HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/16/2018 Item 20, Caston 'GC�LC?EN STATE
GOVERNMENT RELATIC�NS
980 9t"St, Suite 1600, Sacramento, CA 95814�2544 Cleveland Ave, Suite 204, Santa Rosa, CA 95403
October 15, 2018
Rachel Cohen
Associate Planner
San Luis Obispo Community Development Department
919 Palm Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Dear Ms. Cohen:
I am writing this letter in response to the criteria set forth by San Luis Obispo's Community
Development Department regarding Cannabis Business Permits. Golden State Government
Relations works with cannabis companies all over California and through all parts of the supply
chain so we understand the importance of establishing relationships and its correlation with
performance timeline, promoting entrepreneurship, and the ability to establish a thriving
cannabis business. While reviewing the proposed criteria, we see that San Luis Obispo is
actively trying to engage the local community and include a few prior experience points, but
there is a lack of proven experience points on the list.
While working in the various jurisdictions we have unfortunately seen several cannabis
businesses obtain permits, and then not be able to move forward due to lack of funds or support
from the supply chain. During this time of new regulations it is crucial that jurisdictions are taking
into account a company's ability to perform on, and fund their permits, and also have those
important networks within the supply chain to build on their permitting success.This business
model can only be obtained by the local jurisdictions willingness to open its permitting process
to not only locals, but to allow flexibility in the criteria for entrepreneurship as this will support
supply chain connections and in turn bolster the local economy. Please find suggestions for
criteria adjustments below, in accordance with what we believe makes a strong cannabis
business:
In Section 2.0, " Record of compliant current or previous business operations." We would
encourage San Luis Obispo to create criteria around proven financial and operational stability,
instead of criteria around how long one has been in the industry. Below are criteria suggestions
to be added to Section 2.0:
Business has demonstrated sufficient financial capital to operate for 3 months. 10 Points
'GC�LC?EN STATE
GOVERNMENT RELATIC�NS
980 9t"St, Suite 1600, Sacramento, CA 95814�2544 Cleveland Ave, Suite 204, Santa Rosa, CA 95403
Business has demonstrated sufficient financial capital to undertake all necessary building and
site upgrades. 10 Points
While we see the value in supporting the local community, there should be criteria surrounding
inclusiveness in the industry. This allows San Luis Obispo to support the local community but
also encourages entrepreneurship, therefore for Section 3.0 "Local Experience" we suggest the
following criteria adjustments/additions:
Business Manaaer or CEO have resided in San Luis Obispo
County for at least 5 er�e�e years. 5 Points
Business will hire at least 40% local residents who have resided in SLO County at least 5 years.
5 Points.
We appreciate San Luis Obispo taking into consideration our recommendations and hope to see
some of the changes outlined above implemented in the final Business Permit criteria.
Sincerely,
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Nick Caston,
President and Chief Strategic Officer