On May 12, the City of Canyon Lake released the scores and applications from Phase II of the Commercial Cannabis Business Permit application process. The process will result in one applicant being issued a Commercial Cannabis Business Permit.
The application period opened on January 18 and closed on March 3. Applicants were based on a scoring system. The applicant with the highest scores and best community benefits will be issued the first dispensary license in the City of Canyon Lake.
Each application was scored by the city’s cannabis consultant, HdL. Five applicants scored the required 90 percent and will continue in the process.
Culture Club of Canyon Lake (DBA Culture Club), E7 LA LLC, and SoCal Therapeutics Inc. (DBA The Syndicate Canyon Lake) were each awarded 2,500 points out of a possible 2,500 points and scored 100 percent. I.E. Gardens Inc. Canyon Lake (DBA Empire Gardens) was awarded 2,470 points and scored 98.80 percent. Panacea Farms MV LLS (DBA Sipkoi) was awarded 2,280 points and scored 91.20 percent.
City Manager Chris Mann will be conducting a public hearing on Wednesday, May 25, at 6:00 p.m. in the City Council Chamber at City Hall, 31516 Railroad Canyon Road. At the hearing, the city manager will consider the concerns of residents and affected businesses concerning applicants for Commercial Cannabis Business Permits at the following addresses:
- 31524 Railroad Canyon Rd.
- 31320 Railroad Canyon Rd.
- 31580 Railroad Canyon Rd.
- 31682 Railroad Canyon Rd.
- 24370 Canyon Lake Dr. North, Suite E.
Anyone wishing to comment on the applications must file a written response or may appear personally at the public hearing. Prior to the hearing, written comments in favor or against the applications should be sent to the Canyon Lake City Hall, City Clerk’s Office at 31516 Railroad Canyon Rd., Canyon Lake, CA 92587.
The City Manager does not have the discretion to amend or repeal Chapter 4.20 of the Canyon Lake Municipal Code. Comments will be limited to the pending applications only.
The next phase in the process after the public meeting involves the applicants negotiating community benefits with the city manager. HdL will also be helping to evaluate what the applicants propose for community benefit. The applicant with a combination of the best score, and offering the highest level of community benefit, will be offered the permit.
While there may be some council action required, such as approval of the final agreement, the council is not involved in the selection process. “The selection process is being handled entirely by staff and HdL,” Mann said.
On September 13, 2021, (and October 6, 2021, for the second reading), the city adopted Ordinance 215, repealing Chapter 9.03 of the Canyon Lake Municipal Code and adding Chapter 4.20, which allows for the limited and controlled retail sale of cannabis in Canyon Lake. The city also adopted three resolutions, establishing a maximum number of commercial cannabis retailers, putting in place the review criteria for cannabis businesses, and establishing application fees.
To view the application scores, click here.
