ollowing the legalization of recreational cannabis in California in 2016 and the subsequent implementation of licensing regulations in 2018, the Carpinteria Valley witnessed a surge in cannabis cultivation operations. With this growth came an onslaught of resident complaints regarding the pungent odor emanating from these facilities. Since 2019, 3,900 complaints have been filed about the aroma of cannabis which, without proper odor control, can travel long distances.
Years of complaints with little redress inspired newly-seated Santa Barbara County Supervisor Chair Laura Capps and Vice Chair Bob Nelson to introduce a Cannabis Odor Abatement Plan at a January 14th Board of Supervisors meeting.
According to Capps and Nelson, it was important for them to secure the collective support of their fellow supervisors prior to presenting this plan. Going into the January 14th meeting, Capps says she knew they could count on at least three “yes” votes from supervisors, so she was happy to see that it passed unanimously. “I am kind of still pinching myself that we were able to do that because it really represents a dramatic shift,” she said from her office.
First District Supervisor Roy Lee, who replaced Das Williams this year, represents the Carpinteria area and campaigned on the use of “state-of-the-art odor technology” for cannabis odor abatement.
The plan that Capps and Nelson initiated would modify Chapter 50 of the Santa Barbara County Code of Ordinances to require mixed-light cannabis growers to install carbon scrubbers in their facilities. Until now, usage of vapor phase technology by farmers was voluntary.
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