Celebrating Seven Years of Long Beach Green Room: A Journey of Advocacy and Community
As we celebrate the 7th anniversary of Long Beach Green Room, it’s important to reflect on the groundbreaking journey that has shaped not only the cannabis industry in Long Beach but also the lives of countless individuals across the community. Long Beach Green Room has not just been a dispensary, but the heart of Long Beach’s cannabis advocacy—pushing boundaries, igniting political movements, and serving as a hub for cannabis reform.
The story begins in 2010, when Long Beach passed Ordinance 5.87, its first legal framework for medical cannabis cultivation and distribution. This was a landmark moment for the city, aiming to ensure the safety and health of its residents while opening the door for legal cannabis operations. Long Beach Green Room, soon to follow, became the first licensed dispensary in the city. After navigating rigorous inspections by various city departments, LBGR received a Certificate of Occupancy on September 15, 2011—making history not just in Long Beach but also across Southern California.
With the opening of LBGR, a unified front was created through the establishment of the Long Beach Collective Association, bringing together all legal cannabis operators at the time. This collective solidarity laid the groundwork for the coming years of cannabis advocacy.
In 2012, a pivotal legal case, Pack vs City of Long Beach, resulted in the banning of medical cannabis collectives in the city. Forced to close its doors on August 12, 2012, LBGR didn’t fold. Instead, it transformed into the Long Beach Cannabis Campaign Headquarters, becoming a nucleus for political organizing and advocacy.
Through relentless activism, LBGR and the Long Beach Collective Association gathered over 50,000 signatures to push for a medical marijuana initiative on the city’s ballot. While the effort was narrowly thwarted by a technicality—18 signatures were deemed invalid—the sheer momentum of the campaign became a testament to the growing support for cannabis reform.
Although the medical marijuana initiative didn't make it to the ballot, the work was not in vain. The city council, acknowledging the collective efforts of the campaign, introduced Measure MA—a marijuana tax initiative that successfully passed in 2014. This win paved the way for the Long Beach Cannabis Task Force, where members of LBGR contributed to shaping the future of cannabis regulation in the city.
Despite recommendations from the Cannabis Task Force, the city council narrowly voted 5-4 against cannabis regulations. However, LBGR and the Long Beach Collective Association remained undeterred. Partnering with the United Food and Commercial Workers Union, they once again mobilized, gathering over 50,000 signatures for a medical marijuana initiative on the 2016 ballot.
The 2016 election marked a major victory for the cannabis community in Long Beach. Ballot initiative Measure MM passed with 60% of the vote, bringing medical marijuana back to the city. Additionally, Proposition 64 passed statewide, legalizing recreational cannabis in California. This moment not only marked the return of medical cannabis but heralded the dawn of adult-use cannabis regulations.
After years of fighting for the right to operate, LBGR reopened its doors in 2017 as the first legal medical cannabis dispensary in Long Beach—for the second time. The reopening was more than a business revival; it was a symbol of resilience, standing as a testament to the power of community-driven advocacy.
The year 2018 was another pivotal chapter. LBGR, alongside the Long Beach Collective Association, pushed for the implementation of recreational cannabis regulations in the city. By summer, their efforts bore fruit as the city council voted in favor of adult-use cannabis sales. LBGR expanded its services, offering recreational access to the community starting in August 2018.
As we commemorate seven years since the re-opening, Long Beach Green Room remains a beacon of cannabis advocacy and a cornerstone of community engagement. From its humble beginnings as the first legal dispensary to becoming a leader in the fight for cannabis regulation, LBGR’s journey is intertwined with the city’s evolving cannabis landscape.Looking ahead, LBGR continues to advocate for cannabis equity and access, ensuring that Long Beach remains a forward-thinking city when it comes to cannabis policy and community involvement.
Today, LB Green Room continues to uplift the community and move with the times. As a community staple, LB Green Room provides safe, affordable and legal cannabis products while offering education and community support.
Happy 7th Anniversary to Long Beach Green Room—a true pioneer and advocate for cannabis in Long Beach!
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