Visalia voters convincingly approved Measure O on their November ballot, which allows the city to tax cannabis businesses and delivery companies. As of Wednesday, Measure O received more than 70% of the votes cast, 22,348 to 9,250.
The measure will tax cannabis businesses at a rate not exceeding 10% of gross receipts or up to $10 per square foot for cultivation. The money levied from this tax will go directly into the city's general fund.
However, even if Measure O passes, cannabis businesses will still be illegal in Visalia. "Essentially, if we ever decide to pull the trigger and allow marijuana sales in the city, we have a tax structure set up," Visalia Mayor Brian Poochigian said.
"Or if the state mandates it, we already have something in there," he added. "That's been my biggest fear ever since I've been on council. I've been saying I don't care if we legalize it or not, but we should set up a tax structure so we make sure the money goes to the right places."
Read more at Visalia Times-Delta