To: Board of Supervisors
From: Planning and Building Department
Agenda Section: Departmental
SUBJECT:
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Analysis and Recommendations related to the Humboldt Cannabis Reform Initiative
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RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Receive the staff presentation on the Humboldt Cannabis Reform Initiative (HCRI).
2. Allow public input on the findings of the Analysis and Recommendations
3. Make a motion to form an Ad Hoc Committee to work on the following:
a. Meet with sponsors of the HCRI to determine if alternative actions to voter consideration of the initiative are feasible,
b. Work with the HCRI sponsors, the public, cannabis industry stakeholders and staff to develop ordinance modifications,
c. In the event items a and b above are not feasible, develop a strategy to respond to the HCRI as submitted.
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SOURCE OF FUNDING:
There is currently no funding source identified for this effort.
DISCUSSION:
On Oct. 25, 2022, the Board of Supervisors, in response to proponents of an Initiative Petition presented by the Clerk/Recorder, decided to submit the proposed ordinance to the voters pursuant to Elections Code Section 1405. The initiative will appear before voters on March 5, 2024, the next presidential primary election. As part of the discussion of this action, the Board directed staff to review the initiative for changes and impacts and report these findings to the Board. The attached report summarizes the primary changes proposed by the Humboldt Cannabis Reform Initiative (HCRI), the mechanism for implementation, and the potential impacts if adopted.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends your Board form an ad-hoc committee to explore policy updates to the local cannabis program and explore the possibility of negotiating with the proponents for an alternative to the HCRI.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The cost for this staff analysis is currently unfunded and comes out of the administrative budget for the department.
STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK:
This action supports your Board’s Strategic Framework by enforcing laws and regulations to protect residents.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
None
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
The Board of Supervisors may choose not to receive the presentation on the Humboldt Cannabis Reform Initiative however, this presentation provides information regarding the proposed changes, impacts, and opportunities for legislative action.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. HCRI Analysis and Recommendations
2. Copy of Initiative
PREVIOUS ACTION/REFERRAL:
Board Order No.:
Meeting of: Oct. 25, 2022
File No. 22-1390