By Cris Alarcon
November 12, 2023
In response to mounting concerns over the burgeoning cannabis industry, Humboldt County supervisors are deliberating changes to the Commercial Cannabis Land Use Ordinance. The crux of the matter lies in worries that the county has been overly lenient towards large-scale cannabis cultivators.
The discussions, initiated on November 7, revolve around the potential implementation of permit caps and the restriction of cultivation to one acre or less. Additionally, the supervisors are mulling over the possibility of imposing a temporary moratorium on cultivation permits.
This reconsideration has been spurred by the looming threat of Measure A, a ballot initiative that proposes even more stringent limitations on commercial cannabis activities. In light of this, county staff has recommended the introduction of a competing measure to address some concerns without going to the extremes of Measure A.
One notable proposal by the staff involves a substantial 60% reduction in permits and a 60% cut in both permit and acreage caps within each county watershed, as reported by the Local Outpost.
Under this proposal, the maximum number of cultivation permits would shrink from the current 3,500 to 1,400. This stands in contrast to Measure A, which seeks to cap permits at approximately 1,200.
Proponents of Measure A are skeptical of the county’s alternative, branding it as “a deceptive attempt to undermine and defeat Measure A.” This sentiment highlights the perceived threat the county measure poses to the more stringent restrictions proposed by Measure A.
The urgency of the situation is underscored by the need for prompt action if the board intends to place a measure on the March ballot. Draft language for the proposed changes must be submitted to the County Elections Office no later than December 9, adding a sense of immediacy to the decision-making
