The City of Stockton held a government meeting on May 16, 2025, where officials discussed the ongoing confusion surrounding the application process for cannabis operations. The meeting highlighted concerns about the clarity of the current ordinance and the implications of a potential selection process for applicants.

During the discussions, a council member expressed frustration over the lack of clarity in the application process, noting that confusion stemmed from communications unrelated to the ordinance itself. They emphasized that the existing code was clear from the beginning, and applicants could have submitted their applications at any time. The council member raised concerns about revisiting past selection processes that had previously failed to fill required slots.

Another participant, Mr. Bivens, shared insights from his experience on a previous selection committee, advocating for a more open and competitive application process. He noted that the timeline for applications should be sufficient to allow interested parties to participate, while also suggesting that those who have operated illegally should be barred from applying for a set period.

Vice Mayor Homan pointed out that there had been approximately 60 inquiries about permits, indicating a significant interest in the cannabis application process. This raised questions about whether the confusion had deterred potential applicants from moving forward.

The meeting concluded without any definitive decisions, as council members continued to deliberate on the best path forward for the cannabis application process. The discussions underscored the need for clearer communication and a more transparent application framework to ensure fair opportunities for all interested parties.