Moratorium on cannabis needed

EDITOR: Drought, drought, drought. Sonoma County is experiencing its worst drought in decades. Our reservoirs are at an all-time low, and even with conservation measures, our officials estimate only enough water for another year or so. It’s safe to assume homes relying on ground water (wells) are facing the same dire consequences. Sonoma County is appealing its new housing allocation (requesting a lower number), citing the drought and an unclear picture on where the required water would come from. On Aug. 3, The State of California issued emergency orders to take only enough water out of the Russian river for “basic human health and safety needs.” Supervisor Hopkins was quoted as saying “In my opinion, if it’s not something you’re going to eat, maybe you shouldn’t be watering it.” In response to Sonoma County’s recent draft amendment to the Cannabis Ordinance, both the Department of Fish and Game and the National Marine Fisheries Service stated that a complete and thorough water study is necessary before proceeding with any new projects. In light the uncertain water future, the Board of Supervisor should place a moratorium on all commercial Cannabis cultivation operations until our water supply is assured and safeguarded.

Bill Krawetz

Sebastopol