Endorsement: Yes on L.A. County Measure C for regulated cannabis sales
We’ll begin on a strong note, with our endorsement of Proposition D1C, City of L.A. Measure C (Measure C) to legalize cannabis sales in the City of Los Angeles. This measure was placed on the ballot by Measure Q (the Measure Q tax initiative) in March 2018. Proposition D1C will legalize sales of regulated cannabis in Los Angeles.
Proposition D1C will allow the City of Los Angeles to conduct the necessary research and studies to become a regulated cannabis retailer and create a framework for retailers throughout Los Angeles County. This framework will include creating licensing and permitting requirements for retail establishments selling cannabis, establishing procedures for the sale of cannabis, and creating guidelines for safe retail practices.
The City of Los Angeles, as a responsible business owner and voter, has a strong interest by not permitting a city, county or state to be responsible for the growth and distribution of cannabis products in Los Angeles. This is something that California and the US Department of Justice cannot allow.
While we do not endorse Proposition D1C, we support passage of Measure C.
In order to legalize cannabis sales and to establish a framework for retail cannabis stores, the City of Los Angeles needs to research and educate businesses about cannabis and the market for cannabis sales.
The City of Los Angeles could use this study to identify areas of high cannabis demand, identify business that may be able to provide this demand, and determine the costs of providing cannabis supply to these businesses.
The City of Los Angeles can conduct economic impact studies and studies on the effects of the passage of Measure C. The City of Los Angeles should use this information when establishing a framework to allow cannabis retail sales.
The City of Los Angeles should use the study to help establish:
A cannabis tax structure – an appropriate tax rate in order to adequately fund the City of Los Angeles’ cannabis-related priorities;
Components of the tax – an adequate tax base and an appropriate tax rate;
Ancillary services – such as