x
Breaking News
More () »

Yolo County medicinal marijuana growers may face 'poison pill' and phase out

Right now, 68 growers are legally permitted to commercially grow marijuana for medicinal use. But that could soon change, pending a tax measure that will be on next year's June ballot.

While California is getting ready for the legalization of recreational marijuana sales, Yolo County may be taking a step back. They're still focused on what they'll do with medicinal marijuana.

Right now, 68 growers are legally permitted to commercially grow marijuana for medicinal use. But that could soon change, pending a tax measure that will be on next year's June ballot.

If voters don't pass this tax measure, the 68 growers could be phased out.

"If someone has a licensed permit, follows all rules and there's no complaints," said Saylor,
Why wouldn't we encourage them to continue their business? It's a legal business that produces jobs and a commodity that in some cases, for medicinal purposes, has value to the community."

Saylor adds that the uncertainty of the situation is damaging to business. That's because this circumstance was just recently added about a couple of months ago to the ordinance that allows for the cultivation of medicinal marijuana.

It was a pilot program for 68 growers who met requirements back in 2016.

Bob Milbrodt has worked on campaigns and written ballot measures before, so a group of pro-cannabis citizens approached him for help to write a ballot measure for 2018.

"They're frustrated with the direction where the county was going," said Milbrodt. "They're not consistent in their rules."

Milbrodt adds that many people have already invested a lot of money and time into these businesses.

"Money securing property or a lease," said Milbrodt, giving some examples. "Putting greenhouses or equipment...now they have to either shut down or find another place they have to go [and it's] not easy to do."

Late last week, the state officially started accepting applications for initial licenses. But in order to do so, you needed a local business permit. Yolo County residents weren't able to do so.

Adrian Gonzalez said he has been wanting to start a dispensary.

"[The county has] been fluctuating all year," said Gonzalez. "This latest report that they may be canceling the pilot program [of medicinal growers] is a big concern for anyone in Yolo County."

Before You Leave, Check This Out