By Brian CHERNICK

Glendale City Council on Tuesday voted to maintain the current status of prohibition of the commercial sale and cultivation of marijuana within the city. Council asked staff to return within a year with further reports to provide additional information for councilmembers to make a decision on whether to lift the ban.

To avoid conflict with state law that was changed after Prop 64 – Medicinal and Adult Use Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act – the personal use and growth of marijuana is allowed within the city.

Council was also tasked with discussing the possible uses of additional revenue from the taxes garnered from the sale of marijuana. Options included introducing education to prevent children from smoking marijuana to using the funds to bolster law enforcement budgets. Currently Glendale’s municipal code prohibits the sale, cultivation, delivery and distribution of marijuana, medicinal or recreational.

Faced with the passage of Prop 64, of which 54% of the city voted in favor, the council has been soliciting comments from the public, both in forms of surveys and during council meetings, on how to proceed while still following the rule of law.

Residents expressed their concerns on both sides of the issue, with proponents citing additional tax revenue for the city, moving marijuana sales out of the shadows and providing opportunities for jobs and entrepreneurs.
Those who favored to maintain the ban worried about increases in crime and DUIs throughout the city.

Councilmembers also congratulated outgoing City Manager Scott Ochoa as Tuesday marks his last meeting as an employee of the City of Glendale.

“Your exemplary leadership and powerful guidance has helped many people grow within our organization,” Mayor Vartan Gharpetian said. “Thank you for your passionate work and providing outstanding community services.”

Ochoa served at the city’s manager for over six years before resigning to take on the same role in the City of Ontario.

  Brian CHERNICK