The first presentation by, New Frontier Data is a marketing firm for cannabis investors. The investor in this case is the government, City of Sacramento. The city presumably hired this firm for their going rate: $5k-$10k and subsequently hired Ms. Reiman who is essentially a glorified social worker who study’s….studies related to cannabis.
Anyone else find it funny that the data she presented was from 6 years ago ? And the current data that she did have from 2021 and 2023 DID IN FACT show an increase in teen cannabis use. Wow.
Hardly the expert you’d think the city would hire for her opinion to further the city’s agenda on consumption lounges. But you’d be wrong, in fact the city is reliant on this person’s “expertise” solely because she is most pro cannabis activist they could find. She smoked more than half of her life at this point and admits it as a good thing on her own website “my personal plants dot com.”
I hardly think we should be taking this approach to potential lounges in the sac area based on any information she provided.
To the Planning Commission, City Council Members, and Law Ledge Committee:
I am deeply concerned about the proposed zoning changes that would allow for more dispensary licenses and lounges in RMX zoning areas. This rush to relax zoning rules comes at the expense of our community, particularly parks, youth-oriented facilities, faith-based organizations, and daycares.
The move to transfer the Conditional Use Permit process to a zoning administrator is alarming. It shows how far some are willing to go to push this agenda, taking away the voice of the people in a matter that directly impacts us all. This is not how democracy should work.
We have not been given all the information, and it’s clear that the city has segmented zoning, dispensaries, and lounges in a way that leaves the public in the dark. These changes are moving too fast for our community to properly evaluate the consequences.
Redefining sensitive uses to exclude faith-based churches, daycares, and parks is unacceptable. By removing these protections, you are opening the door for dispensaries to move closer to children and families, bringing intoxicating products right into our neighborhoods.
Planning Commissioner Kendra Reed, you have said that these changes would make your job easier by setting clear guidelines. However, the job of a commissioner is to protect the community, not to make it easier for businesses. Dispensaries should be reviewed on a case-by-case basis because each location and surrounding area is unique. What might work in one neighborhood could be harmful in another.
Sacramento requires armed security, security plans, and cameras for dispensaries because of the high value of cash and product on-site, often exceeding that of banks. That’s why dispensaries are not like grocery stores, restaurants, or even nightclubs. They carry far greater risks, and these risks should not be ignored when considering their placement near sensitive areas.
The only ones who benefit from these changes are commercial real estate interests and a select few in the cannabis industry. The community, our families, and our children do not. We urge you not to change the Conditional Use Permit process or redefine sensitive uses. Keep intoxicating products away from areas where our children and families gather.
Please, step up for the community and protect our future.
Dear Mayor Steinberg and Esteemed City Council Members,
I am writing as a concerned resident of Sacramento regarding the proposal to permit social consumption of cannabis at storefront dispensaries through a pilot program. While I understand the intention behind creating designated spaces for cannabis consumption, I must express my strong opposition to this program due to its potential harm to public health and safety.
For nearly 30 years, we have had laws in place that protect employees and customers from the dangers of secondhand smoke in public places, including restaurants, bars, offices, and other indoor environments. These laws were enacted based on well-documented scientific evidence of the harmful effects of secondhand cigarette smoke. The same scientific consensus applies to cannabis smoke, which contains many of the same carcinogens and toxins as tobacco smoke.
Permitting social consumption of cannabis in dispensaries will expose employees and customers alike to secondhand cannabis smoke, with no adequate protections in place (sophisticated ventilation systems do not prevent smoke exposure). Studies have shown that secondhand cannabis smoke can be harmful to both consumers and non-consumers, increasing the risk of respiratory issues and cardiovascular problems. Employees, in particular, would be subjected to prolonged exposure in an enclosed environment, similar to the very situations we sought to prevent through our strict smoking laws decades ago.
While the pilot program aims to evaluate the potential impacts on public safety, I believe we do not need such a program to test the science of secondhand smoke. The health risks are already well-established. Allowing this type of consumption will not only jeopardize public health but also contradict the protections we’ve worked so hard to secure for both employees and customers in other public spaces.
As Sacramento continues to grow and position itself as a progressive city, we must prioritize the health and well-being of our residents over the interests of the cannabis industry.
