Path Cleared For Legal Cannabis Businesses In Wildomar

WILDOMAR, CA — A ban on marijuana businesses in Wildomar has been dropped. In a 3-2 vote Thursday, Wildomar City Council approved two ordinances that allow for cannabis retail sites, as well as cultivation, manufacturing, distribution and testing labs.

Mayor Pro Tem Bridgette Moore and Councilmember Marsha Swanson cast the dissenting votes.

The ordinances are expected to get council's final sign-off June 10 with an effective date of July 10, meaning the city could start taking business applications this summer.

“This is an important step for Wildomar to welcome cannabis businesses to the city,” Mayor Dustin Nigg said. “We are business-friendly, and the intent of this passage is to regulate the industry that is already in our city illegally.”

Per the ordinances, cannabis retailers will be permitted to operate within certain commercial zones subject to approval of a conditional use permit and development agreement by Wildomar's Planning Commission and City Council.

Cannabis cultivation, manufacturing, distribution, and testing laboratories will be permitted in certain industrial zones, and are subject to the same approvals.

Limitations to cannabis businesses include a 600-foot distance separation requirement from
public and private schools, commercial daycare centers, youth centers, and parks; and a 100-
foot distance requirement from a residential dwelling unit. Stringent security requirements and
other operational requirements will be imposed on the businesses, according to the city.

Council also unanimously passed regulatory license fees associated with cannabis businesses.

Lake Elsinore also has ordinances to allow for marijuana businesses in the city.