Vista likely to green light cannabis events

The Vista City Council in support of cannabis events on public property and will discuss further in October; approves new hours of operation for dispensaries

The Vista City Council expressed support for cannabis events on public property during its Aug. 27 meeting. The item will return in October for approval. Steve Puterski image

VISTA — The city is moving forward with allowing public cannabis events as a way to leverage an important business sector.

The City Council unanimously approved moving forward with drafting an ordinance permitting cannabis consumption events on public property and extending operating hours for dispensaries during its Aug. 27 meeting. The council’s decision on operating hours aligns with state laws for bars, although dispensaries have an earlier closing time.

A dispensary will be allowed to operate from 6 a.m.-10 p.m., in line with state law, although businesses cannot sell to medicinal cannabis customers until 9 a.m. due to regulations under Measure Z.

As for events on public property, the council briefly discussed those and staff will return to the council on Oct. 24 with a proposed ordinance and regulations. The council previously discussed temporary events on private property on March 12 and approved an ordinance amending city code to allow those on May 28.

Councilman Joe Green, whose brought both items to the council, said events on public property will likely follow most of the regulations set for private property.