California
About Cannabis Prohibition (CP) Zones
Background
In late 2018, Mendocino County amended its cannabis regulations to establish two new types of Combining Districts, including Commercial Cannabis Prohibition Combining Districts (or “Opt-Out Districts”) where commercial cannabis operations would be restricted. You can read the new zoning code detailing Commercial Cannabis Prohibition (“CP)” Zones by clicking here.
In 2021, a petition was circulated amongst Redwood Valley neighborhoods seeking resident support for a Cannabis Prohibition (CP) zone in Redwood Valley
This petition was circulated based on fears and misinformation
Some petition signers were misled, believing that signing would either affect future cannabis cultivation applications only, or shut down all grows in the entire Redwood Valley area
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Some signers have rescinded their position of support, while others have moved or passed away
Overview on the Two Legal Cannabis Cultivation Sites in Redwood Valley
There are two known legal cannabis cultivation sites in Redwood Valley: at 1750 and 1900 Road D
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An additional permit has been filed for a legal cannabis cultivation site on Road E, but securing that permit would be impossible with a Cannabis Prohibition zone
These above-board, legal cultivation sites have done everything legally and in compliance with local, state, and federal laws
Legal cultivation sites must abide by an extensive regulatory framework:
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Regulated water use
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Regulated lighting and visual screening
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Regulated (organic) pesticide use
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Efforts made to reduce odors
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Transparency with law enforcement
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Both operate on existing agricultural/vineyard land
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The limited and strategic conversion of vineyard land to cannabis cultivation uses less water than vineyards, and uses existing agricultural infrastructure
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The Unintended Consequences of a Cannabis Prohibition (CP) Zone
Targets 2 of the 9 legal cultivation sites in Redwood Valley
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Passage of the Cannabis Prohibition Zones would force the two legally-permitted operations to shut down
While two cultivation sites on Road D would be impacted, 7 other Redwood Valley cultivation sites around the proposed CP zone would continue going about business as usual
Passage of the Cannabis Prohibition Zones would force the two legally-permitted operations to shut down
Beyond these legal cultivation sites, other potentially illegal grows that are not in compliance with county codes and regulations will continue to operate illegally and without any regulatory oversight on things such as:
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Water use
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Visual screening or nighttime lighting restrictions
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Pesticide use
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Odors
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Engagement or transparency with law enforcement
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Use of firearms
How You Can Help
Say NO to the Cannabis Prohibition (CP) Zone and Speak at An Important Public Meeting:
WHAT: Mendocino County Board of Supervisors Meeting
WHEN: Tuesday, July 25, 2023 starting at 1:00pm
WHERE: Mendocino County Board of Supervisors Chambers, located at 501 Low Gap Road in Ukiah (click here to get directions)
Zoom participation also available: https://mendocinocounty.zoom.us/j/83160774635
Make a Difference by: Speaking during public comment (in-person or on Zoom), and if you cannot attend, share your written feedback with the Board of Supervisors by emailing: bos@mendocinocounty.org and please CC pbscommissions@mendocinocounty.org