Dear District 5 Residents,

At Tuesday’s Board of Supervisors meeting, the Board will consider an item that would allow two existing local cannabis retailers—one in Felton and one in Boulder Creek, both along Highway 9—to apply for permits for on-site consumption, similar to a bar. This proposal will also apply to several cannabis retailers in South County.

The County has spent years developing policies around cannabis businesses, including permitting retailers, growers, and distributors, with the goal of balancing business interests, community impact, and regulatory oversight. However, this particular proposal raises important questions about its potential effects on our community—including public health, safety, and local quality of life.

During the January 28 Board meeting, I asked that the cannabis lounge proposal include information from our Health Services Agency, which is now attached as part of the agenda item. (This is different from the Report on Preventing Underage Cannabis Use in Santa Cruz County, which I also requested and will also be presented on Tuesday). I encourage residents to review the full report and share their perspectives.

Review the full agenda item here.

I encourage you to be part of the conversation, and welcome public comment at our upcoming meeting on Tuesday, March 11. Information on how to participate in person, via Zoom, or by phone is available here.

Alternatively, submit public comment via email to the Board of Supervisors at BoardOfSupervisors@santacruzcountyca.gov  

Email me directly at Fifth.District@santacruzcountyca.gov

A note on public input: Community discussions on social media can be valuable, but they do not inform official decision-making. If you want your perspective to be considered in this process, please submit a comment through the County’s official channels.

Sincerely, 

Health & Public Safety Concerns

• High-potency cannabis (up to 99% THC in concentrates) is linked to mental health conditions, especially in young adults under 25.
• Cannabis use in teens is associated with impaired brain development, lower academic performance, and higher dropout rates.
• Driving under the influence and secondhand smoke exposure remain public health concerns.
• Emergency room visits for cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS)—severe nausea and vomiting from chronic cannabis use—have increased.

Youth Access & Use

• 12% of 11th graders in Santa Cruz County report current cannabis use.
• 55% of 11th graders say cannabis is “easy” to obtain, often through friends, family, or resellers.
• Studies show youth cannabis use is higher in areas with more licensed dispensaries, disproportionately affecting Latinx youth.

County Costs & Economic Impact

• $3.1 million was spent on treatment for cannabis use disorder in Santa Cruz County over the past two years.
• $2.1 million in cannabis business tax revenue was collected in FY 2023-24. A 5% sales increase could generate $106K more in public funds.
• Cannabis tourism could boost local businesses and tax revenue, but requires additional county resources for oversight, licensing, and compliance.

For more information, read the reports: 

Report on Preventing Underage Cannabis Use in Santa Cruz County

Proposal to Allow On-Site Consumption at Cannabis Farms 

Proposal to Allow Cannabis Lounges