I urge you to reject this proposal and continue to uphold Sacramento’s commitment to public health and safety by protecting employees and customers from the known dangers of secondhand smoke, whether from tobacco or cannabis.
Dear Mayor Steinberg and Members of our City Council,
As a local business owner in Sacramento, I fully support a pilot program for onsite cannabis consumption lounges. With cannabis being legalized across the country, cities like ours are facing important questions about where people can legally and safely consume cannabis.
To address this, I encourage the City Council to support a pilot program for cannabis onsite consumption lounges.
Although cannabis is legal, many cities don't have social spaces where consumption is allowed, leading people to use cannabis in public parks, on sidewalks, or even at home (which can be problematic in multi-family housing, hotels, apartments, etc). Onsite consumption lounges would solve this by offering designated areas for use, reducing public consumption, and lowering the risks of secondhand smoke or impaired driving.
Recognizing the public health concerns for employees, several measures are currently being implemented in consumption lounges to reduce health risks for those working in these environments. These include:
-Install strong ventilation and air filtration systems to reduce secondhand smoke exposure.
-Maintain smoke-free areas for employees to work or take breaks.
-Provide health and safety training for employees, along with protective gear like N95/KN95 masks.
-Limit employee time in smoke-filled areas with regular breaks and rotations.
-Post clear signage, especially for pregnant or breastfeeding women, noting that "This is a smoking lounge. Occupants will be exposed to secondhand smoke."
Approving this program would help grow our local economy by creating new jobs and generating revenue for the city through taxes and licensing fees. It would also allow local entrepreneurs to innovate within the cannabis industry, creating unique lounge experiences and supporting other businesses that cater to cannabis consumers.
Just like bars for alcohol, these lounges would promote responsible cannabis use. These lounges could also educate consumers about safe cannabis use and offer rideshare services for a safe ride home.
A pilot program would give the city a chance to work closely with the community and SAC PD to ensure the lounges operate responsibly.
Governor Gavin Newsom’s recent signing of AB 1775 has revolutionized a new wave in California’s cannabis industry,
Supporting a pilot program for cannabis lounges will give the City Council valuable data needed and with that data, the Council can make an informed decision about whether to continue the program in the future.
Additionally, the program aligns with the city's goals of encouraging responsible cannabis use, improving public safety, and boosting the local economy. I urge the City Council to consider the many benefits this initiative could bring to our community and approve this innovative program.
Sincerely,
Maisha Bahati
Local Business Owner, Sacramento
Dear Mayor Steinberg and Members of the City Council,
On behalf of Youth Forward, I am writing to express our opposition to the city staff’s proposal regarding the permitting of cannabis lounges as posted in the October 22, 2024, agenda for your council meeting.
Youth Forward opposes this proposal based on concerns for the negative health impacts of cannabis smoke and vapor and cannabis secondhand smoke and vapor on patrons of the lounges and on employees. We are particularly worried about the negative health impacts of smoke on pregnant women and their developing fetuses. We care about both women who visit the lounges and for women who work in the lounges and wish to protect their health.
Established in 2017, Youth Forward is a nonprofit youth advocacy organization based in Sacramento. We work on local and state policy with the goal of improving the health and well-being of children and youth who come from challenging circumstances.
As you have seen in our prior correspondence with you, research clearly shows that breathing cannabis smoke and cannabis vapor is as harmful as tobacco smoke. Many years ago, to protect the health of everyone, we agreed as a society to ban indoor smoking and to place restrictions on outdoor smoking. All the reasons for bans on indoor tobacco use and restrictions on outdoor use apply to cannabis smoking and vaping. As with tobacco smoke, it is also clear that engineering and ventilation techniques cannot reduce this pollution to healthy levels and complete smoke-free policies are the only way to provide healthy indoor environments.
We wish to emphasize our strong concerns for the negative impacts of this policy on pregnant women and babies. Researchers at Kaiser Permanente have been studying cannabis use among women for years and released a new study on August 30, 2024 in Obstetrics and Gynecology. According to the Kaiser researchers, between 2012 and 2022, cannabis use among pregnant individuals almost doubled. This is of particular concern for Black pregnant women who have the highest rate of use at 27.9%. Kaiser researchers have found that cannabis use by pregnant women increases risk for several health concerns including gestational hypertension, or high blood pressure; preeclampsia, a serious complication of pregnancy; weight gain above or below guidelines for pregnancy; and placental abruption, the early separation of the placenta from the lining of the uterus during labor.
