10 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY AUGUST 7-13, 2025 www.montereycountynow.com Since California legalized recreational marijuana in 2016, licensed growers in Monterey County have been under a roof. Now, full-sun cultivation, where the crop is grown entirely outdoors, is entering the picture. The Monterey County Cannabis Program announced plans to work with John Cummings, a farmer in South County, who is seeking approval as the county’s first fully outdoor commercial cannabis grower. “The project is moving along,” Cummings said at a County Board of Supervisors Cannabis Committee meeting on July 31. “With any luck, this is going to come off the ground here pretty quickly.” The news comes alongside growing pains for new cannabis operators as they try to enter the legal market, a trend reflected in data shared at the meeting. There are currently 53 active commercial cannabis businesses in the unincorporated county (excluding cities), eight dispensaries and 45 cultivators. The program is also working with 11 potential new businesses. Since March, six businesses have closed. Michelle House, who leads the Cannabis Program, says the rapidly evolving nature of the industry impacts the ability to build and establish sustainable business models. “Because it is so new, it changes all the time,” she says. “The face of this will [likely] be totally different in three months.” High upfront costs, land preparation, regulatory requirements involving multiple agencies and shifting supply chains still compound one another as barriers to entry. Add to that, House says, are the ongoing challenges with the illegal market and lingering taboos attached to cannabis’ federal classification as a Schedule I substance. Cannabis land use permits have declined over the years, from 22 new permits in fiscal year 2021-22 to five two years later. No new cannabis land use permits were approved in 2024-25. House attributes this decline to the recycling of permits on existing parcels rather than issuing new ones. “Cannabis runs with the land...when a farm closes and a new farm comes on board, there’s not a new [permit], so you’re not going to see that number grow now over these last few years.” Looking forward, she remains optimistic. She says there are innovative additions, like microbusinesses and onsite consumption, they are exploring. “There are lots of things that have to happen to get a business up and going,” she says. “I’m trying to think out of the box for ways for people to grow their business.” For years, the foot of Fisherman’s Wharf in Monterey has come to resemble an outdoor mall. You can find anything from potted plants to handmade jewelry to a “Let’s Go Brandon” flag from the entrepreneurs who set up and take down their mobile, outdoor storefronts daily. On weekends, the area is bustling with hundreds of customers. It’s a phenomenon that began in 2019, after the Monterey City Council passed an ordinance establishing local sidewalk vending rules, in compliance with a 2018 state law. “Sidewalk vending provides important entrepreneurship and economic development opportunities to low-income and immigrant communities,” SB 946 states. “Sidewalk vending contributes to a safe and dynamic public space.” But the concept grew so much, with an average of 33 sidewalk vending applications per year, that by 2024, Monterey city officials were hearing concerns about negative impacts, such as aesthetics, obstructing pedestrian travel on the Rec Trail and competition for brickand-mortar businesses. By early 2025, Monterey City Council was looking to amend its sidewalk vending ordinance, with a maximum of 32 square feet per vendor—with space for just 13 at the foot of the wharf, with no customer seating allowed, among other restrictions. Business representatives from Fisherman’s Wharf and Cannery Row voiced support; vendors argued it would destroy livelihoods. Vendors showed up to deliver impassioned remarks to council on Tuesday, Aug. 5. “Everyone I talk to loves us, and the handmade art we sell,” said caricature artist Brian Iglesias. “We’ve never done anything wrong. Without us, people aren’t going to have as many reasons to come spend their money in Monterey.” Despite the emotional pleas, Council voted 5-0 to approve the ordinance. “It’s disappointing to see how we got here, that there wasn’t a greater opportunity to collaborate and find common ground,” Mayor Tyller Williamson said. He added they are open to revisiting the topic in the future. Sun Grown Amid industry uncertainty, County looks to broaden and grow its cannabis program. By Katie Rodriguez NEWS PRETTY CITY The City of Salinas is accepting applications for neighborhood beautification grants. Those interested in applying must attend an information session. Noon-1pm Friday, Aug. 8. Virtual via Zoom. Application deadline is Aug. 29. Free. 758-7166, salinasneighborhoods@ci.salinas.ca.us. MEET YOUR REP Meet County Supervisor Kate Daniels and her staff and discuss issues in the San Benancio and Corral de Tierra neighborhoods. 9-10:30am Saturday, Aug. 9. Cypress Community Church fellowship room, 681 Highway 68, Salinas. Free. 6477755, district5@countyofmonterey.gov. STAY HEALTHY Doctors for a Healthy Salinas commemorates World Indigenous Peoples Day with an update on indigenous peoples’ health needs in Monterey County, a community garden presentation and more. 10am-noon Saturday, Aug. 9. Natividad Creek Park, 1395 Nogal Drive, Salinas. Free. 578-5353, healthproviderseace@ gmail.com. PUBLIC FACING Salinas City Council meets and, as always, accepts public comment. Tell your elected officials what they are doing well and what you think they can do better. 4pm Tuesday, Aug. 12. Salinas Rotunda, 200 Lincoln Ave., Salinas. Free. 758-7381, cityofsalinas.org. ON THE DAIS The Monterey Peninsula Unified School District Board of Education meets and accepts public comment as the 2025-26 school year begins. 6:30pm Tuesday, Aug. 12. District Services Center, 540 Canyon Del Rey, Del Rey Oaks. Free. 645-1200, mpusd. net. PLANNING AHEAD Monterey County Planning Commission meets to consider allowing the construction of a single-family home on San Benancio Road in Salinas, as well as review a proposed lot line adjustment in Carmel. 9am Wednesday, Aug. 13. Board of Supervisors chambers, 168 W. Alisal St., first floor, Salinas. Free. 755-5025, countyofmonterey.gov. STATE OF DRO Del Rey Oaks Mayor Scott Donaldson and City Manager John Guertin host the State of the City event. Residents are invited to hear city updates and ask questions. 6-8pm Wednesday, Aug. 13. Moose Lodge, 555 Canyon Del Rey Blvd., Del Rey Oaks. Free. 394-8511, delreyoaks. org. Where the Sidewalk Ends Monterey City Council votes to end sidewalk vendors congregating at the foot of the wharf. By Sara Rubin Licensed cannabis growers in Monterey County have used three cultivation methods: indoor (with artificial lights), outdoor in a greenhouse, or a hybrid approach. E-MAIL: toolbox@montereycountynow.com TOOLBOX “Because it is so new, it changes all the time.” DANIEL DREIFUSS
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