The City of West Hollywood is about to dramatically expand its local cannabis industry, with as many as 40 new cannabis business permits slated for approval in the next year. Officials envision WeHo as the next Amsterdam – a destination for weed lovers from all over the world. It is rebranding itself as “the Emerald Village.”
There are currently six cannabis dispensaries in WeHo. Officials eventually hope to add seven more. They also want to see about a dozen consumption lounges where people can use cannabis on-site. Some celebrities are investing in the effort. They include Jay-Z, Patricia Arquette, Woody Harrelson, and Bill Maher.
West Hollywood is less than two square miles in size and has a population of around 35,000. The plan the city is pursuing would give it the highest number of cannabis businesses per capita worldwide.
WeHo currently takes in around $2.2 million a year in cannabis taxes. Once all licensed cannabis businesses are up and running, officials expect revenue to reach $6 million.