Planning commission OKs commercial pot business.

Advocates for medical marijuana are now one step closer to achieving commercial freedom in the City of Salinas.

On Wednesday, after a two-hour hearing, the Salinas Planning Commission unanimously voted to recommend a proposed ordinance to City Council that would allow commercial cannabis businesses to operate within city limits.

The key elements up for discussion were in regards to hours of operation, scientific research and geographical distribution of medical marijuana dispensaries.

Salinas City Attorney Chris Callihan presented the proposed information to planning commissioners John Meeks, Karen Araujo, Matthew Huerta, Brandon Hill and Elvin Ibarra and in the end this is what they voted to recommend to City Council:

• Allow three business permits for each of the categories (distribution, manufacturing, delivery and dispensaries) for the first year.

• Local preference for applicants.

• Further health care research in the medical marijuana front.

• Distribute dispensaries evenly throughout the city and council districts.

• Hours of operation to include weekdays and Saturdays, including holidays, from 8am to 7pm.

• 1,000 foot buffer between cultivation and manufacturing buildings.

• Enforce water- and energy-saving efficiency in businesses.

City Council will consider the planning commission’s recommendations for the first time on Jan. 12. If council members agree with the terms of the ordinance, the final adoption of the city law would be scheduled for Jan. 26 and would go into effect a month later.