The City of Stockton held a council meeting on May 16, 2025, to discuss the application process for marijuana dispensaries and cultivation sites following the recent passage of Measure P. The meeting began with concerns raised by council members regarding the clarity and fairness of the application process, particularly in light of conflicting information provided to potential applicants.

One council member expressed frustration over being misinformed about the status of applications, stating that they had advised interested individuals to register at the permit center, only to later discover that applications were indeed being accepted. This led to concerns about the potential for legal repercussions if applicants felt they were not given a fair opportunity to apply.

The discussion then shifted to the need for a structured timeline for the application process. Councilman Andrei emphasized the importance of honoring the voters' decision while also ensuring fairness for all applicants. He suggested that a timeline could help streamline the process and allow for the selection of the most qualified candidates rather than a first-come, first-served approach.

City Manager Quang clarified that the previous application process had not yielded successful results, with only one dispensary being established. He noted that the current zoning regulations set minimum standards, but the council would need to adopt performance standards to improve the quality of applications. This would involve amending the code and creating a committee to oversee the new guidelines, a process that would take time.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the need for a more transparent and equitable application process, with further discussions planned to establish clear criteria and timelines for potential applicants. The council aims to ensure that the implementation of Measure P aligns with community expectations and legal standards.