Some California Cities Fight to Ban Pot Deliveries

The state Bureau of Cannabis Control is holding a series of public hearings on draft rules that would clearly allow door-to-door pot deliveries even in places where cannabis sales are banned.

But some Californians are pushing back.

At a press briefing on Monday, Charles Harvey, legislative representative for public safety for the League of California Cities, said his organization has concerns about the proposed regulation.

He said local authorities should have the right to regulate pot businesses in their jurisdictions, as dictated by existing pot laws under Prop 64. The league represents 475 of the state's 482 cities.

"These proposed regulations seek to diminish the voice of locals," Harvey said. "If finalized, they could also lead to greater public safety obligations and costs for local law enforcement."

The Bureau of Cannabis Control, however, believes delivering marijuana across city and county lines — even to a city that's banned marijuana sales — is legal under current state law.

Spokesman Alex Traverso pointed out provisions of Senate Bill 94, which Gov. Jerry Brown signed into law last year. The law says cites "shall not prevent delivery of cannabis or cannabis products on public roads by a licensee acting in compliance with this division and local law."

"We are clarifying that point," Traverso said. "While it could still change, our view is that delivery is currently legal statewide."

California Cannabis Industry Association spokesman Josh Drayton said pot delivery will mean more tax dollars and greater public safety for cities who participate by adopting local rules.

"The priority of Prop. 64 was to prioritize safety and health by creating regulations for an existing industry," said Drayton. "The safety issue is most prevalent in cities and counties with no regulations."

Traverso said the Bureau of Cannabis Control will use feedback from the public hearings on this and other pot-related regulations to refine the draft regulations.

"We're hearing the pros and cons on either side," Traverso said.

The next public hearing is scheduled for Tuesday in Los Angeles. A final hearing is scheduled in Sacramento on Aug. 27. The regulations must be finalized by the first week of December, Traverso said.