Eleven medical cannabis businesses received Notices of Completed Registration which were issued by Vista. Those businesses are eligible to apply for a license from the California State Bureau of Cannabis Control. Once a business has received its State license and both a certificate of occupancy and business license from the City, it is eligible to open. A map of businesses with Notices of Completed Registration and a spreadsheet tracking the progress of these businesses in the licensing process can be found in the “Resources” section below.
Notices of Completed Registration are valid for a period of two years after which they can be renewed for successive two year periods. If fewer than eleven businesses are approved and operating in the future, the City may take additional applications, but not until early 2021.
ANTICIPATED TAX REVENUE
Initial estimates were that tax revenue (from the 7% tax on gross receipts) could slightly exceed $1 million annually if all eleven dispensaries are in operation. These funds will be placed in the general fund and may be used for any lawful purpose.
WHAT OTHER TYPES OF CANNABIS BUSINESSES/USES ARE ALLOWED IN VISTA?
VMC Chapter 5.94 only allows for (up to 11) medical cannabis storefront retailers; no other uses (adult-use cannabis businesses, testing, cultivation, manufacturing, temporary cannabis events, delivery) are permitted. The City Council adopted a moratorium on other uses while they determine what, if any, changes to the municipal code should be made related to cannabis businesses.
