Antioch approves two new cannabis operations

Two new cannabis businesses got the green light from the Antioch City Council this week, including a new dispensary and a plant nursery at a current cannabis operation.

The proposed dispensary at 2615 Somersville Road was approved on a 3-to-2 vote with Mayor Pro Tem Mike Barbanica and Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock dissenting, while a plant nursery’s use permit on 2101 W. 10th Street passed unanimously.

The first cannabis business to be planned in a new zone approved for cannabis business south of Highway 4, the proposed dispensary will be located in a 4,057-square-foot building formerly home to an auto and payday loan business but vacant for two years, according to City Planning Manager Anne Hersch.

The business will be open seven days a week, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and have two uniformed and armed security guards on site. It is expected to employ up to 35 workers, including management, security guards and drivers, she said.

Some opponents complained that the business was too close to sensitive areas, such as schools and children’s activities, but staff said it would be located beyond the required 600 feet distance.

Also approved was the use permit for Delta View Nursery at a 25,380-square-foot building currently housing the Delta Dispensary along with cultivation and manufacturing operations. The plants will not be sold to the public but rather used in the cultivation and manufacturing already being done at the site, owner Richard Hoke said.

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