FRESNO (KMJ) — Fresno City Council has voted to move forward with a Cannabis Business License Tax, which saw strong words both for and against the motion vocalized inside Fresno City Hall.
Those in support cited the financial benefits and increased revenue for the City of Fresno. Those against spoke about the impact on neighborhoods and the environment.
Following public comment Thursday morning, Councilmember Luis Chavez revealed that his aunt uses marijuana to treat arthritis.
“She put a lot of pressure on me, indirectly, and I will tell you that for me I am supportive of the medicinal use, but I have to be honest I still have a lot of questions on the recreational side.
“There seems to be many different versions of the utilizations of this substance, but I will support placing this on the ballot.”
Councilmember Steve Brandau spoke out against it, directing his comments towards the group of supporters.
“I’m a little worried about what I hear coming from you, and then what I hear coming from behind the scenes conversations that I hear in this building.”
Brandau was the only one who voted against the motion. It passed five votes to one, with Councilmember Garry Bredefeld absent.
The approval means residents of the City of Fresno will decide on the matter in November. The ballot measure requires a two-thirds majority to pass.
Hear the report from KMJ’s Dominic McAndrew as it aired:
