Long Beach's City Council is moving forward with exploring cannabis use at public events amid mixed reviews during this week's council meeting.
The Sacramento State Fair made history by becoming the first to allow the sale and consumption of cannabis products at a public event. Now, Long Beach is looking into how other cities are going about it, hoping to do the same.
Want to get caught up on what's happening in SoCal every weekday afternoon? Click to follow The L.A. Local wherever you get podcasts.
In August, the city council initiated the first steps toward potentially allowing pot products at major events. Long Beach Vice Mayor Cindy Allen tells KNX News' Nataly Tavidian she is an advocate for approval.
"I think that these cannabis events are advantageous for us," she said. "Cannabis is legal, and if people want to go to a cannabis event, then so be it. If they don't and they don't want to be exposed, then don't."
Allen said she is very interested in getting a better understanding of the safety concerns for the public and staff at such events.
Councilmember Al Austin said, "This council has been very intentional about making Long Beach an entertainment destination. This would certainly accomplish that."
In a little over a month, the city will receive another report addressing questions from residents and local businesses.
The council says they are about halfway through the process, but permits for cannabis consumption at Long Beach's public events could be in place by next year.
Follow KNX News 97.1 FM
Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok
