Will Long Beach Become California's Next Cannabis Hotspot? City Council Weighs Public Event Consumption

Long Beach is taking steps to become California's next big cannabis destination as the city council considers a proposal that would permit cannabis consumption at public events. If the measure goes through, it could transform Long Beach into a major hub for cannabis tourism and entertainment, following in the footsteps of other forward-thinking cities across the state.

The discussion is not new. Back in 2019, talks about allowing cannabis consumption at public events were underway, but progress was halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, four years later, the proposal is back on the table with renewed momentum. In August, the Long Beach City Council unanimously voted to commission a study to explore how such a permit could work, as well as the potential benefits and challenges for the city.

Pam Chotiswatdi, a cannabis educator with Long Beach Green Room, has been part of the effort to revive the conversation. “In 2019, we started this conversation with the city and they were actually looking into it, but COVID shut it down,” she explained. The renewed push comes as cannabis consumption at public events gains traction statewide, with recent high-profile successes providing inspiration.

Last month, the California State Fair in Sacramento made history as the first fair in the United States to allow the sale and consumption of cannabis onsite. The event attracted more than 80,000 attendees, marking it as a significant success and setting a precedent for other cities considering similar initiatives. Councilmember Al Austin believes Long Beach could achieve the same. “It shows California is a forward-thinking state. Long Beach is a forward-thinking city, and this is an opportunity to make Long Beach an entertainment destination,” Austin said. “We are looking to put Long Beach in a place to win.”

If approved, the new cannabis consumption permits would allow public events to incorporate cannabis use legally, creating opportunities for cannabis-themed festivals, concerts, and other large gatherings. While state law already allows for temporary cannabis permits, they require approval from the local city—a barrier that Long Beach’s new permit could streamline.

The economic potential is substantial. By embracing cannabis-friendly events, Long Beach could tap into a lucrative market, attracting visitors from across California and beyond who seek unique cannabis experiences. Cannabis tourism is a growing industry in the state, with estimates projecting billions in revenue. Allowing consumption at public events could bolster Long Beach’s profile as a vibrant, progressive destination, drawing cannabis enthusiasts and boosting local businesses.

However, the proposal is not without challenges and potential pushback. Concerns about public safety, appropriate regulation, and the impact on the community could complicate efforts to move forward. Opponents of the idea may argue that allowing cannabis use at public events could lead to increased public intoxication or contribute to normalization concerns among families and children attending such events. Effective regulation and clear guidelines would be essential to addressing these concerns, ensuring that cannabis use is responsibly integrated into events without disrupting the community.

Still, as California continues to embrace cannabis, the momentum appears to favor cities that are willing to explore new frontiers in cannabis policy. Long Beach’s proactive approach in considering public cannabis consumption aligns with a broader trend in the state toward more inclusive cannabis laws, setting the stage for the city to possibly emerge as a leading cannabis-friendly destination in the near future.

As the city council deliberates on the permit proposal, there is a sense of optimism among advocates that Long Beach could soon join the ranks of California's top cannabis hotspots. With cannabis culture continuing to evolve, Long Beach is positioning itself at the forefront of a movement that could reshape the city's identity and bolster its economy.

Should Long Beach allow cannabis consumption at public events? 🌿🎉 Could it make the city California's next cannabis hotspot, or are there too many risks?