The Truth Behind the Cannabis Regulations: Setting the Record Straight
Recently, an article in the Voice of San Diego’s Politics Report has raised some concerns regarding my work to update the city’s cannabis regulations. As your council member, I feel it is important to set the record straight and provide you with the full context of the situation.
First and foremost, it is critical to understand that my involvement in cannabis regulations predates my time in office. Back in 2009, I served as the vice-chair of the City of San Diego’s Medical Marijuana Task Force, where I worked on the very regulations I sought to update in 2021. My positions on these regulations have remained consistent over the years and are based on a deep understanding of the industry.
It is also important to note that the need to update the city’s cannabis regulations was not exclusive to my office. Other council offices and city staff were also working on different aspects of the regulatory environment. This shows that the recognition for change was a collective effort and not solely driven by my office.
Addressing the misquote in the article, it is crucial to clarify that my staff member’s statement to the Planning Commission was taken out of context. The full quote provides a completely different understanding of the situation and does not reflect a forward-looking pledge as falsely suggested in the article.
Additionally, the article inaccurately portrays my work on the regulations as an “urgent push” and a “furious push,” when in reality, there was no rush involved. My focus has always been on ensuring thorough and thoughtful reforms that benefit our community. The postponement of the changes was a result of a desire to prioritize a cannabis equity measure, a decision I fully supported.
While I welcome scrutiny and understand the concerns surrounding my former chief of staff, I believe it is essential for articles to present accurate information and avoid misquotations and mischaracterizations. As your council member, I remain committed to transparency and accountability in all aspects of my work.
Thank you for taking the time to read this clarification, and please feel free to reach out if you have any further questions or concerns.
