Santa Paula City Council Rejects Cannabis Ballot Measure

Lone councilmember votes to let voters decide on marijuana legalization.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 8:35pm

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A dimly lit, cinematic painting of an empty city council chamber, with warm sunlight streaming in through the windows and deep shadows cast across the room, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation and unresolved conflict.The Santa Paula City Council's vote to block a cannabis ballot measure exposes the ongoing local tensions over marijuana legalization.Santa Paula Today

The Santa Paula City Council voted 4-1 to reject a proposed ballot measure that would have allowed the sale of recreational cannabis in the city. Councilmember Pedro Chavez cast the sole vote in favor, arguing the decision should be left to the public through a ballot initiative.

Why it matters

The vote highlights the ongoing debate over cannabis legalization at the local level, as some communities embrace the potential tax revenue and economic opportunities, while others remain resistant due to concerns over public health and safety.

The details

The proposed ballot measure would have allowed for the sale of recreational marijuana in Santa Paula, a city of around 30,000 residents in Ventura County. Despite Chavez's argument that the decision should be left to voters, the council majority voted against putting the issue on the ballot, effectively blocking any local cannabis businesses from opening.

  • The Santa Paula City Council voted on the measure in March 2025.
  • The vote was 4-1, with Councilmember Pedro Chavez casting the lone dissenting vote.

The players

Pedro Chavez

A Santa Paula city councilmember who voted in favor of putting the cannabis ballot measure before voters.

Santa Paula City Council

The governing body of Santa Paula, California that voted 4-1 to reject the proposed cannabis ballot measure.

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What they’re saying

“If this is an issue of morality and conscience, you should be able to make those decisions personally – talk to your neighbors, rally support and do it at the ballot box.”

— Pedro Chavez, Councilmember

The takeaway

The Santa Paula City Council's rejection of the cannabis ballot measure reflects the ongoing tension between local governments and their constituents over the legalization of marijuana, with some communities prioritizing moral concerns over potential tax revenue and economic opportunities.