Pot shop that bought Orcutt’s Old Town Market location speaks out; county officials say dispensary approval isn’t a guarantee

ORCUTT, Calif. - For the first time, a cannabis dispensary is addressing its decision to buy Old Town Market's building in Orcutt. The longtime market owners say the purchase will force them to close.

Natural Healing Center Dispensary is hoping to move into old Orcutt.
We learned about the move Sunday after Old Town Market announced they will soon close.

“What is allowed at that property does qualify to potentially have a cannabis retail location in it,” said 4th District Supervisor Chief of Staff Bob Nelson.

However, county officials say the new building owners will have to go through an extensive application process if they hope to open up Orcutt's first pot shop.

“It's completely speculative on the part of the new owner of the building that they would be receiving a permit,” said Nelson.

The last pot shop application on Clarke Avenue was denied by the Santa Barbara County Planning Commission. Some residents hope any other pot shops in the area will also be denied.

“I don't think it belongs in Old Orcutt with the junior high and the high school around the corner,” said concerned Orcutt resident Brittany Armstrong.

“There is going to be an ample opportunity for the community to have their say on where and if a cannabis location is placed in Orcutt,” said Nelson.

The Natural Healing Center told us they offered to help Old Town Market relocate, but the Old Town Market owners said the offer was not helpful with the constraints present and in the short time frame.

County officials say if residents have concerns they want to hear from you at county supervisor and planning commission hearings.