Retail Cannabis Business Permits
Summary
Two businesses that waited years in the permit queue got to keep their shot at opening, after the Council rejected a proposed six-month pause on new cannabis applications amid market saturation worries and a competing Pacific Grove dispensary.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 3
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed May 5, 2026.
Impact analysis
Cannabis tax revenue is running about $20,000 a month; new stores could add to it — or dilute it if the market is saturated.
The two waitlisted businesses and their investors who spent tens of thousands pursuing permits.
Staff time is strained by a litigious, records-request-heavy industry, per staff testimony.
Mentions & discussions (3)
Council Regular Meeting — May 5, 2026
After two earlier permit holders failed to open, the Council issued the two storefront retail permits to waitlisted applicants. A drawing gave Monterey Organic first pick of zone (Wave Street or North Fremont). The city expects roughly $300,000 in related revenue.
Council Regular Meeting — April 21, 2026
Off the Charts Monterey asked the Council to let dispensaries match state hours (6 a.m.–10 p.m. instead of 9–9), submitting 400 resident signatures; sales currently leak to Seaside after hours.
Council Regular Meeting — March 3, 2026
Two businesses that waited years in the permit queue got to keep their shot at opening, after the Council rejected a proposed six-month pause on new cannabis applications amid market saturation worries and a competing Pacific Grove dispensary.
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