Following a comprehensive and competitive application review process, the City of Canyon Lake intends to award a commercial cannabis retail permit to RD Canyon Lake LLC, doing business as Higher Ground. Rd Canyon Lake LLC is a business entity based in Tustin.
At the December 1 Canyon Lake City Council Meeting, the council adopted a resolution reducing the maximum number of commercial cannabis retail permits from two to one, and authorized the city manager to meet with potential applicants.
After evaluating submitted applications, the city selected Higher Ground as the preferred applicant based on its overall proposal and the value it offers to the community. As part of its proposal, Higher Ground committed to a $75,000 public safety contribution and presented a comprehensive community benefits package designed to support local priorities.
The review process considered multiple criteria, including operational experience, regulatory readiness, community benefits, security measures, and site suitability. In reaching its decision, the city said it also evaluated the applicant’s approach to compliant security practices and responsible operations.
The issuance of the commercial cannabis retail permit remains contingent upon the successful completion of all required approvals and conditions. These include the negotiation and execution of necessary agreements with the city, completion of all applicable land-use and environmental review processes—including compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act—and ongoing adherence to all local and state cannabis regulations.
The proposed retail location will be within the Canyon Lake Towne Center. The city said that staff will work closely with Higher Ground throughout the building and permitting process to support a timely opening once all city and State requirements have been fully satisfied.
