Chief Andrew Salinas reports on the State of Cannabis at the Hueneme Historical Museum.

"I didn’t know cannabis was going to be on my plate when I arrived in Port Hueneme," Police Chief Andrew Salinas recalled during a presentation to the Hueneme Historical Society. "I worked in narcotics. It’s quite a change from arresting people for dime bags." "I’m not pro-cannabis, I’m pro-enforcement," he emphasized.
 

Chief Salinas ran down the impressive numbers generated by the cannabis industry in Port Hueneme: a 218% increase in sales tax, $4.6 million in revenue to the city over a three year period, over $900,000 in community benefits, over $100,000 collected in application fees, 210 new jobs with 31 filled by Port Hueneme residents.
 

When the City Council passed Ordinance 727 on July 5, 2017, Port Hueneme became the first city in Ventura County to allow both medical and recreational sales. Since then, thirteen dispensaries and delivery businesses have come online, with applications for three manufacturing locations pending.
 

Port Hueneme’s ordinance was over a year in the making. "We wanted to do it right," the Chief explained. There is a careful screening process for applicants as part of a conditional use process.

Unlike some cities, Port Hueneme doesn’t have a dedicated cannabis tax. "We do something different," the Chief said. "We enter into development agreements" that require 5% of gross revenues to be paid to the city with an additional 1% dedicated to "community benefits" such as REACH, Lifeguards, Police Explorers, the Senior Luncheon, Movies in the Park, Cops for Tots, and 4th of July Fireworks at Channel Islands Harbor. Chief Salinas called this, "A model that is being copied around the state."
 

The dispensaries operate under strict regulations. Employees must pass a background check and wear uniforms with ID badges. Each dispensary provides its own private security and is on a constant video link with the Police Department. "I can bring [the video] up in ten seconds on my ‘phone and see exactly what’s going on," the Chief said. "There is no other business around where the Chief has direct access."
 

Presently there are five dispensaries along the City’s "Green Mile" on Channel Islands Boulevard. Gross sales are expected to exceed $36 million for 2019. "They’re spending that money here in Port Hueneme," the Chief said. 40% of the customers are over 40 years old, 14% are over 60. "Soccer moms, professionals, they’re there to purchase a product," he said.
 

In response to concerns about increasing competition, Chief Salinas explained, "Dispensaries have a brand to sell. McDonald’s and Burger King each sell hamburgers but they have their own brand. This is why we can have so many in such a small area."  
 

Port Hueneme has been alone in the cannabis business, but Chief Salinas does not foresee much drop off as other cities establish their own industry. "We got started first. There is such a market that we will be able to build upon that for four or five years. We will have a steady business."
 

In answer to the question of whether dispensaries cause crime, Chief Salinas cites the statistics: During the past six months there have been no major crimes along the Green Mile. "No one can say our dispensaries have increased our crime," he said.

—Ed.