Long Beach City City Council Advances Plan to Allow Marijuana Sales and Consumption at Events

The Long Beach City Council voted Tuesday to advance an ordinance that would allow specially licensed marijuana sales and on-site consumption at certain festivals and special events within city limits.

The proposal passed by a 6 to 2 vote, with Councilmembers Kristina Duggan and Megan Kerr opposed. The measure now heads to a second reading before a final vote. If approved, it would create a local system for permitting marijuana-centered events on both public and private property.

Under the plan, state-licensed event organizers could receive as many as 12 permits, with each permit covering an event of up to four days. Public events would require a special event permit and could potentially take place at city-owned locations such as streets, parks, piers and similar venues. Events on private property would qualify under a one-day occasional event permit structure.

City officials have identified several possible venues, including the Queen Mary, Marina Green Park, Rainbow Lagoon, Shoreline Park, the Long Beach Convention Center and the planned Long Beach Amphitheater.

Supporters on the council said the change would allow the city to take advantage of an already legal industry while boosting tourism and economic activity. They also argued that regulated events would provide a safer and more structured alternative to unlicensed sales and consumption.

Opponents, including some residents who spoke during public comment, raised concerns about secondhand smoke, impaired driving and the broader public health impact of allowing marijuana use at city-approved events. Questions were also raised about liability and whether the city had done enough to guard against unintended consequences.

In response, city staff said any event approved under the ordinance would have to comply with state law, including rules banning marijuana consumption in public view. Events would also need to be held at least 1,000 feet from schools, daycare centers and other areas where children are present. Organizers would also be expected to provide transportation planning, including access to rideshare options.

According to the city, similar marijuana event permits have been used in places such as San Francisco, Oakland and Sacramento. Long Beach officials say they expect no more than two or three such events a year if the ordinance receives final approval.

Councilmember Mary Zendejas also asked that the city return with updates showing how much revenue the events generate.