Since the first six months of Marijuana Task Force meetings have been lightly attended, advocates are hoping for a  better turnout for this evening’s 7 o’clock Task Force meeting in Council Chambers.

For the agenda and backup documents for the Marijuana Task Force meeting, including a revised draft commercial cannabis regulatory ordinance, see www.culvercity.org/marijuana.

Projections remain shaky as to the shape of legalized marijuana regulations that are scheduled to be enforced as of Jan 1. Clarity of coming steps remains an oxymoron in the state Legislature.

Community interest took a leap last week when Morgan Sokol of MedMen, a nationally-networked Culver City cannabis management and investment firm, made a presentation to the Chamber of Commerce.

While hardly a neutral observer, Ms. Sokol showed how ubiquitous legal marijuana has become across the United States. If the stigma of marijuana has not been vanquished, it is receding.

Ms. Sokol accented two points when she reported that between 165,000 and 230,000 workers are engaged in the legal marijuana industry.

• Verification methods appear vague.
• The nationwide number of workers is expected to double within three years.

The Marijuana Task Force was created by City Council in response to the passage of California Prop. 64 last November, says Jesse Mays, assistant to City Manager John Nachbar. Its goal is to develop comprehensive regulations related to recreational and medical marijuana while ensuring the protection of public safety, health, and quality of life in Culver City.

Mr. Mays may be contacted at jesse.mays@culvercity.org