In addition to harming the health of the pregnant individual, cannabis use also increases risk for infants for low birthweight and for admission into the neo-natal intensive care unit (NICU). Numerous studies have shown that cannabis use also results in developmental delays among infants. Even more troubling is the research that shows that neo-natal cannabis use increases risk for psychopathology (mental illness) among children and that this impact can last into early adolescence.
Do the economic benefits of advancing the cannabis industry in Sacramento outweigh the value of protecting the health of women and children?
Thank you for your consideration of these concerns.
Sincerely,
Sarah-Michael Gaston, MPH
Deputy Director
Youth Forward
2411 15th Street, Ste A
Sacramento, CA 95818
CC Mayor Darrell Steinberg
Councilmember Lisa Kaplan
Councilmember Shoun Thao
Mayor Pro Tem Karina Talamantes
Councilmember Katie Valenzuela
Vice Mayor Caity Maple
Councilmember Eric Guerra
Councilmember Rick Jennings
Councilmember Mai Vang
I am writing to express my strong support for the approval of cannabis consumption lounges in Sacramento. As a city that prides itself on cultural diversity, economic development, and forward-thinking policies, allowing these lounges would be a significant step towards enhancing Sacramento’s vibrant economy and promoting public health and safety.
Economic Growth & Job Creation
Cannabis consumption lounges have the potential to drive substantial economic benefits. A 2023 study by New Frontier Data found that consumption lounges could add millions of dollars annually in tax revenue. In cities like Las Vegas and West Hollywood, these lounges have significantly boosted local economies by attracting both residents and tourists seeking safe, legal, and social places to consume cannabis. By passing this legislation, Sacramento can generate additional tax revenue that could be reinvested into vital city services like education, public safety, and infrastructure improvements. Additionally, the lounges would create jobs in various sectors, including hospitality, security, retail, and event management, providing economic stability for many residents.
Public Health & Safety
Regulated consumption lounges provide a controlled environment for cannabis use, minimizing the risks associated with unregulated consumption. According to the Journal of Cannabis Research, cities with consumption lounges report a decrease in public cannabis use, leading to reduced instances of public intoxication and related nuisances. These lounges offer an opportunity for responsible consumption, ensuring that individuals have access to trained staff who can educate patrons on safe use, dosage, and the effects of cannabis products. Furthermore, by offering a designated space for consumption, lounges can reduce impaired driving incidents, as patrons can remain in one location rather than driving to multiple places.
Promoting Equity and Inclusivity
Sacramento has the opportunity to promote social equity by prioritizing minority-owned and equity-focused businesses in the cannabis lounge sector. The City of Oakland’s Cannabis Equity Program has shown the benefits of implementing policies that support communities disproportionately impacted by past cannabis legislation. By adopting similar policies, Sacramento can lead the way in creating a diverse and inclusive cannabis industry that offers business opportunities and uplifts historically marginalized groups.
Tourism and Cultural Enrichment
Sacramento’s development of cannabis lounges could elevate its status as a destination city. As seen in cities like Denver and West Hollywood, cannabis lounges attract tourists and encourage longer stays, benefiting local hotels, restaurants, and other businesses. Sacramento’s rich culture, arts scene, and culinary offerings could be complemented by cannabis lounges that incorporate unique entertainment experiences, wellness sessions, and community events, further enriching the city’s social and cultural fabric.
I urge the City Council to consider the substantial economic, public health, and cultural benefits that regulated cannabis consumption lounges can bring to Sacramento. By passing this initiative, Sacramento can position itself as a leader in cannabis hospitality while promoting a safe, inclusive, and economically vibrant environment for residents and visitors alike.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Chris Loftin
Sacramento Business Owner for 25 years
The first presentation by, New Frontier Data is a marketing firm for cannabis investors. The investor in this case is the government, City of Sacramento. The city presumably hired this firm for their going rate: $5k-$10k and subsequently hired Ms. Reiman who is essentially a glorified social worker who study’s….studies related to cannabis.
