Plus, San Jose Public Library's top 10.
 
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🍃 Rollin’ into the new year

Up in smoke: San Jose’s cannabis laws + regulations
Two men harvest the buds from cannabis plants.
Let’s see how the new cannabis regulations will play out in SJ this year. | Photo via Airfield Supply Company
Did you know that San Jose is the only city in Santa Clara County that has cannabis storefronts?

In recent years, City Council voted on several cannabis rules + regulation changes — many of which go into effect this year.

Cannabis sales generate ~$18 million for annual city taxes, and now we’re seeing more leniency on rules from the city. Let’s talk about it.

The inside of Airfield Dispensary showing several budtender counters and line stanchions.

Step inside, and a budtender will help you with the rest.

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Photo via Airfield Supply Company

The next episode

So what’s new? Here’s a brief timeline:

February 2022 — Changes in zoning laws were approved, so 21 new dispensaries could open in commercial locations, as opposed to just industrial zones.

November 2022 — City Council adjusted policies to remove a restriction that barred retailers from opening in high-crime areas, and also increased the amount of cannabis business licenses in the city from 16 to 37.

June 2023 — The distance between dispensaries and schools, day care centers + other community spaces decreased with the aim to not have an over-concentrated area of storefronts.

November 2023 — Dispensary fines were reduced, and hours of operation expanded from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. to 6 a.m.-10 p.m.

A Google Maps screenshot of the outside of Purple Lotus.

Purple Lotus reported $25 million in revenue in 2022.

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Screenshot via Google Maps

What’s the difference?

With new guidelines for cannabis storefronts approved, changes will begin as early as next month.

Purple Lotus, located on the corner of Commercial Street + Old Oakland Road, will soon open its second location — right in downtown.

The family-owned dispensary leased the former Peet’s Coffee Shop space at 66 W. Santa Clara St., becoming the first cannabis dispensary in downtown.

As the city works to revitalize downtown, both Ritchie Commercial real estate firm president Mark Ritchie, who managed the lease, and owner Matt Krishnamachari believe this is a step in that direction.

The new location is expected to open in February-March this year.

And one more thing: As you start to see more options around town, don’t forget the city’s general rules for personal use.
    Asked

    Do you frequent cannabis dispensaries?
    A. Yes
    B. Sometimes
    C. I use delivery services
    D. No
    Weed love to know
     
    Events
    Friday, Jan. 12
    • San Jose Barracuda vs. Bakersfield Condors | Friday, Jan. 12 | 7 p.m. | Tech CU Arena, 1500 S. 10th St., San Jose | $13-$62 | After a string of losses against the Ontario Reign, the Cuda are back to take on the Condors.
    • Candlelight: The Best of Hans Zimmer | Friday, Jan. 12 | 9 p.m. | Hammer Theatre Center, 101 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose | $31-$57 | Rediscover the music of the critically acclaimed composer under the gentle glow of candlelight.
    Saturday, Jan. 13
    • Electric Feels: Indie Rock + Dance Party | Saturday, Jan. 13 | 9 p.m. | The Ritz, 400 S. First St., San Jose | $15-$20 | Bring a friend and dance along to your favorite indie rock + dance tunes of yesteryear.
    • Dauood Naimyar | Friday, Jan. 12-Saturday, Jan. 13 | Times vary | Rooster T. Feathers Comedy Club, 157 W. El Camino Real, Sunnyvale | $25 | You may know this comedian from Comedy Central, the Just for Laughs Festival, or TikTok.
    Sunday, Jan. 14
    • Oakridge Farmers Market | Sunday, Jan. 14 | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | Westfield Oakridge, 5420 Thornwood Dr., San Jose | Free | Get fresh produce, live entertainment, and more at this year-round market.
    • Harlem Globetrotters 2024 World Tour | Sunday, Jan. 14 | Times vary | Tech CU Arena, 1500 S. 10th St., San Jose | $30-$180 | The world-famous ballers take to the court with moments of extreme basketball innovation.
    Events calendar here
    Click here to have your event featured.
     
    News Notes
    Civic
    • The city is proposing an ordinance that would require developers to install an EV charging outlet for every resident parking space at any new development. The Level 1 chargers would come to projects with four or more units of housing. City Council will review the proposal later this month. (The Mercury News)
    Older Adults
    • PATH Villas at 4th Street, a housing complex for formerly housing-insecure older adults, recently held its grand opening. In the county’s biennial tally of people experiencing homelessness, 40% were found to be 51 years old and above. Many community organizations helped fund the nearly $47 million development. (San José Spotlight)
    Sports
    • San Jose Barracuda forward Danil Gushchin will play in the AHL All-Star Classic at Tech CU Arena from Sunday, Feb. 4, to Monday, Feb. 5. Gushchin was the Sharks’ 2020 third-round draft pick + now leads the Barracuda with 29 points in 31 games. (The Mercury News)
    Announced
    • Pop Up San Jose, a vintage market pop-up at Garden at the Flea, has postponed this Saturday’s event to Saturday, Jan. 27 due to predicted rainy weather.
    Read
    • San Jose Public Library published its top 10 lists for 2023, ranking the most checked-out books of last year. In the adult titles category, “Spare” by Prince Harry, “It Starts With Us” by Colleen Hoover, and “I’m Glad My Mom Died” by Jennette McCurdy were the top three.
    Plan Ahead
    • The San Jose Earthquakes announced that tickets are now on sale for their Cinco de Mayo Fan Fest on Saturday, May 4, 4:30 p.m., at Levi’s Stadium. Watch the Quakes play LAFC, meet Mexican National Team legend Oswaldo Sánchez + enjoy a performance from SJ natives Sueñatrón.
    Health
    • Anxiety can make every day a challenge. Connect with a therapist on BetterHelp + take the first step towards a calmer mind. Save 25% with BetterHelp’s New Year offer.*
    Finance
    • 2024’s “it card” is here. Not only does it offer a $200 bonus, but also unlimited 1.5% cash back and 0% intro APR until 2025. (Oh, and did we mention the annual fee? No — because there isn’t one.) Learn more + apply.*
    Eat

    Hey Keith Lee, you should go to...

    Answered: What local restaurants should internet food critic Keith Lee try?
    A collage of different San Jose foods surrounding an iPhone showing Keith Lee eating.
    Let’s see which local spots you suggested. | Graphic by SJtoday staff
    It’s official, the famed internet food critic Keith Lee has landed in the Bay Area.

    Earlier this week, Lee announced that the next stop on his foodie tour would be the Bay Area. Naturally, we wanted to draw a spotlight on the great 408 and all the amazing restaurants we have to offer.

    So, we asked you which lesser-known, family-owned businesses you’d recommend he show some love to. With over 300 responses, here are the top contenders.

    Top three

    Fan favorites

    Hopefully Lee makes a trip down to the South Bay — he won’t regret it.
     
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    The Wrap
     
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    Today’s edition by:
    Alyson
    From the editor
    By the end of the weekend, we’ll be halfway through January — how did that happen? Although, I will say that I’m excited for February because a certain newsletter turns two years old...
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