There’s a reason Marin and Napa and all the cities in Sonoma have banned it. (SC Gazette)

People living in unincorporated Sonoma County are the only one that are going to be impacted by the proliferation of outdoor commercial cannabis grows. The majority of the people living in the incorporated cities in Sonoma County won’t be impacted by the odor, noise, and crime associated with growing marijuana.

All the cities in Sonoma County, with the exception of Cloverdale have banned outdoor commercial cannabis cultivation. Santa Rosa does permit commercial cannabis cultivation, but only in industrial zones.

Currently, the County allows commercial growers to obtain ministerial permits without any notification to the surrounding neighbors and without environmental review.

Turning Sonoma County into the marijuana capital of California with change the entire look and fabric of our county. There’s a reason Marin and Napa Counties have banned the outdoor cultivation of marijuana.

Candace Bennyi