The Planning & Building Department - Cannabis Services Division is excited to announce the receipt of well over 2,000 Commercial Cannabis Activity Registration forms submitted prior to the Aug. 23 deadline. This impressive and encouraging initial response is due in large part to partnerships and outreach by numerous state agencies and local organizations, non-profits, and consulting firms who were instrumental in helping mobilize and educate Humboldt’s medical cannabis farmers and patients.
For medical cannabis farmers who did not submit their registration forms, it’s not too late to apply for your permit. While no longer eligible for a determination of “good standing”, existing operators are nevertheless encouraged to consider applying for a permit before the Dec. 31 application deadline. The department will continue to accept applications from both new and existing operators through the end of the year, regardless of whether they completed a registration form. As a reminder, the Medical Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act (MCRSA) allows applicants to continue operations during state licensure when operating in compliance with local zoning regulations, and requirements of other state and local agencies, prior to January 1, 2018. However, beginning Jan. 1, 2017 no new applications for local permits will be accepted by the county until after an Environmental Impact Report is completed and the Board of Supervisors enacts a new local ordinance.
REMEMBER, registering your farm is not the same as applying for a permit. For those who have begun or completed the registration process, you will still need to apply for a permit with the county. The type of permit you apply for will be determined based on the requested commercial activity, property characteristics, and zoning. The same applies for those who missed the deadline to register to be eligible for good standing, you may still apply for a clearance or permit in order to secure a zoning entitlement.
If you have questions about the permitting process, please contact the Planning & Building Department at 707-445-7446. You may also reach the Cannabis Services Division via the 24-hr Cannabis Hotline 707-268-3795 or by emailing: cannabis@co.humboldt.ca.us.
The Planning & Building Department remains committed to helping facilitate local medical cannabis operators transition to a fully legal and legitimate commercial market in California. Helping as many existing operators achieve compliance with new local and state regulations is central to realizing the environmental protections and benefits developed within the county’s adopted Commercial Medical Marijuana Land Use Ordinance.