While Santa Cruz County planners sort through the more than 200 last-minute responses to the proposed cannabis environmental impact report, plans are in the works to allow qualified growers temporary permits.
State voters last year approved Proposition 64 that legalizes recreational use of cannabis on Jan. 1. But as this year comes to a close, those overseeing the transition having to carefully manage expectations.
“It’s not as easy as you think,” said Robin Bolster-Grant, cannabis licensing manager for Santa Cruz County. “It’s tricky to find a good balance using the public process.”
The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors had several public meetings earlier this year, in addition to a lengthy public input period that was extended 30 days to allow for even more participation.
The supervisors are anticipated to address the issue in late February, Bolster-Grant said. At that time the board must approve an ordinance that addresses cannabis farming laws, as well as certify the environmental impact report anticipating those activities.
The overall goal, according to the licensing manager, is to allow growers — using environmental rules and local tax laws — to serve 15 local dispensaries
Bolster-Grant sent a letter last week advising qualified farmers, who had registered with the county prior to June 27, that there is a temporary permit workaround.
“The county is not yet prepared to grant permits, licenses, permissions or other legal entitlements to cannabis cultivators or manufacturers,” the letter stated. “However, the County of Santa Cruz will be contacting a limited number of operators for letters of ‘local authorization’ that can presented to the state for a temporary license.”
This week Bolster-Grant sent a second letter to some of the 760 growers who registered prior to the June deadline, but only those who submitted their information for taxation and met the majority of the county’s environmental criteria to grow cannabis — including permission from the property owner, a legal water source and minimum distances from streets.
“I don’t want to set them up for failure,” said Bolster-Grant, who brings 16 years’ experience as a county planner to her current position.
Bolster-Grant said that of the state’s 58 counties, 36 have adopted measures making it illegal to sell recreational or medical marijuana. She said the county wants to make sure its natural resources are protected.
“We’ve seen environmental damage as the result of the so-called green rush,” Bolster-Grant said. “Our emphasis is to protect the existing farmer.”
Growers who receive this week’s letter may obtain “local authorization” from the county which they can use to approach the state for a temporary license. Bolster-Grant cautioned that the state may not accept the county’s letter.
Temporary permits are valid for 120 days, with the possibility of a 90-day extension.
Meanwhile, a four-member county enforcement team is charged with responding to complaints waged against farming operations. Once taxable cannabis revenue becomes available, the county plans to step up enforcement.
“We need resources to make this thing work,” said Bolster-Grant, adding that her department will attempt to add attorneys, planning staff and deputies. “We’ll do whatever we have to do to have robust enforcement.”
Bolster-Grant said she does not anticipate a flourishing black market that undercuts legal pricing.
“Tourists will not be price sensitive,” she said, adding that price cuts in the cannabis market have made the black market less enticing.
