City Government

Canna-biz regulations approved

November 14, 2017

Hayward is poised to open its borders to commerce in cannabis—a year after majorities of city voters backed a statewide initiative legalizing adult recreational use of marijuana and a local measure in support of taxing canna-businesses.

Last week, the Hayward City Council passed an ordinance establishing a competitive process through which every applicant for a commercial cannabis permit will undergo rigorous review by a neutral third-party.

A land-use ordinance designating permissible locations for marijuana cultivation, laboratories, product manufacturing and packaging, wholesale and retail operations, as well as covering delivery services and cultivation for personal use, is undergoing final amendments. That measure would limit the total number of retail operations in Hayward to up to three.

The final package of legislation is slated to take effect prior to Jan. 1 when state licensing of cannabis businesses could begin. It has been crafted to maximize selectivity in the awarding of permits, and flexibility in setting and adjusting business operating conditions and tax rates to protect public health and safety, and cover the increased demand on city services.

To see a map of areas of Hayward permissible for establishment of a retail cannabis business and for other information, visit our City of Hayward .