Most of the Santa Barbara City Cannabis Bidders Aren’t from Santa Barbara
Applications for Santa Barbara Permit Due March 30
Cannabis operators from as far away as Richland, Michigan, are looking to set up shop in downtown Santa Barbara. In fact, since the city set up a portal for prospective bidders on February 1, a majority of the 35 interested cannabis companies are from out of the area, including Seattle, Denver, and San Diego. Among the bidders are cleverly named entities such as Johnny Appleweeds, CannaBarbara, Sugar Leaf Wellness Collective, and 805 Buddha Bliss.
As California rolls out a legal cannabis market, some Southern California jurisdictions have been slow to establish permitting processes, which could be propelling prospective operators to Santa Barbara. Up to three retail shops will be permitted within city limits. Other businesses such as wholesale manufacturing and delivery services are also eligible to receive licenses in the city. Applications here are due March 30. They cost $5,600.
The legalization of cannabis comes at a time when downtown retail struggles as storefronts sit vacant. Cannabis could help fill the void, Mayor Cathy Murillo and others have said. But many landlords have indicated they might not lease to people involved in the cannabis industry if there is any kind of financing on the building.
