Last week, I lost my job in the industry and, more painfully, my access to the medicinal cannabis that has been crucial to my well-being. This experience has shown me the urgent need for regulated cannabis storefronts in Elk Grove. Many residents, like myself, rely on cannabis for medicinal purposes, and without local access, we face significant hardship.

Elk Grove has the opportunity to join other forward-thinking cities by considering a limited and regulated introduction of cannabis storefronts within city limits. Currently, residents who consume cannabis to improve their quality of life must travel to neighboring cities or wait hours for a delivery.

We, the undersigned residents, workers, business owners and community members of Elk Grove, respectfully ask the City Council to direct City staff to study and develop a framework for allowing a limited number of highly regulated cannabis storefront retailers within the City of Elk Grove.

We recognize that cannabis retail should not be unrestricted.

We support a system that prioritizes:

• Public safety
• Youth protection
• Responsible business practices
• Strict age verification
• Secure facilities
• Appropriate zoning
• Meaningful setbacks
• Limited operating hours
• Responsible signage and advertising
• No on-site consumption
• Strong inspection and enforcement
• License suspension or revocation for violations
• A limited initial number of storefronts
• Periodic review by the City Council

California already operates a statewide cannabis licensing and regulatory system. A physical storefront is subject to a state Type 10 retail license, and state regulations require age verification and restrict retailers to compliant cannabis goods.

We believe Elk Grove should have the opportunity to determine whether a carefully controlled local retail program can serve residents while protecting neighborhoods.

We therefore ask the Elk Grove City Council to:

1. Direct City staff to study regulated cannabis storefront retail.
2. Identify appropriate locations and zoning standards.
3. Develop a local cannabis-retail permitting system.
4. Consider an initial cap of approximately 4 storefronts.
5. Establish rigorous public-safety, security and neighborhood-protection requirements.
6. Return the proposed framework to the public and City Council for hearings and consideration.
7. Consider available state resources that could assist the City in developing a regulated cannabis-retail program.

We believe Elk Grove can develop a cannabis policy that is limited, responsible, transparent, enforceable and responsive to the needs of our community.

By signing this petition, you are supporting a move towards a healthier, more equitable community for all Elk Grove residents.

Join me in urging our city leaders to take this important step. Sign this petition to encourage the Elk Grove City Council to explore the benefits of regulated cannabis storefronts for a healthier, safer future for our community.