HomeMy WebLinkAbout011326-03.1 AFHC LetterJan. 12, 2026
Dear Mayor Arnerich, Councilmembers & Town Staff,
I'm writing today because my business, America's Finest Hemp Co, was forced to close. This
outcome did not result from any misconduct, complaints, legal violations or operational failures
on our part. Rather, the regulatory landscape surrounding hemp at the state level shifted faster
than local entities could keep up or adapt, leaving us unable to continue operating despite our
compliance and commitment.
When America's Finest opened, hemp -derived products were legal at both the federal and state
level, widely available in cities across California, and permitted for retail sale anywhere. We
operated transparently and responsibly at the federal, state local and community level.
Over the past five years, we built a strong reputation, paid local taxes, employed local
residents, and became part of the downtown Danville fabric.
Then the rules changed.
The State has now acknowledged: the hemp market and the regulated cannabis market were
governing essentially the same products under two conflicting systems. That system was
unworkable, and the state moved to consolidate regulation under the Department of Cannabis
Control.
I understand—and support—the need for regulation. Public safety matters. Clear rules matter.
What's missing right now is a local path forward for responsible operators like myself who
acted in good faith under the old rules to continue operations. Due to rapid changes at the
state level, we were caught in the middle of this transition and left with no direction to move
forward.
As a result, Danville lost a tax -paying business overnight. I lost my livelihood. Employees lost
jobs. And the community lost a storefront that had no history of complaints, problems, crime,
or nuisance.
I am not asking for special treatment or favors but rather thoughtful governance and the
consideration of a path forward.
Many cities across California have created transitional or limited pathways—whether through
zoning overlays, conditional use permits, or narrowly tailored allowances—that recognize the
difference between legacy operators and new applicants.
I believe Danville can do the same.
A carefully structured, highly regulated retail pathway—one that includes strict security, buffer
compliance, age restrictions, and local oversight—can protect community standards while
acknowledging economic opportunity.
A retailer, located downtown, could capture upwards of 200-400 transactions a day does more
than generate local tax revenue; it drives foot traffic and boost sales for surrounding
businesses.
More importantly, this is about acknowledging legitimate, successful and trustworthy
businesses and giving them a fair and equitable opportunity to remain operational. Local
businesses and the community value the Town Council and it's important they see the Council
support and stand behind small businesses and advocate for them.
I love this town. I was raised here. I invested here. I want to continue contributing—openly,
responsibly, and in partnership with the Town of Danville.
Today, I respectfully ask the Council and staff to work with me to define a viable, lawful path
forward—one that balances regulation, economic vitality, and fairness.
I've included a PowerPoint deck to provide more information on what exactly happened, in
addition to my vision for the path forward.
Thank you for your time and consideration,
Jeff Sutherland