The City Council unanimously approved the formation of a Marijuana Task Force a month ago tonight to explore the complexities of regulating marijuana within the city.

Vice Mayor Jeff Cooper and Councilmember Meghan Sahli-Wells were appointed to the Task Force along with a Planning Commissioner, a Finance Advisory Committee member, and city staff.

Prop. 64, the California Marijuana Legalization Initiative, was approved in November by voters.

It is legal for individuals to use and grow marijuana for personal use.

The Marijuana Task Force will discuss issues such as land use regulations, the kinds of marijuana-related businesses the city should allow to operate, and non-commercial cultivation of marijuana.

The Task Force will advise the City Council on policy direction options in preparation for the possible sale and taxation of recreational marijuana going into effect on Jan. 1.

“Culver City wants to do its due diligence when it comes to the subject of marijuana,” Mayor Jim Clarke said.

“Cities like Denver, which already have gone through this process, have put a lot of thought into their regulations.

The mayor thanked the community members who have made their opinions known.

“I am very confident,” said Mr. Clarke, “that the City Council will make decisions that benefit our community while keeping our city safe.”

The public is welcome to provide the Marijuana Task Force with input on marijuana regulations at meetings that still are to be announced.

To stay abreast of Culver City policies on marijuana, see the notifcations page at www.culvercity.org

and select the “marijuana” topic when signing up.