Anyone else find it funny that the data she presented was from 6 years ago ? And the current data that she did have from 2021 and 2023 DID IN FACT show an increase in teen cannabis use. Wow.
Hardly the expert you’d think the city would hire for her opinion to further the city’s agenda on consumption lounges. But you’d be wrong, in fact the city is reliant on this person’s “expertise” solely because she is most pro cannabis activist they could find. She smoked more than half of her life at this point and admits it as a good thing on her own website “my personal plants dot com.”
I hardly think we should be taking this approach to potential lounges in the sac area based on any information she provided.
To the Planning Commission, City Council Members, and Law Ledge Committee:
I am deeply concerned about the proposed zoning changes that would allow for more dispensary licenses and lounges in RMX zoning areas. This rush to relax zoning rules comes at the expense of our community, particularly parks, youth-oriented facilities, faith-based organizations, and daycares.
The move to transfer the Conditional Use Permit process to a zoning administrator is alarming. It shows how far some are willing to go to push this agenda, taking away the voice of the people in a matter that directly impacts us all. This is not how democracy should work.
We have not been given all the information, and it’s clear that the city has segmented zoning, dispensaries, and lounges in a way that leaves the public in the dark. These changes are moving too fast for our community to properly evaluate the consequences.
Redefining sensitive uses to exclude faith-based churches, daycares, and parks is unacceptable. By removing these protections, you are opening the door for dispensaries to move closer to children and families, bringing intoxicating products right into our neighborhoods.
Planning Commissioner Kendra Reed, you have said that these changes would make your job easier by setting clear guidelines. However, the job of a commissioner is to protect the community, not to make it easier for businesses. Dispensaries should be reviewed on a case-by-case basis because each location and surrounding area is unique. What might work in one neighborhood could be harmful in another.
Sacramento requires armed security, security plans, and cameras for dispensaries because of the high value of cash and product on-site, often exceeding that of banks. That’s why dispensaries are not like grocery stores, restaurants, or even nightclubs. They carry far greater risks, and these risks should not be ignored when considering their placement near sensitive areas.
The only ones who benefit from these changes are commercial real estate interests and a select few in the cannabis industry. The community, our families, and our children do not. We urge you not to change the Conditional Use Permit process or redefine sensitive uses. Keep intoxicating products away from areas where our children and families gather.
Please, step up for the community and protect our future.
Dear Mayor Steinberg and Esteemed City Council Members,
I am writing as a concerned resident of Sacramento regarding the proposal to permit social consumption of cannabis at storefront dispensaries through a pilot program. While I understand the intention behind creating designated spaces for cannabis consumption, I must express my strong opposition to this program due to its potential harm to public health and safety.
For nearly 30 years, we have had laws in place that protect employees and customers from the dangers of secondhand smoke in public places, including restaurants, bars, offices, and other indoor environments. These laws were enacted based on well-documented scientific evidence of the harmful effects of secondhand cigarette smoke. The same scientific consensus applies to cannabis smoke, which contains many of the same carcinogens and toxins as tobacco smoke.
Permitting social consumption of cannabis in dispensaries will expose employees and customers alike to secondhand cannabis smoke, with no adequate protections in place (sophisticated ventilation systems do not prevent smoke exposure). Studies have shown that secondhand cannabis smoke can be harmful to both consumers and non-consumers, increasing the risk of respiratory issues and cardiovascular problems. Employees, in particular, would be subjected to prolonged exposure in an enclosed environment, similar to the very situations we sought to prevent through our strict smoking laws decades ago.
While the pilot program aims to evaluate the potential impacts on public safety, I believe we do not need such a program to test the science of secondhand smoke. The health risks are already well-established. Allowing this type of consumption will not only jeopardize public health but also contradict the protections we’ve worked so hard to secure for both employees and customers in other public spaces.
As Sacramento continues to grow and position itself as a progressive city, we must prioritize the health and well-being of our residents over the interests of the cannabis industry.
