The Paso Robles City Council made a significant decision this week that could reshape local cannabis policy. In a 4-1 vote, council members approved expanding cannabis access by allowing the city’s three existing cannabis delivery businesses to serve adult-use customers, not just medical patients. They also agreed to begin developing a framework that could eventually permit storefront sales.
Mayor John R. Hamon Jr. and Councilmembers Kris Beal, Steve Gregory, and Fred Strong voted in favor, while Councilmember Chris Bausch opposed the expansion, citing concerns about retail operations.
For years, Paso Robles has been one of the most restrictive cities in San Luis Obispo County. Storefront dispensaries and cultivation have been prohibited, leaving only medical cannabis delivery within city limits. Adult-use cannabis delivery was allowed only from businesses outside the city, creating limited access for residents and reducing potential local tax revenue.
Community members, including representatives from the business sector, voiced strong support for expanding cannabis delivery services to adult-use customers. Several speakers highlighted that Paso Robles was missing out on significant tax revenue that could be directed toward city services. Others argued that regulated storefronts and cannabis delivery options ensure safer, taxed, and closely monitored distribution compared to unregulated channels.
California’s history with cannabis legislation has steadily evolved. Proposition 215 legalized medical cannabis in 1996, and Proposition 64 allowed adult-use cannabis in 2016. Paso Robles responded cautiously, permitting only medical cannabis delivery in designated zones. In 2018, voters passed Measure I-18, establishing a general tax on cannabis businesses, which has since generated about $46,000 annually from existing cannabis delivery operators.
However, projections show that storefront sales could bring in between $600,000 and $920,000 annually. Even with market uncertainties such as competition and illicit sales, the difference in potential revenue underscores why the council is moving forward.
For now, the most immediate impact is on adult-use cannabis delivery. Residents of Paso Robles will no longer need to rely on out-of-town operators to access legal cannabis products. The city’s three licensed cannabis delivery companies can now serve a broader customer base, creating both economic opportunities and more convenient access.
This change represents a turning point for Paso Robles. While debates continue over storefronts, expanding cannabis delivery to adult-use customers strikes a balance between community concerns and economic opportunity. With growing public support and a council majority pushing for progress, Paso Robles appears ready to take the next step in shaping a responsible, regulated cannabis industry.
