San Diego, California – San Diego took a significant step this week toward extending the operating hours of its cannabis dispensaries, a move that advocates say could boost city revenue, support struggling businesses, and curb the influence of illicit dealers.
On Wednesday, the City Council’s Economic Development and Intergovernmental Relations Committee unanimously approved a proposal to allow dispensaries to open as early as 6 a.m. and close as late as 10 p.m., expanding the current 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. window. If approved by the full City Council later this summer, the new hours would match those permitted under California state law and bring San Diego into alignment with neighboring cities like Chula Vista, La Mesa, and Oceanside.
Supporters of the change point to both economic and public safety arguments. With San Diego facing a $258 million budget deficit, Mayor Todd Gloria’s administration estimates the measure could generate nearly $1.9 million in new revenue next fiscal year—$1.7 million from cannabis business taxes and the remainder from sales taxes. The city has already factored that revenue into its finalized budget, even though the measure has yet to become law…