ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
We are committed to weaving Embarc seamlessly into Union City’s community fabric, reflecting the diverse voices and visions of the city and our future neighbors. We have met with dozens and dozens of residents, business owners, community members, and other interested parties for more than a year and a half to learn diverse perspectives and experiences. Our team has canvassed, met over cups of coffee, led informational Zoom meetings with local associations, and meticulously researched upcoming development plans in the vicinity. Our comprehensive approach has included interactive community forums, outreach to civic organizations and residents, meetings with former school board members, ongoing engagement with city officials and staff, and discussions with local business groups.
In March 2024, we provided written notice to over 450 property owners and tenants within a 1,000-foot radius of the proposed location and held a community meeting. As part of that meeting, residents asked many questions about the project specifically and about cannabis generally, with a request for studies or other information about cannabis:
CANNABIS STUDIES
Youth Studies
Following cannabis legalization in California, federally-funded research indicates that teenagers aged 18-20 are binge drinking and smoking cigarettes less, without an increase in cannabis use.
Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report found that cannabis use among teens in King County, Washington, significantly declined after the state legalized cannabis for adults in 2012, with notable reductions observed from 2008 to 2021.
“Cannabis Use Among Students in Grades 8, 10, and 12, by Sex — King County, Washington, 2008–2021”
Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report
A study in the Journal of Adolescent Health found no association between the proximity of medical dispensaries to schools and adolescent cannabis use, regardless of the dispensaries' product variety or price.
“Medical Marijuana Availability, Price, and Product Variety, and Adolescents' Marijuana Use”
A study in the Journal of Cannabis Research found that higher densities of medical and recreational cannabis outlets near young adults' homes did not increase their intentions to use cannabis, e-cigarettes, or cannabis mixed with tobacco/nicotine.
A study in the Journal of Cannabis Research analyzed high school students' cannabis use and perceptions in Colorado before and after the introduction of recreational dispensaries in 2013 and 2015, finding no significant changes in usage or attitudes towards cannabis in communities that permitted dispensaries compared to those that did not.
JAMA Pediatrics found that legal cannabis dispensaries maintain strict compliance with California laws requiring ID checks before purchases, with a high compliance rate of 96.8% observed across 678 recreational cannabis dispensaries, ensuring no youth diversion.
Licensed recreational cannabis outlets in California strictly enforce age verification, with the Journal of Safety Research showing that 100% of the outlets required pseudo-underage patrons to show valid identification before entry, effectively preventing sales to underage customers.
Property Studies
Despite initial skepticism about the impact of cannabis legalization on real estate, data indicates that both commercial and residential property markets often experience positive effects, including increased property values and demand for commercial spaces, which has contributed to economic growth in legalized areas.
“The Effects Of Marijuana Legalization On American Real Estate”
Research indicates that residential property values tend to rise in states where cannabis is legalized, particularly in areas close to dispensaries.
“Impact of Legalized Marijuana”
National Association of REALTORS
Studies reveal that in states where cannabis is legalized, property values have tended to increase, particularly in cities with dispensaries. This is attributed to the economic growth and increased tax revenues generated by the cannabis industry.
“Does marijuana legalization increase property values?”
Research indicates that states with legal recreational cannabis see increased home values, with homes in cities that host dispensaries appreciating significantly more than those without, highlighting a positive economic impact of legal cannabis on real estate markets.
“States With Legal Cannabis See $49,000 Boost in Home Appreciation (2023 Data)”
The National Association of REALTORS found that the legalization of cannabis has positively impacted real estate by increasing demand for commercial properties such as warehouses and storefronts. This, in turn, boosts local property values and contributes to economic growth in communities where cannabis is legally sold.
“Marijuana & Real Estate: A Budding Issue”
National Association of REALTORS
Rutgers found that municipalities allowing cannabis-related businesses saw an average home sale price increase of 1.6%, equating to a $6,366 rise per property, suggesting a positive economic impact on local housing markets from the presence of cannabis businesses.
