2019 was a major year for cannabis in Santa Barbara. In August, Graham Farrar opened the first recreational
shop in town, the Farmacy, and became its first recorded customer.
Photo: Paul Wellman
One month later, the owners of Coastal Dispensary — (left to
right) Julian Michalowski, Malante Hayworth, and Josh Ginsberg
— opened doors at their Chapala Street digs.
Photo: Paul Wellman
For the county supervisors, cannabis policy and appeals dominated board discussions like no other issue as an anti-cannabis backlash emerged
in Carpinteria, Tepusquet Canyon, and the Santa Ynez Valley wine
country. Dennis Bozanich would emerge as point person and
man on the heat seat.
Photo: Paul Wellman
International branding phenom Sara Rotman and her husband, Nate Ryan, found the path to permitting
tougher than expected at their Buellton farm.
Photo: Paul Wellman
Supervisor Das Williams became the chief target of anti-cannabis crusaders and is
now fighting for his political life.
Photo: Paul Wellman
Carpinteria greenhouses have
become “Cannabis Row,” where odor issues remain hotly contested.
Photo: Paul Wellman
Laura Capps (left) is challenging Williams for his supervisorial
seat, with journalist Ann Louise Bardach (right) egging her on