INVESTIGATING FURTHER

A meeting on November 15 of the Kern County Board of Supervisors held a spark of hope that the county may permit recreational cannabis businesses in the future. On the meeting’s agenda, the council set out to discuss an Environmental Impact Report that could lead to a promising hope for the local cannabis industry. The topic was introduced as a “Proposed sole source consulting agreement with Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. for preparation of an Environmental Impact Report and staffing assistance for options to amend the Kern County Zoning Ordinance Code to address land use regulations for medicinal and recreational cannabis.”

The Kern County Planning Director Lorelei Oviatt proceeded to discuss how California voters passed Proposition 64, which opens the doors for the county to regulate cannabis businesses by either allowing them or banning them.

“I would like to note that this is the only agricultural crop in California that requires a specific state license. While agriculture is regulated for things like pesticides, there is no other crop that requires a license before you plant it in California,” Oviatt stated. “So this is a very unique type of agricultural operation, and we will be looking at it from that perspective.” She continued to explain that staff would conduct public discussions, stakeholder meetings and workshops in order to develop ordinance proposals.

“While agriculture is regulated for things like pesticides, there is no other crop that requires a license before you plant it in California.”

She further explained what considerations for the environment will be addressed by Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. “And we will prepare an Environmental Impact Report to look at the impacts,” Oviatt stated. “One of the most important impacts in regards to cultivation is the use of water. These crops use more water than other crops we are familiar with, and as you know, we have some really restricted basins.”

Oviatt also explained how there are currently an estimated 27 collectives operating in the unincorporated parts of Kern County. She explained that staff will ask to extend the moratorium that currently blocks new collectives from opening up at the appropriate time. “We want to allow for this process to be completed without having to deal with new locations and new operations,” Oviatt said.

One resident of Bakersfield native named David Abbasi shared his opinion on cannabis with the council. “I’m a student of law and a medical marijuana expert. I know about regulations, the industry, and work with various activist groups like Kern Citizens for Patients’ Rights. Former county council was misleading you on medical marijuana law, environmental law and election law,” Abbasi said. “Many states have legalized medical and recreational marijuana, and it’s not going to stop . . . Consider the tax benefits, veterans with PTSD, public health and safety. There is a lot to be considered.”

The proposals are expected to be submitted with the Environmental Impact Report by the end of 2017, which is right before recreational cannabis licenses will become available in California on January 1, 2018.