The decision was made to permit it, now how much to tax it?
After the Redondo Beach city council voted last fall to allow two marijuana stores in town, the question of taxes now goes to voters in the March 7 municipal election.
Named Measure CT, if it passes, the city would tax cannabis and hemp businesses from three percent to nine percent of gross retail sales, as well as one percent to three percent of gross sales on distribution, manufacturing, testing and cultivation. The council would decide the final rate for each category.
The taxes, if approved, are expected to bring in $300,000 to $900,000 per year to the city, eligible to be used for any general expenses. The council would retain the ability to increase or lessen the rates.
Growers for personal use would be exempt.
The Redondo Beach city council approved a lift of the ban on retail marijuana just before a competing public initiative went to voters. The public initiative was voted down, as were similar ones in Hermosa Beach and Manhattan Beach. Redondo is thus the only of the three beach cities to permit cannabis stores. ER
