marijuana dispensary
South Lake Tahoe cannabis application scores announced - next step safety permits
Submitted by paula on Fri, 06/07/2019 - 12:17am
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - After 21 applications for cannabis retail, cultivation and micro-business licenses in South Lake Tahoe were received, reviewed, evaluated and scored, the City has announced the chosen six.
The top applicants are invited to apply for a special public safety license and negotiate a formal development agreement with the City. By fall, three retail permits, two microbusiness permits, and one cultivation permit will be awarded.
City of South Lake Tahoe and Tahoe Wellness Cooperative reach settlement
Submitted by paula on Tue, 04/02/2019 - 6:33pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - An agreement has been reached between the City of South Lake Tahoe and Tahoe Wellness Cooperative (TWC) after over two years of court proceedings between the two.
During the closed session portion of Tuesday's City Council meeting, the four councilmembers allowed to participate voted unanimously to accept the signed agreement between the City and TWC. Councilmember Cody Bass had to recuse himself from voting since he is the owner and president of TWC.
South Lake Tahoe City Council on a delayed start Tuesday
Submitted by paula on Mon, 02/04/2019 - 9:08pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Due to the current blizzard, the South Lake Tahoe City Council meeting on Tuesday, February 5 will start two hours late at 11:00 a.m. The closed session portion of the meeting will start at 10:30 a.m.
City officials said this delayed start will allow attendees to get to the meeting safely.
There are 15 items on the agenda including the final vote on a cannabis use ordinance and first reading on a mobile vending ordinance.
Cannabis ordinance up for vote at Thursday's Planning Commission
Submitted by paula on Thu, 11/08/2018 - 1:41pm
The City of South Lake Tahoe Planning Commission are expected to vote on the new cannabis ordinance during their meeting on Thursday, November 9 at 3:00 p.m.
The new ordinance will repeal and replace Article X of the City Code.
With what looks a City Council with three new members, the ordinance will most likely go before them during their first meeting on December 11, 2018. If Cody Bass, the president of Tahoe Wellness Cooperative and South Lake Tahoe's medical dispensary, holds on to the third council seat he will have to recuse himself from the discussion and vote.
Referedum against South Lake Tahoe cannabis ordinance gets enough signatures
Submitted by paula on Sat, 09/29/2018 - 12:09am
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There will be no legal sales of adult-use marijuana in South Lake Tahoe until at least 2019 after the referendum against the City's Cannabis Ordinance passed. Assistant City Clerk Sue Blankenship certified the results of the sample signature count by the El Dorado County Elections Department and now it's the City Council's turn.
Cannabis ordinance up for final vote at South Lake Tahoe City Council meeting
Submitted by paula on Fri, 08/17/2018 - 10:42pm
The South Lake Tahoe City Council will be continuing their July 17 discussion and voting on the new cannabis ordinance at their next meeting on Tuesday, August 21.
If approved, the new ordinance will replace the existing medical marijuana ordinance.
To enter the cannabis industry in South Lake Tahoe, businesses will have to obtain a Use Permit, a Development Agreement and a Public Safety License.
No more than two retailers, two microbusinesses and two cultivators. No person can own more than one cannabis business, and no more than one cannabis business can exist on a lot or parcel.
Approval of cannabis ordinance in South Lake Tahoe greeted by applause
Submitted by paula on Tue, 07/03/2018 - 12:10am
A unanimous vote of the South Lake Tahoe City Council brought applause from the audience during Monday’s special meeting. It has been months of expert testimony, community input, committee meetings, and almost two dozen public meetings that led to Monday’s approval of two new cannabis ordinances.
“You have done a remarkable job,” said local resident Oliver Starr on the Council’s sorting out what will be best for the community. Starr said they created an ordinance that is clean, safe and reputable.
Special South Lake Tahoe City Council meeting Monday
Submitted by paula on Sun, 07/01/2018 - 5:19pm
Event Date:
July 2, 2018 - 9:00am
There will be a special meeting of the South Lake Tahoe City Council on Monday, June 2 starting at 9:00 a.m. in Council Chambers at the airport.
