Manteca Councilman Charlie Halford is still not sold completely on the idea of allowing storefront marijuana sales.

But he conceded that while he is “still sitting on the fence” that the “needle has moved somewhat” after touring marijuana dispensaries in Modesto and conducting research.

The research included data that shows over 7,000 people residing in the 95336 and 95337 zip codes that comprise Manteca and surrounding rural areas have had their drivers’ licenses scanned to make initial purchases at dispensaries in the area.

The retired Manteca police chief’s remarks coupled with comments of his council colleagues at Tuesday’s council meeting increased the odds that storefront pot sales of some type will be allowed in the city.

The council directed staff to proceed with drafting an ordinance for them to consider that would allow storefront sales in Manteca. If it is vetted through the Planning Commission with a council hearing and a second reading by the end of October, Manteca could start processing applications for marijuana storefront operations in early 2022.

Halford said his views on marijuana were shaped by 32 years in law enforcement and the issues its use causes. And while he has reservations about legalizing another gateway drug, he conceded its use is fairly pervasive.

He pointed to issues involving being under the influence. Someone who has a blood alcohol of 0.08 is presumed intoxicated. There is no such set threshold for marijuana use. That means someone stopped for what may be impaired driving would have to be proven to be under the influence if they have recently used marijuana regardless of the amount.

Councilman Dave Breitenbucher made it clear he was still against legalizing storefront sales for recreational use but was open to medicinal pot products being sold in storefronts.

Mayor Ben Cantu, who made legalizing storefront sales part of his successful 2018 campaign platform, noted the city is allowing at lot of tax revenue being captured by Modesto — the closest place Manteca residents can buy legal marijuana.

“A lot of customers came through the doors and they left happy,” Cantu said of the retail pot dispensaries the council toured in Modesto.

Councilman Gary Singh added that Tracy, Lathrop, and Stockton are all now exploring allowing storefront sales in their communities.

A report that the subcommittee of Singh and fellow council member Jose Nuño provided indicated cities that have moved to legal storefront sales have seen a drop in crime in areas where storefront pot sales are allowed as well as a drop in black market activity in their communities.

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com