A STUDY SESSION on cannabis and CBD is scheduled for Monday’s session of the Huntington Beach City Council (Shutterstock).

The top item – one might say the “highest” – on the Huntington Beach City Council  agenda for Monday may be before the regular meeting.

A study session at 4 p.m. will feature a review of “the pros and cons of cannabis and the economy along with a cost-benefit analysis” and a discussion of CBD (cannabidiol).

CBD is an active ingredient in cannabis (marijuana). While it is derived from the hemp plant, it’s not alone considered intoxicating, and is believed to have some medicinal benefits. The federal government considers CBD a controlled substance.

The commercial sale of marijuana and its derivatives for private consumption is now legal in California, but cities have the right to ban the sale, processing or delivery within their limits.

Some cities are considering the financial benefits of “pot”-related businesses. Stanton’s city council, for example, recently voted to place an item on the Nov. 5, 2019 ballot creating a tax on the cultivation, processing and sale of marijuana. 

Those activities are still not lawful in Stanton, but if legalized, such a levy could bring in from $725,000 to $1.74 million annually, a consultant told the city council.

Also on the agenda is a resolution appointing David Segura as interim fire chief and approving an employment agreement.

The council will meet in study session at 4 p.m., followed by a closed session. The regular session is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. in the council chambers in the civic center at 2000 Main St. (at Yorktown Avenue).