Downey considers regulations on recreational marijuana

DOWNEY – The City Council on Tuesday unanimously passed sweeping regulations related to recreational marijuana use in Downey, including limiting personal cultivation to six plants and an outright ban on commercial dispensaries. 

California voters approved Proposition 64 last November, which legalized recreational marijuana for adults ages 21 and older. 

The law, however, allows cities and counties to enact and enforce “reasonable” regulations to regulate the indoor cultivation of marijuana for non-medical use. 

The ordinance allows the cultivation of up to six plants per household. A city permit is required, along with “inspections and approvals.” 

Outdoor marijuana plants are prohibited under the ordinance, as are commercial dispensaries and marijuana delivery services.

The final vote was a 4-0 decision, with Councilman Rick Rodriguez absent.