Cannabis is the topic of the main reason for the meeting, both a vote on a tax measure for the November ballot and a public hearing on the zoning and regulations of adult use cannibus businesses and the medical marijuana dispensary.
Full signature count needed for medical marijuana dispensary initative
Submitted by paula on Fri, 06/29/2018 - 11:58pm
For the second time this week, a group gathering signatures to get initiatives on November's ballot has failed to get past the first phase of signature validation.
On Friday, the El Dorado County Elections Department said the group attempting to grandfather in the existing medical marijuana dispensary in South Lake Tahoe and allow them to sell adult use marijuana failed the first count of a sample 500 signatures.
The Tahoe Wellness Cooperative at 3445 Lake Tahoe Boulevard is the only medical marijuana dispensary in the City limits.
Could South Lake Tahoe become the Napa Valley of cannabis?
Submitted by paula on Wed, 04/18/2018 - 12:52pmCould South Lake Tahoe become the Napa Valley of cannabis? Could a new slogan be "Made in Tahoe, Enjoyed in California?" Or will Tahoe weed be world famous?
These are all possible, and the desire of many entrepreneurs, but the South Lake Tahoe City Council wants regulations around the cannabis industry to be done correctly, and thus slowly, to prevent unseen issues that could arise as they develop the first ordinance for adult use cannabis in South Lake Tahoe.
Tahoe Wellness Cooperative reopens after closing doors for two days
Submitted by paula on Mon, 01/08/2018 - 4:04pm
1/8/18 6:00PM Update: It has been confirmed that Tahoe Wellness Center has reopened their doors for sales of medicinal marijuana. It is unknown at this time why they closed as both the State and the City did not ask him to close.
* * *
As of Monday, January 8, 2018, Tahoe Wellness Cooperative (TWC) in South Lake Tahoe is closed, but the reason for the closure differs between the parties involved.
First foray into South Lake Tahoe regulations for marijuana growing and selling
Submitted by paula on Mon, 07/10/2017 - 2:59pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Since the passage of Proposition 64 by voters in California in September, the state, cities and counties are figuring out how to move forward in allowing, or not allowing, storefront sales in their communities.
During Tuesday's South Lake Tahoe City Council meeting, the City will look at their City Code 6.55 Article X which is for marijuana cultivation and medical marijuana dispensaries.
Medical marijuana dispensary told they must close their doors; Owner says no
Submitted by paula on Wed, 12/14/2016 - 12:11am
"We will continue to stay open," said Cody Bass, founder and executive director of the Tahoe Wellness Cooperative after being told by the City Council Tuesday that he no longer has a Medical Marijuana Dispensary Permit to operate in South Lake Tahoe. "We are going to take this to the end."
One of his lawyers, James Anthony added, "They will be reviewing this decision in Superior Court."
Tahoe Wellness Cooperative in a legal battle with landlord, dispensary license at jeopardy
Submitted by paula on Mon, 12/12/2016 - 10:49pm
There is a legal battle in South Lake Tahoe that has put a long-time resident against the owner of the City's lone medical dispensary, Tahoe Wellness Cooperative (TWC).
Two million dollars worth of cannabis confiscated in drug bust
Submitted by paula on Thu, 10/01/2015 - 8:56pm
A five month long investigation into the Highlands Health and Wellness marijuana dispensary in Shingle Springs uncovered what authorities say was a multi-million dollar criminal operation.
The El Dorado County Sheriff's Office (EDSO) centered their investigation on tax evasion, money laundering, conspiracy and the commercial distribution of marijuana for profit.
County responds to search warrant served at Tahoe Wellness Cooperative
Submitted by paula on Tue, 06/02/2015 - 10:08pm
Search warrants were served on Monday at five locations related to Tahoe Wellness Cooperative (TWC) and its owner Cody Bass. Staff from eight agencies spent hours at the South Lake Tahoe medical marijuana dispensary, pulling out boxes and containers of cannabis and records.
