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Receive a staff presentation on regulatory options for addressing industrial hemp in Solano County; Provide feedback to staff on options to be considered; and Provide direction to staff on public outreach including consideration of formation of a task force, targeted outreach meetings, or other outreach options
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Published Notice Required? Yes ____ No _X _
Public Hearing Required? Yes ____ No _X _
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The Agriculture Department and the Department of Resource Management recommends that the Board of Supervisors:
1. Receive a staff presentation on regulatory options for addressing industrial hemp in Solano County;
2. Provide feedback to staff on options to be considered; and
3. Provide direction to staff on public outreach including consideration of formation of a task force, targeted outreach meetings, or other outreach options.
SUMMARY:
On November 5, 2019, in response to resident and law enforcement concerns about existing hemp cultivation sites in the County, the Board adopted an emergency interim ordinance imposing a 45-day moratorium on the cultivation and processing of industrial hemp in Solano County. On December 10, 2019, the Board extended that emergency moratorium for an additional 10 months and 15 days. Without further action by the Board, the moratorium will expire on November 5, 2020. On December 10th, the Board directed staff to bring back options for the Board to consider regarding potential regulation of industrial hemp. Options under consideration are summarized below and in the attached Decision Matrix. At the February 4, 2020 Board meeting, Supervisor Thomson, under Board member comments, asked that the Board consider forming a Task Force to explore the hemp issue, conduct outreach and provide recommendations. Public outreach approaches including Supervisor Thomson's suggestion are reviewed in the Discussion section.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
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