The adoption of this article is necessary and desirable to accomplish and balance the following:
A. Protect the public health, safety, and welfare.
B. Protect environmental resources and minimize environmental impact.
C. Ensure neighborhood compatibility.
D. Ensure safe access to medical cannabis for patients.
E. Support agricultural economic development including recognition of valuable new crops, preservation of agricultural land, and creation of opportunities for new farmers.
F. Recognize cannabis as an agricultural crop with unique challenges including Federal classification, legal history, crop value, transaction security, distinct odor, and energy and water requirements.
G. Recognize competing and evolving community values and interests related to the cannabis industry.
H. Avoid establishing undesirable precedents for other agricultural sectors.
I. Avoid unintended consequences including unforeseen community impacts and over-regulation that drives cannabis activities underground.
J. Allow for adaptation to changing market, cultural, and regulatory considerations over time.
K. Acknowledge the will of the voters in passing Proposition 64, The Control, Regulate and Tax Audit Use of Marijuana, in 2016.
(Ord. 1541, eff. October 14, 2021)