UPDATE 5 p.m., Oct. 30, 2018: The Del Mar City Council decided not to send a letter opposing a cannabis seminar slated for the Del Mar Fairgrounds. The council voted 3-2 in opposition of the letter.
Original story: The Good Life Seminar Series is looking to hold an event celebrating alternative medicine, which includes cannabis, at the Del Mar Fairgrounds in April 2019.
The seminar's description said no sales of cannabis products or onsite use would be permitted at the proposed event. This is consistent with cannabis regulations adopted by the Del Mar Fairgrounds board earlier this year.
Still, Del Mar City Council Member Terry Sinnott has requested the council approve a letter opposing the Good Life Seminar Series. His letter points out that Del Mar currently prohibits commercial cannabis businesses. Even though cannabis would not be sold at the seminar, the letter said it would be, “Promoting cannabis products and services, not just education.”
The letter goes on to assert that, “promotional activity is a central ingredient to any business operation.”
RELATED: Board Votes To Put Gun Shows On Hold At Del Mar Fairgrounds Next Year
The letter also points to AB 2020. The bill says that events engaging in "commercial cannabis activity" need a temporary state license — but that license, “shall only be issued in local jurisdictions that authorize such events.”
Sinnott's letter said "Del Mar has not authorized this event and does not support the 'Good Life Festival.'"
It is unclear if this educational event would qualify as a "commercial cannabis activity."
Sinnott's letter also said, "The Del Mar Fairgrounds prides itself in being a 'family friendly' venue. Scheduling this type of event only tarnishes that brand."
The city council is scheduled to vote to send the letter to the Del Mar Fairgrounds board Monday.
