As new dispensaries open, West Hollywood considers allowing cannabis special events

At least three new cannabis operations in WeHo will launch before the end of the year, according to city staff.

Aeon West Hollywood and Monica’s House are both projected to open this summer, while Pleasure Med is set to open for business in the fall. All three are located on Santa Monica Blvd. east of La Cienega, and each will feature a cannabis retail storefront and an area for consumption. The already open Artist Tree will soon allow for on-site consumption as well.

Another nine businesses have received approval from the Business License Commission but have no projected opening date. Three others on the waitlist to apply for expanded licenses — MedMen, Melrose Collective Corporation, Zen Healing Collective and Sunday Goods — were recently given the go-ahead to do so after Essence WeHo forfeited its licenses for adult-use sales, consumption and delivery services.

West Hollywood’s cannabis regulations only allow for a finite number of licenses to be issued at a time. Once an applicant has secured approval of their license from the Business License Commission, they have three years to open their business or they will forfeit the license. City staff members are looking to increase that time limit to four years.

City Council will receive an update at their meeting Monday on the implementation of the city’s cannabis ordinance, which includes a myriad of changes and developments.

City Hall is exploring the possibility of holding cannabis-focused special events in West Hollywood. Staff members are currently at work trying to answer these burning questions:

• Should events include both the sale and consumption of cannabis?
• Should anyone with a state permit be able to hold a special event in the City or is it limited to those with “brick and mortar” stores in West Hollywood?
• How many cannabis special events can an applicant hold in the City each year?
• Where can the events be located?
• Does the cannabis sensitive use buffer apply to special event locations?
• What types of odor mitigation should be provided when smoking is a part of an event?
• Can cannabis special events occur on public property?

City Council may also direct staff to develop an education campaign focusing on safe adult use of cannabis in light of the anticipated opening of new retail stores and lounges. The City Council will also consider directing staff to monitor cannabis licensee training protocols and report back to Council on program compliance.

The items are 2F and 5B on Monday’s agenda.