A REQUEST has been made to open a cannabis retail store in Westminster (Shutterstock).

Should the financially troubled City of Westminster find some “green” in a marijuana plant?

At Wednesday night’s meeting of the city council, one item on the agenda is a presentation by Shryne Group, Inc. on a request to open a cannabis retail operation in Westminster.

The proposed site is at 14191 Beach Blvd., located between Westminster Boulevard and Hazard Avenue.  At present, the Westminster Municipal Code does not allow cannabis businesses to operate in the city.

With a one-cent city sales tax set to expire at the end of the year, Westminster council members have sought to find “alternate” sources of revenue. Stanton has investigated the possible benefits of allowing not just a retail location within its city limits, but also cultivation and distribution operations. A consultant told officials there that annual new revenue to the city in that instance could bring in $1 million and more to that city’s treasury.

Also on the agenda for Wednesday’s meeting is a discussion on allowing short-term rentals – typically 30 days or less – in the city, as well as a report on the implementation of specific plans for Little Saigon, a downtown district, and the West Side of the city.

The meeting will be held in a hybrid form – both in person and via teleconference – at 8200 Westminster Blvd. A closed session is scheduled for 5 p.m. and the open session at 7 p.m.