By Sara Beth Williams–
The City Council last week opted to temporarily hold off on lifting a ban against retail cannabis dispensaries in Citrus Heights until more research and community feedback is gathered.
During an April 11 council meeting, after over an hour of discussion with almost two dozen public comments, the council made the gave direction to staff to “tap the brakes” on changing an ordinance to allow cannabis dispensaries in Citrus Heights.
After the council requested more information regarding the potential to allow retail cannabis dispensaries within the city limits in December 2023, staff presented a report to the council in February 2024 and then began community outreach throughout March and April. The city’s methods of outreach included sending online surveys to residents and hosting a public workshop for the community.
According to a prior report, initial surveys sent out via Flashvote, an online survey collection site, indicated that a combined total of 47.5 percent of participants strongly or somewhat opposed the addition of cannabis dispensaries in Citrus Heights, while 49.3 percent strongly or somewhat supported local cannabis retail stores. 3.2 percent of voters were unsure.
On April 3, the city held a community workshop where members of the public were able to voice their opinions. Economic Development and Community Engagement Director Meghan Huber said during the council meeting that there were at least 60 attendees. During the workshop, numerous people spoke including cannabis industry business owners who commented in favor of ending the city ordinance prohibiting marijuana-related businesses, according to a prior Sentinel report.
Opponents to lifting the ban voiced concerns over the negative effects of marijuana use on mental and physical health, and also noted that several larger neighboring communities continue to ban dispensaries within their cities.
According to a presentation during the council meeting, out of 57 surveyed at the public workshop, 26 residents and six non-residents voiced their support for cannabis dispensaries, while 16 residents and 2 non-residents expressed strong opposition to the proposal. Three others said they were somewhat opposed. Additionally, Huber noted that 20 online surveys were received in April.
Councilmember Porsche Middleton echoed a handful of commenters, saying “cannabis is here, it’s being delivered,” and added that passing a proposal to allow cannabis retailers was about local control and “stewarding” tax dollars efficiently within city limits. However, Middleton agreed with councilmember Tim Schaefer and Vice Mayor Jayna Karpinski-Costa, saying that the council needs to “slow things down” and conduct more research.
Karpinski-Costa said she would support the addition of cannabis dispensaries and would appreciate the tax revenue but wants the city to conduct more thorough public outreach and to research zoning and land use.
Mayor Bret Daniels said he was both “150 percent for medicinal marijuana” and “150 percent an opponent of recreational marijuana” and added that he wouldn’t “care to gain a dollar off of the recreational use of drugs.”
Councilmember MariJane Lopez-Taff also commented, echoing multiple commenters who expressed concern over how cannabis dispensaries would negatively impact the city’s overall image.
“When I look at the backdrop of our strategic plan, to grow our economy, to invite businesses to our community, to combat homelessness, to combat any crime, to raise our education, raise our neighborhood awareness, cannabis does not have a place in that vision for me,” she said.
In an email to The Sentinel on Monday, the city confirmed that the council has asked for additional research into retail cannabis ordinance modifications as well as further public outreach to the community. No specific timeline was given on when a follow up report will take place.
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