Addressing Equity and Unconscious Bias in Cannabis Prohibition Zones:
A Closer Look at Mendocino County
The establishment of cannabis prohibition (CP) zones in Mendocino County has brought attention to potential discrimination and unequal treatment within the industry. In Redwood Valley, residents with 109 contiguous parcels filed a rezoning request to establish a Cannabis Prohibition Combining District (CPCD). The rezone application (R_2021-0002)youtube.com/live/KD10XYJbY04?feature=share was submitted by the Eastside Residential Redwood Valley collective of property owners who seek to mitigate what they believe has become an unacceptable nuisance on adjacent agricultural land.
Within this CPCD, state-licensed cannabis operators with locations based on land zoned agricultural are at risk of losing their livelihood. These cannabis operators are of Latin or Hispanic descent. While concerns have been raised regarding the exclusion of non-Latin operators in parcels on the CPCD perimeter, it is essential to consider the broader context of other agricultural practices that can have similar impacts. This discussion explores the need for equitable regulations that consider unconscious bias, including the practices of vineyard operators, to promote fairness and sustainability in the cannabis industry.
Considerations of Smell and Environmental Impact:
Critics of cannabis cultivation often highlight concerns about odor nuisances. However, it is crucial to recognize that other agricultural activities, such as vineyards, can also generate strong smells through the use of sulfur and other agricultural inputs. By acknowledging the similarities in odor-producing practices across different agricultural sectors, it becomes apparent that targeting cannabis operators alone based on smell concerns may not be fair or justified.
Noise and Lighting Impacts:
While some opponents of cannabis cultivation point to potential noise and lighting disturbances, it is essential to consider that vineyard operators also utilize heavy equipment, often during nighttime operations, which can result in noise disturbances for neighboring communities. Similarly, non-downcast lighting practices employed by vineyard operators to facilitate overnight shifts can contribute to light pollution concerns. A comprehensive evaluation of these factors is necessary to ensure equitable regulations that do not single out cannabis operators unfairly.
Balancing Environmental Considerations:
When discussing the impact of agricultural practices, including cannabis cultivation, it is essential to strike a balance between environmental sustainability and the industry's economic viability. The use of loud fans by vineyards to ward off frost, for example, can be seen as a necessary measure to protect crops, just as cannabis operators employ various techniques to safeguard their harvest. Developing regulations that take into account the specific needs of different agricultural practices while minimizing negative environmental impacts will contribute to a more balanced and fair approach.
As Mendocino County addresses concerns related to cannabis prohibition zones, adopting equitable regulations that consider the broader agricultural landscape is crucial. Recognizing the similarities in environmental impacts between cannabis cultivation and other agricultural practices, such as vineyards, is essential for promoting fairness and sustainability in the industry. By striking a balance between environmental considerations, economic viability, and addressing potential discrimination concerns, Mendocino County can foster an inclusive and thriving cannabis industry that contributes to the region's overall well-being.
Sources
https://kymkemp.com/2023/05/17/cannabis-cultivators-take-heed-you-could-be-next-warn-attorneys-for-farmers-in-proposed-cp-zone/
https://www.mendocinocounty.org/home/showpublisheddocument/57583/638175137724600000