Planning Commission Approves Lagona Apothecary Conditional Permit

LAGUNA BEACH, CA — Hopeful Laguna Beach shopkeeper Patrick Murphy has something to smile about after a conditional use permit was approved, 4-1, for his Lagona Apothecary to sell skincare products, soaps, and bath bombs containing cannabidiol oil. Commonly known as CBD, products made under his label will be focused on healing, Murphy has said, and have nothing to do with "getting high."

Anne Johnson was the lone dissenting voice as the commission approved the permit at the meeting Jan. 23, citing that she was "more interested in what the community said in Measure KK" as her reason for opposing the permit.

Even with the passing of Measure KK in 2016, it is possible for residents to have marijuana products delivered, but the Lagona Apothecary will reach out to a different type of consumer over someone looking "to get high," Murphy said.

The minimum age for purchasing CBD products at the shop, located at 206 North Coast Highway, is 18-years old, Murphy says. He is not opposed to raising that age to 21, the Los Angeles Times reported.

According to Murphy's permit request, Lagona Apothecary understands the need to appeal to the Laguna Beach lifestyle and history, the store's name pays homage to the old post office, founded in 1887.

Murphy wants to appeal to residents as well as visitors with his store, saying that he loves Laguna and feels that there is true magic here.

A few residents voiced the same disapproval that the Measure KK vote from 2016 received.

"The citizens of Laguna Beach voted that we don't want marijuana products of any kind," Jon Conk said at the Planning Commission meeting. His wife offered letters from residents who don't want the store to open.

Lack of regulation was cited as one of the reasons Laguna Beach should hesitate before allowing the CBD products to be offered for sale.

Still, another pro-marijuana resident, Karen Levin spoke up on behalf of Lagona Apothecary, saying, "although [CBD] is derived from the hemp plant, [everything about it] is different from THC."

Other shop supporters discussed the health benefits of the CBD oil, which the LA Times says can be useful in treating epilepsy and other conditions, as well as sleep disorders, menopause, arthritis and back pain.

"CBD has helped me with my arthritis, and has prevented me from having a hip replacement," Murphy said at the meeting.

Murphy is a Marine Corps Veteran and a retired aerospace engineer, the Laguna Beach Indy says. His success with CBD oil in treating arthritis was one of the reasons he decided to open the Apothecary at the old gallery location, which he's visited many times, he said at the meeting.

"I've looked out [the old gallery] windows many times," he said. "I never thought I'd be here, but I'm happy to be here."

Opponents of the Planning Commission's decision have until Feb. 6 to appeal the ruling to the Laguna Beach City Council, but supporters were pleased with the passing of the conditional permit.

"Putting a store in, a small store that is well-run by a person who is passionate about helping people," Levin said of Murphy and Lagona Apothecary, "...that's what you'll be giving to the community."

Lagona Apothecary Shop - Courtesy