I urge you to reject this proposal and continue to uphold Sacramento’s commitment to public health and safety by protecting employees and customers from the known dangers of secondhand smoke, whether from tobacco or cannabis.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Dear Mayor Steinberg and Members of our City Council,
As a local business owner in Sacramento, I fully support a pilot program for onsite cannabis consumption lounges. With cannabis being legalized across the country, cities like ours are facing important questions about where people can legally and safely consume cannabis.
To address this, I encourage the City Council to support a pilot program for cannabis onsite consumption lounges.
Although cannabis is legal, many cities don't have social spaces where consumption is allowed, leading people to use cannabis in public parks, on sidewalks, or even at home (which can be problematic in multi-family housing, hotels, apartments, etc). Onsite consumption lounges would solve this by offering designated areas for use, reducing public consumption, and lowering the risks of secondhand smoke or impaired driving.
Recognizing the public health concerns for employees, several measures are currently being implemented in consumption lounges to reduce health risks for those working in these environments. These include:
-Install strong ventilation and air filtration systems to reduce secondhand smoke exposure.
-Maintain smoke-free areas for employees to work or take breaks.
-Provide health and safety training for employees, along with protective gear like N95/KN95 masks.
-Limit employee time in smoke-filled areas with regular breaks and rotations.
-Post clear signage, especially for pregnant or breastfeeding women, noting that "This is a smoking lounge. Occupants will be exposed to secondhand smoke."
Approving this program would help grow our local economy by creating new jobs and generating revenue for the city through taxes and licensing fees. It would also allow local entrepreneurs to innovate within the cannabis industry, creating unique lounge experiences and supporting other businesses that cater to cannabis consumers.
Just like bars for alcohol, these lounges would promote responsible cannabis use. These lounges could also educate consumers about safe cannabis use and offer rideshare services for a safe ride home.
A pilot program would give the city a chance to work closely with the community and SAC PD to ensure the lounges operate responsibly.
Governor Gavin Newsom’s recent signing of AB 1775 has revolutionized a new wave in California’s cannabis industry,
Supporting a pilot program for cannabis lounges will give the City Council valuable data needed and with that data, the Council can make an informed decision about whether to continue the program in the future.
Additionally, the program aligns with the city's goals of encouraging responsible cannabis use, improving public safety, and boosting the local economy. I urge the City Council to consider the many benefits this initiative could bring to our community and approve this innovative program.
Sincerely,
Maisha Bahati
Local Business Owner, Sacramento
Dear Mayor Steinberg and Members of the City Council,
On behalf of Youth Forward, I am writing to express our opposition to the city staff’s proposal regarding the permitting of cannabis lounges as posted in the October 22, 2024, agenda for your council meeting.
Youth Forward opposes this proposal based on concerns for the negative health impacts of cannabis smoke and vapor and cannabis secondhand smoke and vapor on patrons of the lounges and on employees. We are particularly worried about the negative health impacts of smoke on pregnant women and their developing fetuses. We care about both women who visit the lounges and for women who work in the lounges and wish to protect their health.
Established in 2017, Youth Forward is a nonprofit youth advocacy organization based in Sacramento. We work on local and state policy with the goal of improving the health and well-being of children and youth who come from challenging circumstances.
As you have seen in our prior correspondence with you, research clearly shows that breathing cannabis smoke and cannabis vapor is as harmful as tobacco smoke. Many years ago, to protect the health of everyone, we agreed as a society to ban indoor smoking and to place restrictions on outdoor smoking. All the reasons for bans on indoor tobacco use and restrictions on outdoor use apply to cannabis smoking and vaping. As with tobacco smoke, it is also clear that engineering and ventilation techniques cannot reduce this pollution to healthy levels and complete smoke-free policies are the only way to provide healthy indoor environments.
We wish to emphasize our strong concerns for the negative impacts of this policy on pregnant women and babies. Researchers at Kaiser Permanente have been studying cannabis use among women for years and released a new study on August 30, 2024 in Obstetrics and Gynecology. According to the Kaiser researchers, between 2012 and 2022, cannabis use among pregnant individuals almost doubled. This is of particular concern for Black pregnant women who have the highest rate of use at 27.9%. Kaiser researchers have found that cannabis use by pregnant women increases risk for several health concerns including gestational hypertension, or high blood pressure; preeclampsia, a serious complication of pregnancy; weight gain above or below guidelines for pregnancy; and placental abruption, the early separation of the placenta from the lining of the uterus during labor.
