Profitable Possibility

The future continues to show promise for business opportunities in Hanford, where two commercial cannabis cultivation and manufacturing businesses have recently showed interest. Now two prospective connabis

San Jose-based Caliva (Coastal Grown Cannabis) and Playa Del Rey-based Hanford Gardens proposed plans to get permits to operate in the city of Hanford by the end of 2017.The first cannabis business to submit interest in Hanford was Purple Heart Patient Center based in Oakland. However, the company decided against waiting for approval until the general election in November 2018. Caliva now hopes to open a cannabis cultivation and processing hub in the Kings Industrial Park south of Hanford-Armona Road.

Hanford Gardens requested a business permit in a March 14 letter. Caliva Chief Executive Officer, Larry Thacker, recommended that the city impose a cannabis business tax on a special election ballot. Tax revenue could be allocated toward long-winded projects in the city, such as renovating the Bastille, a historic prison, which would cost upwards of $1 million. Thacker believes a cannabis business tax could generate $10 million annually for the community.

“Our base for sales tax goes to public safety, parks and public youth. With [money from cannabis businesses], we could utilize it to get more officers on the streets and we could utilize it so that we can protect our citizens with more fire fighters and police officers.”

The city favored placing the proposal for a cannabis business tax on a special election ballot. This would allow the city to vote in August instead of waiting until November 2018. A special election requires a two-thirds vote in favor of the bill. Hanford Mayor David Ayers suggested looking at how other communities are directing cannabis tax revenue.

A staff report suggests that an ordinance be drafted to impose a limit of two cultivation permits. According to the report, a cultivation operation would be limited to 400,000 square feet. The report recommends that the city grant permits for two manufacturers, one testing laboratory, one distribution facility and one transportation facility.

Pressure is mounting as Hanford is facing a budget crisis, and options are running out. Councilmember Francisco Ramirez told CULTURE that the city’s sales tax has been bottom-lining, due to online sales. “Our base for sales tax goes to public safety, parks and public youth. With [money from cannabis businesses], we could utilize it to get more officers on the streets and we could utilize it so that we can protect our citizens with more fire fighters and police officers.” Caliva also offered to cover all costs of extra police resources that would be needed to regulate businesses. Ramirez was impressed with the way that Caliva and other cannabis companies treat and pay their employees. According to Ramirez, Caliva could create up to 1,500 jobs in the city of Hanford that would offer a starting pay of $17.50 an hour.

Ramirez’s track record highlights his constant effort in promoting family-oriented activities in the city of Hanford. He believes that a regulated cannabis industry in Hanford will help the community at large. “We’ll have more [money] for public safety, we can develop parks, we can create recreational facilities for our kids and keep them out of trouble. It’s adding jobs, deterring crime, and it’s going to create an atmosphere where our kids can be kids.” Ramirez also strives to maintain an obstacle-free relationship with small businesses in the area.

On a personal level, Councilmember Ramirez believes in the efficacy of medical cannabis. “I’m an avid supporter of cannabis,” said Ramirez. “We talk about drugs—and I’ve done my research on cannabis, truly, because my mom died of cancer. If I’d would’ve known what I should’ve known back then I would have given it to her. I would take it if I was sick as well. No doubt about it. I studied cannabinoids, CBD, every single aspect.” Ramirez said he is proud to openly support medical cannabis.

In Hanford, the city could either take advantage of the lucrative perks that cannabis companies can bring, which could be voted on in an election in November or as early as August. “Either we’re going to be visionaries and pioneers, or we’re going to be left in the dust,” Ramirez concluded.