Santa Cruz County cannabis cultivation takes small but important step forward

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Ahead of an environmental impact report regarding commercial cannabis cultivation, Santa Cruz County is looking to receive input on a number of concerns ranging from air and water to neighborhood safety and traffic.

“We are having another opportunity for the public to be involved in the long conversation of getting this new thing called regulated cannabis right,” said Pat Malo with Green Trade Santa Cruz.

The EIR will look at the effects commercial cannabis cultivation could have on neighborhoods, roads, air, water and the overall environment.

“They (the county) need to ask the industry ‘how are you going to be growing,’ ‘how much water will you be using’ and then analyze that in the environmental impact report,” said attorney Aaron Johnson.

The report comes after a proposed ordinance which set rules on cannabis cultivation in unincorporated Santa Cruz County, but before that can be approved, the county wants to hear from residents.

“It’s a lot of work upfront but it makes it a little easier for the project applicants later,” said Johnson, “but it’s timely and expensive.” Once the report is complete, it’ll head to the board of supervisors and then they can make a decision on that ordinance. For now, the industry is optimistic.

“I think the county has to conduct this EIR in order to understand what they are creating,” said Colin Disheroon with Santa Cruz Mountain Naturals.

But if results lead to more regulation, some growers may be pushed back into hiding.

“I have a feeling that this is going to scare a lot of growers into continuing to operate in the black market and I think that is going to lead to unexpected consequences,” added Disheroon.

The completed report isn’t expected until the fall. If you want the county to hear your voice you can do that HERE.