Santa Barbara County Supervisors Finalize Pot Tax for June Ballot
Voters Will Decide on Enforcement Funding, Other Expenses
County supervisors finalized a one to 6 percent tax on cannabis businesses for the June ballot. Should a simple majority of voters approve, the tax could bring Santa Barbara County as much as $25 million annually. The first $1.75 million collected is expected to fund enforcement, investigation and civil or criminal prosecution activities related to unpermitted and unlicensed cannabis operations. Remaining funds would likely go to departments such as Sheriff’s Office, District Attorney, Public Defender, Behavioral Wellness, Public Health, Planning & Development, and Agricultural Commissioner.