Update On My Battle Against Outdoor Cultivation...

OK...

A little background first and then I'll bring you all up to date...

A few months ago the county Board of Supervisors imposed a "temporary" ban on the outdoor cultivation of medical marijuana. Although I am a non-smoker, my woman is a medical marijuana patient. I am her caregiver and I am an advocate for the cause. This decision inspired to act. I began speaking before the BoS (Board of Supervisors) in order to show them a different "face" of a grower as I am a white collar professional and involved in the community. Workshops were held where I, and others spoke and we were promised that our input would be considered in the drafting of an ordinance that would be suitable. In spite of my efforts the BoS, on 12/27 made the ban permanent but passed the matter over to the Planning Commission to draft an ordinance that would be in place for this growing season.

Last month, the Planning Commission submitted their "draft" that basically threw everything "we" (the proponents) said in the workshops and simple stated that 12 plants per parcel was allowed....period. This of course would not allow collectives to cultivate.

Last night was the Planning Commission's public hearing on the matter and my woman and I rallied the community and had a strong showing. The lone person who has vocally expressed his discontent (and was in fact the catalyst to this imposed ban) was there, but seeing as he was "outgunned", didn't even speak.

As a caregiver, professional, advocate, and health and fitness trainer I spoke to the dangerous side effects of opiates vs. the benefits of cannabis. I also was so bold as to tell them that if they were to impose a limit of 12 plants per parcel that I would defy their ordinance (I was the only one who stated that...heh...a non-smoker at that...LOL).

I made a point to be one of the last to speak. Interestingly enough, Dr. Hartmann, the Director of Health and Human Services for the county spoke and corroborated my argument on prescription opiates vs. cannabis.

After the hearing was closed, discussion amongst the Commission ensued and they decided that instead of a 12 plant per parcel ordinance, they would recommend a 12 plant per person ordinance with a limit on 6 MMJ recommendations per parcel (72 plants).

It's a small victory, but a victory nonetheless seeing how we're seeing a backlash out here in CA and many counties are simply banning cultivation outright. The recommendation now goes back to the BoS for another hearing and rest assured I intend upon being the Standard Bearer for the MMJ patients within my county.

Stay tuned my friends.