including retail, cultivation, manufacturing, and delivery, across all zones. The ordinance also sets clear standards for limited personal cannabis cultivation, allowing up to six plants indoors with a required permit and specific operational requirements. Overall, the document outlines the City’s approach to restricting commercial cannabis while permitting regulated personal use in compliance with state law.
What Other Cities Are Doing
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