New Cannabis Testing Ordinance in Davis, California

New rules regarding commercial cannabis testing could make the city a future hub for cannabis research. Last March, an ordinance was presented to the Davis City Council regarding the zoning regulations of manufacturing, testing, research and development and distribution of commercial cannabis. Later this month, the council is expected to tackle an extension of its Interim Urgency Ordinance.

Under the ordinance, the manufacturing, testing and distribution of commercial cannabis would be restricted to the zoning areas reserved, leaving residential areas strictly prohibited. According to the Davis Vanguard, the ordinance even goes so far as to require a 600-foot buffer between any commercial cannabis labs and land that is occupied by schools, daycares or “places where children congregate.” Again, as with the testing guidelines, some feel this “buffer” is a bit extreme as these testing sites would be used solely for research, testing and commercial distribution. Public sales of cannabis and dispensaries are not part of the ordinance and will be addressed separately.

There are three guidelines expressed in the proposed ordinance. First, Cannabis Manufacturing, which includes, “the compounding, blending, extracting, infusing, or otherwise making or preparing a cannabis product.” Second, Cannabis Research which is described as, “a laboratory, facility, or entity that offers or performs tests or testing of cannabis or cannabis products.” And lastly, Cannabis Distribution, which is, “any facility engaged in the procurement, temporary storage, non-retail sales, and transport of cannabis or cannabis products between State-licensed cannabis businesses, including warehouses and similar structures.”

This ordinance marks the most comprehensive set of guidelines on commercial cannabis to date and could in turn, tap Davis, California as a hub for cannabis research. If approved, the Interim Urgency Ordinance would be extended through October 31. The Davis City Council is scheduled to discuss adopting the ordinance on May 23.