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Title:
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Letter to Governor Newsom, Senator McGuire, Assemblymember Wood and CDFA Secretary Karen Ross Addressing Concerns with Industrial Hemp Definition
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To: Board of Supervisors
From: Planning and Building Department
Agenda Section: Departmental
SUBJECT:
title
Letter to Governor Newsom, Senator McGuire, Assemblymember Wood and CDFA Secretary Karen Ross Addressing Concerns with Industrial Hemp Definition
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RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Authorize the Chair to sign the letter to Governor Newsom, Senator McGuire, Assemblymember Wood and CDFA Secretary Karen Ross requesting the definition of Industrial Hemp address cannabidiol (CBD).
Body
SOURCE OF FUNDING:
N/A
DISCUSSION:
Staff has prepared a letter to Governor Newsom, Senator McGuire, Assemblymember Wood and CDFA Secretary Karen Ross for signature by the Chair of the Board of Supervisors addressing a legislative problem with current state regulations between cannabis and industrial hemp. The problem is because the definition of Industrial Hemp does not address cannabidiol (CBD). Industrial Hemp is defined as any cannabis plant with no more than three-tenths of one percent tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Traditionally, varieties of cannabis grown for CBD were considered Medical Marijuana and have been permitted at the local and state level as such. Under proposed industrial hemp regulations this would change and undermine regulations established by and in response to the Medical Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act (MCRSA).
As has been pointed out during prior Board of Supervisors discussions on Industrial Hemp, there are now two different purposes for hemp cultivation: one for food and fiber (traditional hemp), and another for medicinal CBD extraction or production. The varieties grown for CBD are indistinguishable from varieties grown for THC. This creates problems for law enforcement, protection of the environment and public health. This problem can be addressed by including a threshold for CBD in the definition of industrial hemp.
This is a statewide concern that affects Humboldt County. If the state adequately addresses the definitional problem, there will be a coherent regulatory system for medical cannabis and industrial hemp allowing both to be regulated under appropriate provisions. This letter seeks to notify the Governor, our senator and assembly member, as well as the Secretary of CDFA of this urgent need.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Sending the letter will have no financial impact.
STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK:
This action supports your Board's Strategic Framework by advancing local interests in natural resource discussions and engaging in discussions of our regional economic future.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The letter was prepared in consultation between the Agricultural Commissioner, Sheriff, CAO and County Counsel's office
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
The alternative is to not send a letter but given that Humboldt County is on the edge of the regulatory discussion the County has an important voice for the state law makers to consider. Not addressing this issue would deprive the state of the County perspective and is not recommended.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Letter to Governor Newsom, Senator McGuire, Assemblymember Wood and CDFA Secretary Karen Ross.
PREVIOUS ACTION/REFERRAL:
Board Order No.: N/A
Meeting of: N/A
File No.: N/A|1010|