Measure C Leads In Calabasas

CALABASAS, CA — Calabasans seem primed to approve Measure C, a ballot measure to tax cannabis delivered or manufactured within city limits. As of Wednesday night, 6,722 Calabasans voted yes on the measure, while 4,072 voted no.

Measure C would place a 10-percent excise tax on the yearly gross receipts of businesses delivering - or transporting, dispensing, manufacturing, processing, etc. — the plant within city limits. According to a city report, it's estimated that the tax would generate around $10,000 in extra annual profits, which the city could spend however it sees fit.

Calabasas currently outlaws dispensaries, but a 2018 law says that cannabis can be delivered anywhere in the state, regardless of whether or not dispensaries are allowed.

The ballot question reads: "Shall the measure imposing a City of Calabasas tax of up to 10% on cannabis businesses, without changing the City's existing prohibition on cannabis dispensaries, raising up to $10,000 each year until voters decide otherwise, with additional revenue of up to $300,000 per dispensary expected if the state or City ever allow cannabis dispensaries to operate in the City, to fund general City services, be adopted?"

Council candidates Alicia Weintraub and Dennis Washburn have expressed support for the measure, reasoning that should Calabasas ever be compelled to allow dispensaries within limits, they might as well make some money from it.

"I am supporting measure c because this will help the city if the state should ever require us to permit cannabis retailers. This measure does not require the City to permit this use now," Calabasas Mayor and City Council candidate Alicia Weintraub wrote Patch in an email.

"Measure C will allow Calabasans to generate some local revenue for control and citizens’ benefits if the state forces local governments to enable cannibis locations and sales in our city," Washburn wrote. "It give Calabasas options to deal with future outcomes. It’s worthy of support."

Fredericks-Ploussard, however, thinks the tax is too high. "If we are going to charge a 10% excise tax on delivery of this, should we not charge 10% on wine deliverers from out of area? I could accept a small tax, 2-3%," she wrote to Patch.

Click on the links to learn more about Measure C on Patch and from the City of Calabasas.

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