Humboldt County, California, is known for its cannabis industry, but a recent ballot measure threatened to change that. Measure A, also called the Humboldt Cannabis Reform Initiative, proposed to limit the size and type of cannabis farms in the county, as well as impose new environmental regulations. However, the voters overwhelmingly rejected the measure in the March 2024 election, with nearly 73% voting no.
Measure A: What It Would Have Done
Measure A was created by two local residents, Elizabeth Watson and Mark Thurmond, who claimed to be concerned about the environmental and social impacts of cannabis cultivation in Humboldt County. The measure aimed to amend the county’s planning documents to:
- Ban new or expanded permits for mixed light and indoor cultivation, which use artificial lighting and climate control
- Ban cultivation on parcels larger than 10,000 square feet, or about a quarter of an acre
- Limit cultivation to specific zones and areas, excluding most of the county’s agricultural land
- Require additional setbacks, buffers, and inspections for cannabis farms
- Prohibit any changes to the measure without another voter initiative
The proponents of the measure argued that it would protect the county’s natural resources, wildlife, and rural character from the negative effects of large-scale and industrial cannabis operations. They also said it would support small-scale and outdoor cultivation, which they considered more sustainable and traditional.
Measure A: Why It Failed
Measure A faced strong opposition from various groups and stakeholders in Humboldt County, including:
- The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors, which unanimously voted to oppose the measure and placed a rebuttal argument on the ballot
- The Humboldt County Growers Alliance, a trade association representing over 300 licensed cannabis businesses, which led a campaign against the measure and filed a lawsuit challenging its legality
- The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Department, which warned that the measure would increase the black market and crime related to cannabis
- Several environmental organizations, such as the Northcoast Environmental Center and the Environmental Protection Information Center, which disputed the measure’s claims of environmental benefits and criticized its lack of scientific basis
- Several political parties, such as the Humboldt County Democratic Central Committee and the Humboldt County Republican Central Committee, which both opposed the measure on the grounds of economic and social impacts
The opponents of the measure argued that it would have devastating consequences for the county’s legal cannabis industry, which employs thousands of people and generates millions of dollars in tax revenue. They also said it would harm the environment by encouraging illegal and unregulated cultivation, which often causes pollution, deforestation, and wildlife poaching. They also said it would violate the rights of property owners and farmers, and create legal uncertainty and confusion.
Measure A: What It Means for the Future
The rejection of Measure A by the voters indicates that Humboldt County is not willing to jeopardize its cannabis industry, which has been a part of its culture and economy for decades. It also shows that the county values a balanced and collaborative approach to cannabis regulation, which involves input from various stakeholders and experts. The county has already adopted a comprehensive cannabis ordinance, which sets standards and requirements for cannabis cultivation, processing, distribution, and retail. The county also has a cannabis advisory committee, which provides recommendations and feedback on cannabis issues and policies.
The defeat of Measure A does not mean that the county is ignoring the environmental and social challenges posed by cannabis cultivation. The county is working to address these challenges through various programs and initiatives, such as:
- The Cannabis Compliance Program, which offers incentives and assistance for cannabis farmers to obtain permits and comply with regulations
- The Cannabis Equity Program, which aims to support and empower communities that have been disproportionately impacted by cannabis prohibition and criminalization
- The Cannabis Environmental Impact Report, which is a comprehensive study of the environmental effects of cannabis cultivation in the county and the potential mitigation measures
- The Cannabis Tax Measure, which allocates a portion of the cannabis tax revenue to fund environmental restoration, public safety, mental health, and other community services
The county is also collaborating with other agencies and organizations, such as the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the State Water Resources Control Board, and the University of California Cooperative Extension, to monitor and improve the environmental and social conditions of the cannabis industry.
Humboldt County is committed to ensuring that its cannabis industry is sustainable, responsible, and beneficial for its people and its environment. The voters have shown their support for this vision by rejecting Measure A.
