Embarc is a leader in community-centric cannabis retail.
History of Cannabis Operations in Union City
Union City’s 6+ year history with cannabis retail operations has laid the foundation for operators to contribute to the thriving local economy while staying sensitive and responsive to community concerns. Both of the city’s operational dispensaries, Lemonnade and FLOR, have now been operating within the city for several years, establishing a precedent for well-regulated cannabis businesses in the community. Embarc’s years-long engagement with the Union City community reflects our commitment to engaging with and responding to community input.
November 2016 – Voters legalize cannabis in California through a statewide voter initiative receiving 57% support statewide and 66% in Alameda County.
June 2017 – Union City begins to review local cannabis legislation.
June to October 2017 – Union City hosts two Cannabis Study Sessions leading to the city Council adopting three Cannabis Ordinances and paving the way for Union City to welcome retail cannabis locations.
January 2018 – Retail cannabis becomes operational in California and Union City starts accepting cannabis permit applications.
April 2018 – Union City declares its intent to award two businesses cannabis permits for medical dispensaries. However, only Lemonnade will ever open.
September 2019 – Union City removes the medical-only restriction on cannabis dispensaries.
October 2020 – The Zoning Code is amended to allow up to one retail cannabis dispensary in specific Union Landing Commercial District areas and the cannabis permit application process is reopened.
July 2021 – FLOR is awarded a cannabis permit, opening in Union Landing later that year.
October 2022 – Union City reopens cannabis licensing to fill the last available retail slot after another operator failed to open within the expected timeframe. The city lets applicants know that they prioritize locations east of I-880.
February 2023 – Embarc applies for a retail cannabis storefront permit.
Summer 2023 – Union City declares its intent to award Embarc with a commercial cannabis permit.
Spring 2024 – Sensitive to community concerns, Embarc collaborates with the city, local law enforcement, and the community to identify an alternate location.
April 2024 – Embarc resubmits its application with a new proposed location
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Meet Embarc
Embarc is a leader in community-centric cannabis retail. With 15 operational locations—including in nearby cities such as Alameda, Martinez, and Redwood City—and nearly a dozen more set to open, we have established a significant presence in the state.
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Learn About Our Project
Embarc submitted an application for a cannabis retail storefront in Union City in February 2023. In the Summer of 2023, following the merit-based review process, the city declared intent to award a commercial cannabis permit to Embarc.
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Additional Resources
We have met with dozens of neighbors of the proposed location. Community members have asked many questions about the project specifically and about cannabis generally, including requests for studies or other information about cannabis.
