"The arrogance of the big growers that they should be allowed to grow bigger because they are big. Big grows are not our future. Cannabiloidists are here to eat our hard earned reputation."

Today and tomorrow the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors will continue their deliberations on the Medical Marijuana Land Ordinance.

Agenda details: http://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2016/01/medical-marijuana-land-use-ordinance-on.html

I have attended or watched the Planning Commission meetings recently and I have attended all the meetings in the Board of Supervisor's Chambers. At the January 5 meeting, the public comment reflected the view expressed over and over by people attending. As I wrote in my last post, each commenter was eloquent and very grateful to the Board of Supervisors.

These comments represent what the public expressed to the Board of Supervisors:

Public watchdog Kent Sawatasky told the BOS "downsize it to what it used to be 25/50 years ago." He also linked meth use to cannabis use. Mr. Sawatsky said the registry is a fantastic idea but he advocates for small grows. "Do we want more illegal grows? Just because everyone is in a hurry?"
He said EPIC's ideas were good.

A resident of Fortuna, spoke about the effects of cannabis and sale of cannabis in schools and that the amount people possessed was not for personal consumption.

Supervisor Estelle Fennell mentioned that the ordinance and local regulations would put " alot more restrictions on children's exposure to marijuana."

Ken Miller, from McKinleyville said he was "advocating for smaller grows, he defined that in the 2,000-3,000 range. He also called out the Wonderland nursery ad in the North Coast Journal.

"I am going to educate Dr. Miller a little later on how to practice medicine since he is telling growers how to grow," said Luke Bruner, California Cannabis Voice Humboldt Board Member and business manager of Wonderland Nursery.

Another speaker disagreed, he said he represented about 75 commercial growers. "It's going to take a lot for large scale commercial growers to come into compliance. Guys are not going to come forth if their income is reduced to 1/6th."

Mark Wheetley was present on behalf of Arcata City Council. "Our concern is inclusion of TPZ land and the impact on wildlife, water use and forest fragmentation."

A smaller farmer from Aracta expressed concerns about coastal farmers versus inland farmers.

Scott Greacen, executive director of Friends of the Eel River, said there needs to "effective enforcement on the bad guys."

Natalynne DeLapp, executive director of EPIC said that both EPIC and CCVH found that the ordinance should "focus on existing grows."

A dispensary owner reminded the BOS that dispensaries should be include. He went on to say, "The arrogance of the big growers that they should be allowed to grow bigger because they are big. Big grows are not our future. Cannabiloidists are here to eat our hard earned reputation."