For three hours last night the Atascadero City Council discussed issues related to cannabis cultivation, manufacturing, sales, all aspects of the cannabis industry. The intent was to give staff direction on developing an ordinance regulating cannabis in the City of Atascadero.
Council member Heather Moreno cautioned council members about cultivation. She said she lived in Denver and the odor was apparent for miles away from fields of marijuana. Susan Funk spoke up for manufacturing. She it could be a productive cottage industry for Atascadero, particularly if the manufacturers refrain from using explosive chemicals.
After about several hours of discussion, Atascadero City Manager Rachelle Rickard summarized the council’s input and said she will go back with the planning staff and develop an ordinance based on their input and bring it back to the council in a few weeks.
The council received an update from Mayor Heather Moreno and City Manager Rachelle Rickard on Coronavirus and the government imposed shutdown. Mayor Moreno says the county has put together a good plan, but the governor did approve it. The council also heard about building projects in the city, including the La Panza Shopping Center which is being built in downtown between the 101 freeway and El Camino Real. In the last week, contractors poured concrete for new construction and put a tower on a new building at the south end of the property.