In addition to harming the health of the pregnant individual, cannabis use also increases risk for infants for low birthweight and for admission into the neo-natal intensive care unit (NICU). Numerous studies have shown that cannabis use also results in developmental delays among infants. Even more troubling is the research that shows that neo-natal cannabis use increases risk for psychopathology (mental illness) among children and that this impact can last into early adolescence.
Do the economic benefits of advancing the cannabis industry in Sacramento outweigh the value of protecting the health of women and children?
Thank you for your consideration of these concerns.
Sincerely,
Sarah-Michael Gaston, MPH
Deputy Director
Youth Forward
2411 15th Street, Ste A
Sacramento, CA 95818
CC Mayor Darrell Steinberg
Councilmember Lisa Kaplan
Councilmember Shoun Thao
Mayor Pro Tem Karina Talamantes
Councilmember Katie Valenzuela
Vice Mayor Caity Maple
Councilmember Eric Guerra
Councilmember Rick Jennings
Councilmember Mai Vang
Dear Sacramento City Council Members,
I am writing to express my strong support for the approval of cannabis consumption lounges in Sacramento. As a city that prides itself on cultural diversity, economic development, and forward-thinking policies, allowing these lounges would be a significant step towards enhancing Sacramento’s vibrant economy and promoting public health and safety.
Economic Growth & Job Creation
Cannabis consumption lounges have the potential to drive substantial economic benefits. A 2023 study by New Frontier Data found that consumption lounges could add millions of dollars annually in tax revenue. In cities like Las Vegas and West Hollywood, these lounges have significantly boosted local economies by attracting both residents and tourists seeking safe, legal, and social places to consume cannabis. By passing this legislation, Sacramento can generate additional tax revenue that could be reinvested into vital city services like education, public safety, and infrastructure improvements. Additionally, the lounges would create jobs in various sectors, including hospitality, security, retail, and event management, providing economic stability for many residents.
Public Health & Safety
Regulated consumption lounges provide a controlled environment for cannabis use, minimizing the risks associated with unregulated consumption. According to the Journal of Cannabis Research, cities with consumption lounges report a decrease in public cannabis use, leading to reduced instances of public intoxication and related nuisances. These lounges offer an opportunity for responsible consumption, ensuring that individuals have access to trained staff who can educate patrons on safe use, dosage, and the effects of cannabis products. Furthermore, by offering a designated space for consumption, lounges can reduce impaired driving incidents, as patrons can remain in one location rather than driving to multiple places.
Promoting Equity and Inclusivity
Sacramento has the opportunity to promote social equity by prioritizing minority-owned and equity-focused businesses in the cannabis lounge sector. The City of Oakland’s Cannabis Equity Program has shown the benefits of implementing policies that support communities disproportionately impacted by past cannabis legislation. By adopting similar policies, Sacramento can lead the way in creating a diverse and inclusive cannabis industry that offers business opportunities and uplifts historically marginalized groups.
Tourism and Cultural Enrichment
Sacramento’s development of cannabis lounges could elevate its status as a destination city. As seen in cities like Denver and West Hollywood, cannabis lounges attract tourists and encourage longer stays, benefiting local hotels, restaurants, and other businesses. Sacramento’s rich culture, arts scene, and culinary offerings could be complemented by cannabis lounges that incorporate unique entertainment experiences, wellness sessions, and community events, further enriching the city’s social and cultural fabric.
I urge the City Council to consider the substantial economic, public health, and cultural benefits that regulated cannabis consumption lounges can bring to Sacramento. By passing this initiative, Sacramento can position itself as a leader in cannabis hospitality while promoting a safe, inclusive, and economically vibrant environment for residents and visitors alike.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Chris Loftin
Sacramento Business Owner for 25 years
Please do not go to Sun Spa, located at 6804 Fruitridge Rd #A
Sacramento, CA, 95820, They will claim that they are too busy for you.
Please see the attached letter regarding Cannabis Consumption File ID: 2024-01733.