Pot dispensary sues El Dorado County over raid
Submitted by paula on Mon, 03/30/2015 - 11:58am
The former operator and members of a Diamond Springs marijuana dispensary are suing El Dorado County to recover seized marijuana, medical records and financial documents taken in a Sheriff’s Department raid last year.
The Pure Life Collective has been shuttered since the Nov. 17, 2014, raid, which resulted in the arrest of dispensary operator Kelly Chiusano. No charges have been filed.
Pot Smoke And Mirrors: Vaporizer Pens Hide Marijuana Use
Submitted by paula on Tue, 01/27/2015 - 10:04pm
It's a sunny afternoon at Kelly's Collective, a medical marijuana dispensary in Los Angeles, and Nikki Esquibel is getting stoned. But you wouldn't know it.
The 19-year-old, who has a medical prescription for marijuana, is "smoking" pot with a handheld vaporizer, or a vape pen. It's sleek, black, and virtually indistinguishable from a high-end e-cigarette.
That's the point, says Esquibel. "I use it mostly around my neighborhood. It's easy to hide." The vapor coming from the device doesn't even have much of an odor.
Permit for South Lake Tahoe 420 Spring Event Denied by City Council
Submitted by paula on Wed, 04/16/2014 - 12:08pm
After two hours of discussion at the South Lake Tahoe City Council meeting on Tuesday, the event permit for the Tahoe Wellness Coop's 4th Annual 420 T.W.C. Cup was denied for a second time.
South Lake Tahoe City Councilwoman Angela Swanson Cleared of Wrongdoing by DA's Office
Submitted by paula on Wed, 01/22/2014 - 2:31pm
The El Dorado County District Attorney's Office cleared South Lake Tahoe City Councilwoman Angela Swanson of any criminal wrongdoing in a letter sent to the City Council.
No public announcement was made to the media and the DA's office hasn't responded to a request by SouthTahoeNow.com to see a copy of the letter.
South Lake Tahoe pot club owner sentenced to five years in federal prison; agrees to forfeit drug money
Submitted by Editor on Wed, 04/10/2013 - 2:30pmFormer City of Angels 2 pot club owner Gennaro "Gino" DiMatteo of South Lake Tahoe was sentenced to 5 years in federal prison Wednesday by U.S. District Judge Kimberly J. Mueller.
DiMatteo had pled guilty to a felony for marijuana trafficking on Jan. 9. As part of his plea agreement, DiMatteo agreed to forfeit more than $40,000 to the United States.
Former South Lake Tahoe pot club owner pleads guilty to federal trafficking charges
Submitted by Editor on Wed, 01/09/2013 - 12:07pmGennaro "Gino" DiMatteo, 43, of South Lake Tahoe, pled guilty Wednesday to count two of the indictment, possession with the intent to distribute marijuana, United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced. DiMatteo is scheduled to be sentenced in April.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Department, and the El Dorado County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Jason Hitt is prosecuting the case.
DiMatteo pleads guilty to marijuana charge
Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 01/09/2013 - 10:45amFormer South Lake Tahoe medical marijuana dispensary operator Gino DiMatteo pleaded guilty Wednesday to a single count of possession of marijuana with intent to distribute.As part of a plea agreeme...
DiMatteo requests new attorney
Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 12/06/2012 - 6:02pmFormer South Lake Tahoe medical marijuana dispensary owner Gino DiMatteo has requested a new attorney to defend him against federal drug charges.DiMatteo requested Sacramento attorney Donald Heller...
Arrest, smell could shutter marijuana dispensary
Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 11/29/2012 - 6:22pmThe last of three medical marijuana dispensaries in South Lake Tahoe could be forced to close if it can't tame the skunky smell of its offerings.On Wednesday, the city issued a notice to Tahoe Well...
DiMatteo indicted, city didn't complete background check
Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 11/21/2012 - 5:48pmA federal grand jury indicted former South Lake Tahoe medical marijuana dispensary owner Gino DiMatteo on three counts Wednesday.The indictment charges DiMatteo with conspiracy to manufacture at le...
