Monterey County considers legalizing outdoor cannabis growing

Carmel Valley is known for its rolling hills and large vineyards, but what about cannabis? Some that live in the area can picture the possibility. “It’s all legal now. If people want to pursue that they should be able to do it in Carmel Valley,” said resident, Roberty Kennedy.

Allowing cannabis to be grown outdoors, is what the Monterey County Planning Commission discussed, Wednesday. The county is considering, what they call, the Outdoor Cannabis Cultivation Pilot Program. The program would allow cannabis to be grown in Carmel Valley and Cachagua, or in Big Sur.

For the next five years, the program would study the impacts of growing cannabis. It would allow cannabis to be grown under canopies up to 10,000 square feet.

One of the main concerns bought up, at Wednesday’s meeting, was the odor it could bring to the area. Some tourists said, if this was the case, they wouldn’t stop here. “Personally, when looking for a place to vacation, I would look for a different valley or a different area. I agree with it for medical purposes, but beyond that, no,” said tourist, Rick Miller.

The program would allow for the planting of fragrant vegtation near cannabis fields to mask odor. Some said this is a price they’re willing to pay to see a new industry come to their backyard. ” I think the ‘where’ factor would be the biggest one. I know a lot of people wouldn’t want that near them. There are a lot of rural property up the valley that’s open and clear. It could easily accommodate something like that,” said Kennedy.

The planning commission will vote whether to take the pilot program to the board of supervisors, Wednesday night.