TULARE, CA — Local historian Marsha Ingrao will give a talk today, Jan. 25, at 2 p.m. about how legal marijuana has changed Woodlake’s economy and community. The presentation will be held at the Tulare Historical Museum, located at 444 W. Tulare Ave.
Woodlake was the first city in Tulare County to allow marijuana sales after California voters passed Proposition 64 in 2016. Since the city’s first dispensary, Valley Pure, opened in 2018, the cannabis industry has generated more than $5 million in tax revenue for the city.
According to the Visalia Times-Delta, Woodlake has used those funds to support local projects and to help the city secure more state and federal funding. This money helped build six new parks with playgrounds and shade structures. The city also used the revenue to repair and improve Lakeview, Antelope, and Olive Lane streets.
Public safety resources have also increased. The Woodlake Police Department used its share of the tax money to hire an additional officer and purchase four vehicles, body cameras, and Tasers.
The city’s eight active cannabis businesses provide jobs for about 200 people. These businesses have fixed up and reopened several buildings in the city that were previously empty.
The local economy has also benefited from growing youth sports programs funded by marijuana taxes. Ingrao noted that these programs attract visiting teams from other cities, boosting business for local shops and restaurants.
Ingrao describes Woodlake as a safe community. She also noted that her research in other cities shows crime often drops near licensed shops because the businesses are so closely monitored.
The presentation today will detail these changes and explain how Woodlake has used the industry to support its long-term growth and public improvements.
