County

Budget Category : GENERAL GOVERNMENT

Budget Department : CANNABIS LICENSING

* Other includes all segments less than 1% of the total. Negative segments are not shown.

CANNABIS LICENSING

The Cannabis Licensing Office (CLO) was formed to implement State legislative actions for the regulation of medical and adult recreational cannabis use. Its mission is to create the licensing and regulatory framework, at the local level, that balances medical use, adult recreational use, and the health, safety and welfare of residents and businesses within Santa Cruz County The CLO strives to develop and maintain an effective regulatory and licensing program that ensures consistent licensing and compliance within the cannabis industry. Additionally, the CLO endeavors to minimize environmental degradation and maximize neighborhood harmony while helping this industry develop into one that can serve as a model for the state.

BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS

Based on the first year of experience with the licensing process, the 2019-20 budget for the CLO unfunds one Planner position and transfers costs of two Deputies to the Sheriff’s Office. Licensing revenue expectations have been adjusted based on application activity and increased revenues are expected from compliance actions. The CLO will focus on improving the licensing process through ordinance updates, technology and data systems improvements, coordination with other departments and agencies, increased education and outreach on best practices to the industry and robust compliance activities.

For additional information please see the full budget document.