DiMatteo bail hearing scheduled
Submitted by Anonymous on Fri, 11/16/2012 - 6:19pmA federal court judge is scheduled to hear arguments regarding the release of former South Lake Tahoe medical marijuana dispensary owner Gino DiMatteo next week.A bail review hearing for DiMatteo i...
Bribery not included in DiMatteo charges
Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 11/06/2012 - 4:51pmFederal prosecutors have formally charged former South Lake Tahoe medical marijuana dispensary owner Gennaro "Gino" DiMatteo with two weed-related crimes.In a criminal complaint unsealed Monday, Di...
Former South Lake Tahoe pot club owner Gino DiMatteo arrested on federal charges
Submitted by Anonymous on Fri, 11/02/2012 - 4:21pmFormer South Lake Tahoe medical marijuana dispensary owner Gennaro “Gino” DiMatteo faces federal charges after being arrested prior to a court hearing in Placerville Friday.
As DiMatteo entered the El Dorado County Superior Court's Department 7 courtroom during a recess about 2 p.m., a District Attorney's investigator told him they had to talk, took his arm and shuffled him over to a corner of the courtroom between the audience and where arguments are heard.
Marijuana dispensary fights closure
Submitted by Anonymous on Fri, 10/05/2012 - 5:29pmAlthough the former Third Street site of the City of Angels 2 medical marijuana collective sat shuttered Friday, the fight over the marijuana dispensary appears far from over.On Wednesday, attorney...
DiMatteo released from custody
Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 09/13/2012 - 4:31pmFormer South Lake Tahoe medical marijuana dispensary owner Gino DiMatteo has been released from police custody, according to El Dorado County Sheriff's Office records.DiMatteo, who previously ran t...
Donation part of bribery investigation, nonprofit confirms
Submitted by Anonymous on Mon, 09/10/2012 - 10:49amThe Lake Tahoe Educational Foundation confirmed Monday that prosecutors have investigated a donation to the nonprofit in connection with the arrest of former medical marijuana dispensary operator G...
Former pot shop owner pleads not guilty
Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 09/06/2012 - 5:42pmFormer South Shore medical marijuana dispensary owner Gino DiMatteo has pleaded not guilty to felony charges including bribing a City Council member and possession of a controlled substance.Gennaro...
Former pot dispensary owner arrested; councilwoman under investigation
Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 09/04/2012 - 10:26amSOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The owner of a now-closed South Lake Tahoe medical marijuana dispensary has been arrested on suspicion of bribing a public official and possession of a controlled substan...
Marijuana dispensary to fight permit revocation
Submitted by Anonymous on Fri, 07/20/2012 - 6:00amA second medical marijuana dispensary in South Lake Tahoe is facing closure after having its operating permit revoked last week.The city revoked Patient to Patient Collective's dispensary permit Ju...
Council reverses stance on pot shop move
Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 07/04/2012 - 6:00amA medical marijuana dispensary in South Lake Tahoe will not be able to move - and could close - after a change in stance by two City Council members this week.On June 5, City Councilmen Tom Davis a...
S. Tahoe council blocks pot club move after initially approving it
Submitted by admin on Wed, 07/04/2012 - 1:59am
What was supposed to be a routine re-vote to remedy an improperly -worded resolution turned into a reversal of an earlier decision during Tuesday’s South Lake Tahoe City Council meeting. The council was scheduled to vote again on a resolution to allow City of Angels 2 medical marijuana dispensary to relocate to a building on Lake Tahoe Boulevard, a move the council voted 4-1 to approve at its meeting on June 5.
Council approves marijuana dispensary ordinance
Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 09/13/2011 - 5:57pmSOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The city council gave final approval to an ordinance regulating medical marijuana dispensaries Tuesday.The ordinance will limit the number of dispensary permits issued by...
City passes marijuana dispensary ordinance
Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 08/24/2011 - 12:06pmSOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - After almost two years of public meetings, wordsmithing and debate, the South Lake Tahoe City Council gave initial approval to an ordinance regulating medical marijuana d...
