Planning panel backs draft county rules for on‑site cannabis consumption and asks staff to refine vaporizing, hours and responsible‑use language

County planner Mike Novo outlined a draft ordinance to let licensed cannabis retailers offer on‑site consumption in unincorporated Monterey County, saying the rules are paired with existing retail permits and the county’s cannabis program. "The draft ordinances will apply only to the unincorporated areas of Monterey County," Novo told the commission and described options for hours, ventilation and definitions for consumption types.

At the heart of the discussion were three issues: hours of operation, how to treat vaporizing versus combustion, and measures to prevent intoxicated patrons from being served. Commissioners pressed staff to tie local hours to state law so the county does not have to revise the ordinance each time the state updates rules. Novo told the panel, "State law controls the industry, and so we have to be in conformance with state law," while also noting the county could set earlier closing times if it wanted.

Operators who testified urged clear definitions and practical rules. Aaron Stoney, founder of Big Sur Canyon Botanicals, said he supported staff’s proposed language on food service, staff access and ventilation and asked the commission to adopt definitions that distinguish combustion from vaporizing so regulations match the different public‑health and odor profiles. "I'd asked the commission to adopt staff recommended language on food and beverage, employee access, ventilation, and impaired driving," Stoney said.

Opponents raised concerns about concentration and public safety. Public commenter Peter Kaiser urged strict potency limits and warned against normalization of high‑potency products, calling for a 2% cap on THC concentration in products sold. "We should probably have a limit of 2% THC if we want this to stop being a gateway drug," Kaiser told the commission.

After discussion, Commissioner Deal moved — and the commission seconded — a motion asking staff to bring the ordinance forward to the Board of Supervisors with these refinements: hours tied clearly to state law, further study and possible separate definitions for vaporizing and combustion, and inclusion of "responsible consumption" language (to be placed in the enforcement/regulatory chapter as appropriate). The motion passed and staff will prepare the recommended ordinance and memorandum to the Board of Supervisors for subsequent action.