Sacramento County supervisors voted last week to place a special cannabis business tax on the November ballot – an action that could eventually lead to legalized sales in unincorporated areas. The vote came two weeks after the board declined to put a general cannabis business tax before voters. 

Placing a general tax on the ballot would have required at least a 4-1 vote, but a special tax ballot measure had a lower threshold. The latest item ultimately passed 3-2 with supervisors Sue Frost and Don Nottoli voting no.

Since the ballot measure is for a special tax, it will require a two-thirds majority from voters to pass. Revenue will be earmarked for homeless services, rather than placed in the general fund.

Currently, the only commercial cannabis activity permitted in the county is in the City of Sacramento and Isleton. The cannabis industry says a lack of legitimate purchasing options outside these cities bolster the unregulated market. 

Read more at Capital Public Radio.