L.A. County embarks on 'listening tour' as it prepares to regulate marijuana

Following voters' legalization of recreational marijuana in California, L.A. County has embarked on an extensive listening tour to find out what residents of unincorporated areas would like to see in upcoming regulations. 

Eighteen workshop-style listening sessions have been scheduled this summer in communities across the county, from Whittier to the Antelope Valley. 

The first is scheduled for July 13 at the Topanga Library. A full list of workshop locations is posted online at cannabis.lacounty.gov. 

Workshops nearest to Downey include: 

South Whittier - Liberty Community Plaza
14181 Telegraph Rd.
Tuesday, July 25, 6:30 p.m. 

West Whittier - Los Nietos School District Board Room
8324 Westman Ave.
Thursday, Aug. 3, 6:30 p.m. 

Hacienda Heights Community Center
1234 Valencia Ave.
Wednesday, July 26, 6:30 p.m. 

Topics to be discussed include rules for cannabis businesses, rules for the cultivation of cannabis for personal use, taxation and revenue, and youth access and exposure. Translation services will be available. 

In November 2016, California voters approved Prop. 64, which legalized the possession, cultivation and sale of cannabis  by adults for non-medical purposes. 

Prop. 64 also established a regulatory framework for commercial cannabis businesses, including cultivators, edibles manufacturers and dispensaries.