During a recent Sierra Vista City Council meeting, members discussed a proposed code amendment from True Leave, a marijuana establishment, to extend operational hours from the current 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. to a new schedule of 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. This amendment follows the approval of Proposition 207 in November 2020, which legalized adult-use marijuana in Arizona.

The city council previously approved an ordinance in February 2021 that allowed marijuana establishments under specific operational requirements, including regulated hours. Staff analysis indicated that ten out of 17 comparable communities in Arizona either have the same or more extended hours than those proposed. Additionally, the Arizona Administrative Code permits local jurisdictions to set operational hours, allowing for flexibility.

The staff report highlighted that since True Leave opened in 2022, there has been minimal criminal activity associated with the establishment, and the Chief of Police expressed no concerns regarding the proposed extension of hours. The amendment is expected to increase sales tax revenue due to the 40% increase in operational hours, although the exact revenue increase remains uncertain.

Andrew Bauer, representing True Leave, emphasized the need for extended hours to accommodate consumer convenience and align with other cities. He noted that the establishment employs security measures, including on-site personnel and 24/7 video surveillance, to ensure safety.

Council members expressed mixed opinions on the proposal. Some raised concerns about the potential increase in DUI incidents related to marijuana use, citing statistics that showed a rise in confirmed DUIs since legalization. Others argued that expanding operational hours would not necessarily lead to increased sales but would provide greater convenience for consumers.

The council ultimately decided to approve the resolution to initiate a 30-day public comment period, allowing community members to voice their opinions on the proposed amendment. The discussion highlighted the ongoing debate surrounding marijuana regulation and its implications for public safety and local business operations.