The Cannabis Policy Development Working Group of Willits City Council is working to draft an ordinance for commercial cannabis cultivation licenses.
Current City ordinance states the cultivation of more than six marijuana plants at any location within city limits will likely result in an unreasonable risk of crime….
It also says the cultivation of more than six marijuana plants within any fully enclosed and secure structure within the City limits is a public nuisance.
The working group held a public meeting Tuesday, Nov. 15, to hear input from community members and learn more about logistics. Councilmember Ron Orenstein stressed that they want to find a way to keep the towns cannabis industry local.
We dont want the big boys to come in and take control over everything, he said. He envisions a group of boutique providers, sold by locals for locals.
The Council is set on indoor growing only, in buildings zoned for industrial use at least 600 ft. from schools per the state Medical Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act. Working group members listed smell as the major reason to keep the growing indoors, as well as added safety.
Given the murder of cannabis grower Jeffrey Settler in Laytonville last week and the number of violent crimes associated with the business, the Council wants to make sure safety measures are prioritized.
The group is also trying to keep a reasonable ratio of cannabis to other businesses for the towns size. In addition to the lack of buildings in town that meet the requirements, Orenstein sees the towns reputation as a reason to be sparing with licenses.
Its important that we dont become a monoculture here, he said. He wants a sprinkling of pot to coincide with Willits other offerings.
Community members at the meeting pointed out that Willits is already known for marijuana. Micah Anderson, a local cannabis grower, said Willits should brand itself as a place to get quality marijuana, like Napa Valley has with wine.
Another suggestion from the public was to incorporate other aspects of the marijuana industry, like processing and distributing, instead of focusing solely on growing, to maximize revenue. Orenstein said he doesnt think growing will be profitable much longer, that it may be only a few years until the market is saturated.
I dont think anyone can say marijuanas going to continue being a massive industry, he said. Im afraid whats going to happen when the bubble bursts.
But the ordinance theyre working on only looks at growing licenses, for now.
They hope to present a draft to the full Council in January after receiving more feedback from the community.
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker
Full Article: Cannabis Policy Working Group Hears Community Input
Author: Ashley Tressel
Contact: 707-459-4643
Photo Credit: Andrew Kuhn
Website: The Willits News
