Recreational Sales Begin in Long Beach, California

[dropcap class=”kp-dropcap”]O[/dropcap]n Friday, Aug. 31, recreational cannabis sales began in Long Beach, California with the grand opening of four licensed cannabis stores. For a city that is synonymous with high quality cannabis and music, it’s been a long time coming.

On June 19 the Long Beach City Council approved framework for recreational sales in Long Beach. A total of 32 dispensaries are allowed to operate as either medical or recreational stores. Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia signed the legislation on July 13.

The following stores have been approved to sell recreational cannabis after passing final inspections on Aug. 30:

Long Beach Green Room, 1735 E. 7th St.

The Station, 1957 Pacific Ave.

One Love Beach Club, 2767 E. Broadway

Connected Cannabis Co., 5227 E. 2nd St.

Adam Hijazi is the general manager for two of the approved dispensaries, the The Long Beach Green Room and The Station, which previously functioned as medical-only dispensaries. “For us, one of the biggest things is not being able to — is having to turn people away,” Hijazi told Long Beach Press-Telegram. “So many people are not renewing their (doctor recommendations) because they think Prop. 64 applies everywhere.” According to Hijazi, he had to turn many customers who didn’t know the rules.

Specials apply, such as an Early Bird special for early customers at The Long Beach Green Room.

During the “Wild West” era, at least 40-50 dispensaries at a time operated in the gray area without much interference, but that ended in 2012, when all locations were ordered to close and dispensary raids ramped up significantly in the city. East Broadway and East 2nd St. more or less functioned as a green district, along with other concentrations around the city.

The new system is much different: Dispensaries must provide 24-hour surveillance, electronic age verification, security alarms and employee identification badges. Cannabis will be available to any adult 21 years or older with a valid state ID.