Arcata City Council creates pathway toward cannabis smoking lounges

The Arcata City Council on Wednesday introduced an ordinance to allow cannabis consumption lounges in the city for the first time, drawing strong support from local operators and residents who said the change would create safe, legal spaces for use and boost tourism.

Community Development Director David Loya said interest is already high.

"There are two local businesses, one existing operator and one prospective applicant, which have expressed interest in on‑site cannabis consumption authorization," Loya told the council.

He noted that Humboldt Premium currently allows only non‑smoked consumption.

"They're not permitted to ingest cannabis through smoking or vaporizing," he said.

The ordinance would require businesses to obtain a use permit before opening a lounge. The goal is to support local businesses looking to expand operations. Additionally, the ordinance will allow on-site consumption at events like Cannifest, which is being held in Arcata this year, although the operator said there will be no licensed sales or consumption at the 2026 event.

Loya noted there was time to make adjustments.

"We would also have additional regulations and policies," Loya said. "What's in your packet right now isn't final… all we're asking you to do tonight is to introduce the ordinance. We'll bring it back for adoption at your next meeting."

Public comment was unanimously supportive.

"I think it'll be great for our cannabis economy and for our community," resident Misha Blacker said. "It'll provide much‑needed third spaces for people to be."

Michael Bettencourt, an interested party and partner of the Pacific Paradise dispensary, said the lack of legal consumption space is pushing customers out of Arcata.

"It would provide a safe space," Bettencourt said. "It would actually indirectly put heads in beds… customers are leaving the city and staying elsewhere where they have access."

Jennifer Henson, also with Pacific Paradise, said renters and students are among those most affected.

"The majority of the Arcata community lives in dorms or apartments with strict no‑smoking rules," she said. "Tourists ask me all the time, ‘Where can I smoke this?' We usually point them toward the alley and suggest they keep a low profile."

Henson said a lounge could offer locals and visitors curated experiences using local flower. "They could set up a tasting as they get to do in Napa," she said.

Councilmembers questioned whether outdoor lounges could be allowed. Loya said the ordinance is "silent" on the issue and that outdoor spaces could be considered through the use‑permit process. "Let's be honest - consumption is happening," councilmember Sarah Schaefer said. "It's 2026."

The council voted unanimously to introduce the measure. It will return for adoption at a future meeting.

Maranda Vargas can be reached at 707-441-0504.

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