City survey shows residents split on cannabis stores in Citrus Heights

By Sara Beth Williams–
Results of a recent survey sent out on behalf of the City of Citrus Heights showed that participating residents were split evenly over whether cannabis dispensaries should be allowed to operate within Citrus Heights.

In a FlashVote Community survey where 342 local residents participated, 47.5 percent indicated they would either somewhat or strongly oppose having retail cannabis dispensaries located in Citrus Heights. 49.3 percent of participants indicated they somewhat or strongly supported the presence of local dispensaries, and 3.2 percent indicated they were unsure.

In another question, 59 percent of respondents supported the general legalized use of cannabis by adults, while 9 percent indicated they were unsure. FlashVote also indicated that only 45 percent of the 740 invited voters chose to participate. To participate, residents must have signed up to receive FlashVote surveys in the past.

Other survey questions asked where dispensaries should be allowed if retail cannabis stores were approved by the city, and what restrictions, if any, respondents would support. 119 participants indicated that the best place for dispensaries would be in any non-residential zone. 94 respondents indicated that dispensaries should be located in commercial districts near interstates, and a combined 144 out of 293 participants indicated dispensaries should be located in either the Sunrise Boulevard commercial district, Auburn Boulevard commercial district or Antelope Crossing commercial district.

51 out of 293 respondents indicated an answer of “Other,” and the majority of 45 comments indicated a strong opposition to dispensaries being located in the city limits. A selection of “None” was not available. Voters were also allowed to select more than one answer.

“There are plenty of dispensaries downtown and they deliver in Citrus Heights,” one commenter noted. Many other commenters suggested locating dispensaries near the police station or City Hall. All comments and votes were anonymous.

When asked about cannabis dispensary regulations, 129 respondents indicated that they would like hours of operation to be the same as state regulated hours for dispensaries. 107 voters indicated they would like more restrictive hours.

125 respondents indicated they preferred for cannabis retailers to collect an extra local tax on cannabis sales. 113 voters indicated they would like two permits or less allowed in the city limits, but 63 participants indicated they would not mind three or more permits allowed. Participants were allowed to select more than one option when voting.

One commenter wrote that small taxes were okay, “but too much tax will just keep people buying illegal or growing their own.” Another commenter said one permitted location should be sufficient for the entire city. Other commenters discouraged allowing permits at all because it would encourage drug use and drugs would “get into the hands of children.”

The survey was open from Feb. 27-29, 2024, with responses being request by the city as leaders consider whether to pursue allowing cannabis dispensaries within city limits. The city will also host Cannabis Dispensary Workshop on Wednesday, April 3, from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Citrus Heights City Hall, located at 6360 Fountain Square Drive.

Related: City to host public workshop, as Citrus Heights eyes allowing cannabis retailers