Napa County To Host Public Workshops On Commercial Cannabis

NAPA COUNTY, CA— Two public workshops surrounding the legalization of commercial cannabis in unincorporated areas of Napa County are planned for later this month. County staff and experts in cannabis policy and regulation from independent government policy advocacy groups will speak at the workshops, which are scheduled March 25 and March 26.

"The workshops are part of public outreach that the Napa County Board of Supervisors is conducting to inform the community and solicit public opinion on subjects, such as commercial cannabis outdoor cultivation, dispensaries and taxation," County Spokesperson Noel Brinkerhoff said.

Commercial cannabis retail, outdoor cultivation and manufacturing are currently prohibited in unincorporated areas of Napa County, while cannabis delivery and cultivation for personal use are allowed.

The same speakers are slated to speak at both workshops, and time will be set aside during each workshop for members of the audience to ask questions.

The workshops are planned in different locations so that residents can attend the one closest to them, Brinkerhoff said.

The first workshop is scheduled to take place from 6 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 25 at Napa Valley College, 1232 Lecture Hall, 2277 Napa Vallejo Highway in Napa.

The second workshop is scheduled from 6 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 26 at the St. Helena Unified School District Board Room, 465 Main St. in St. Helena.

Spanish translation services will be provided at both workshops.

Panel of speakers:

• Arthur Wylene, General Counsel, Rural Counties Representatives of California
• Paul Smith, Senior Vice President – Governmental Affairs, Rural Counties Representatives of California
• Laura Goddeeris, Survey Research Director, International City/County Management Association
• David Morrison, Planning Director, Napa County
• Humberto Izquierdo, Agricultural Commissioner, Napa County
• Andrew Smith, Deputy Agricultural Commissioner, Sonoma County