Evidence indicates that cannabis legalization, particularly where recreational use is permitted and retail dispensaries are welcomed, leads to higher property values. This increase is attributed to quality-of-life improvements, tourism, and new residents attracted to these areas, which collectively boost real estate demand.
“2021 Study: How Legalizing Recreational Marijuana Impacts Home Values”
Crime Studies
The Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs found no association between the density of medical marijuana dispensaries and rates of violent or property crime, suggesting that the presence of dispensaries does not influence local crime levels.
“Exploring the Ecological Association Between Crime and Medical Marijuana Dispensaries”
Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs
Regional Science and Urban Economics indicates that each additional dispensary in a neighborhood reduces local crime by approximately 17 incidents per month per 10,000 residents, translating to a significant 19% drop in crime relative to the average rate observed during the study period.
“Not in my backyard? Not so fast. The effect of marijuana legalization on neighborhood crime”
Regional Science and Urban Economics
A study concluded that dispensaries do not lead to increased crime rates and may even reduce property crime. It emphasizes that dispensaries are not associated with higher incidents of burglary, robberies, or assaults, contradicting concerns about them being targets due to cash holdings. The findings suggest that with proper regulation, dispensaries can coexist with community safety, offering a balance between ensuring public security and providing access to cannabis.
“High on Crime? Exploring the Effects of Marijuana Dispensary Laws on Crime in California Counties”
IZA - Institute of Labor Economics
Health STUDIES
A study highlights that cannabis may serve as a harm reduction tool in the opioid crisis by substituting opioids for managing chronic pain, potentially enhancing patient quality of life and public health. It indicates a notable decrease in opioid usage among patients who use cannabis, suggesting its effectiveness in pain management and its broader implications for addressing opioid dependency.
Access to medical marijuana is associated with reduced opioid prescriptions. Studies show that states with medical cannabis laws see a significant decrease in opioid prescriptions, suggesting that cannabis could play a role in addressing the opioid crisis. This decrease aligns with lower opioid-related mortality rates in these states, highlighting cannabis's potential in pain management strategies.
“Access to medical marijuana reduces opioid prescriptions”
JAMA reports that opioid prescriptions under Medicare Part D decreased by 2.11 million daily doses annually after states enacted any medical cannabis law. This reduction deepened to 3.742 million daily doses annually upon the opening of medical cannabis dispensaries.
Legalizing recreational cannabis does not lead to increased substance abuse disorders or use of other illicit drugs among adults and may actually reduce alcohol-related issues, according to a University of Colorado Boulder study. Analyzing data from over 4,000 twins, the study found no increase in social, relationship, or financial problems post-legalization, challenging the notion of cannabis as a gateway drug.
University of Colorado Boulder Today
Retail cannabis sales linked to reduced opioid use—Research analyzing opioid overdose death rates from 1999-2015 suggests that states with active legal cannabis dispensaries experience a decline in these rates over time, indicating that medical cannabis laws may contribute to lower opioid overdose deaths when they include legal dispensaries.
“Medical marijuana laws and their effect on opioid related mortality”
Increased medical and recreational dispensary counts correlate with reduced opioid mortality rates in the US from 2014 to 2018, notably with deaths from synthetic opioids like fentanyl. This study highlights how legal cannabis availability might influence opioid-related deaths, especially as fentanyl use rises significantly, providing insights into the dynamics of legal drug markets and their impact on opioid misuse.
Other
Dispensaries serve a population that may surprise you, meeting the needs of our neighbors, friends, and family members. The International Journal of Drug Policy observed that older adults are more likely to use dispensaries compared to younger individuals, possibly because the personalized services and accessible storefronts offered by dispensaries appeal more to the older demographic.
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History of Cannabis Operations in Union City
Union City has established a robust cannabis regulatory framework. Two dispensaries already operate successfully within the city, demonstrating a commitment to well-regulated cannabis businesses.
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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.