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CaliforniaDepartmentofFoodandAgriculture
MedicalCannabisCultivationProgram
ScopingReport
Preparedfor:
CaliforniaDepartmentofFoodandAgriculture1220NStreet,Suite400Sacramento,CA95814
Preparedby:
HorizonWaterandEnvironment,LLC180GrandAvenue,Suite1405
Oakland,CA94612
January2017
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HorizonWaterandEnvironment,LLC.MedicalCannabisCultivationProgram,ScopingReport.January2017(HWE16.015).Oakland,California.
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California Department of Food and Agriculture Medical Cannabis Cultivation Program Scoping Report
i January 2017Project No. 16.015
TABLEOFCONTENTS
ExecutiveSummary Overview................................................................................................................................................ES1 SummaryoftheScopingProcess................................................................................................ES1 SummaryofCommentsReceived................................................................................................ES1
CommentsontheProposedProgramRegulation................................................ES2 CommentsRelevanttotheEnvironmentalReview.............................................ES4 CommentsOutsidetheScopeofthePEIR................................................................ES8NextSteps..............................................................................................................................................ES8 DevelopmentofRegulations.........................................................................................ES8 DevelopmentofDraftPEIR............................................................................................ES8 OngoingOutreach..............................................................................................................ES8
Chapter1.Introduction Background............................................................................................................................................11 Overview..................................................................................................................................................11Chapter2.CEQAScopingProcess NoticeofPreparation.........................................................................................................................21 PublicOutreach.....................................................................................................................................21 PublicWorkshops................................................................................................................................22 WorkshopFormat................................................................................................................23
ParticipatingStaff.................................................................................................................23 WorkshopAttendance.......................................................................................................24CommentsReceived............................................................................................................................24 OralComments......................................................................................................................24 WrittenComments..............................................................................................................24
Chapter3.SummaryofCommentsReceived ReviewofScopingCommentsReceived.....................................................................................31 CommentCategoriesRelevanttotheProposedProgramRegulations.........................33
RegulatoryGoalResponses(Nos.17).......................................................................34 LicenseTypesSought.......................................................................................................312 Type3Limits.......................................................................................................................313 Nurseries...............................................................................................................................313 InspectionsandRecords.................................................................................................314 TrackandTrace..................................................................................................................315 Other........................................................................................................................................318CommentCategoriesRelevanttotheEnvironmentalReview........................................320 GeneralCultivationPractices........................................................................................320 Aesthetics..............................................................................................................................322 AgricultureandForestry.................................................................................................322 AirQualityandOdor.........................................................................................................323 BiologicalResources.........................................................................................................324 CulturalResourcesandTribalCulturalResources..............................................327 GeologyandSeismicity....................................................................................................327
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Table of Contents
California Department of Food and Agriculture Medical Cannabis Cultivation Program Scoping Report
ii January 2017Project No. 16.015
EnergyUseandGreenhouseGasEmissions...........................................................327 Hazards,HazardousMaterials,andHumanHealth.............................................329 HydrologyandWaterQuality.......................................................................................330 LandUseandPlanning.....................................................................................................334 Noise........................................................................................................................................336 PopulationandHousing..................................................................................................336 PublicServices.....................................................................................................................337 Recreation.............................................................................................................................337 TransportationandTraffic.............................................................................................338 UtilitiesandServiceSystems.........................................................................................338 AlternativesAnalysis........................................................................................................339 CumulativeConsiderations............................................................................................339 PEIRCEQAProcess............................................................................................................340Others ....................................................................................................................................................340
Chapter4.NextSteps DevelopmentofDraftRegulations................................................................................................41 DevelopmentofDraftPEIR..............................................................................................................41 OngoingOutreach................................................................................................................................41 ProgramWebsiteUpdates................................................................................................42 OtherOpportunitiesforPublicInvolvementintheDraftRegulations..........42 OtherOpportunitiesforPublicInvolvementinthePEIR....................................42Figures 1 CommentsReceivedbyLocationTables 1 NewspaperNotices2 PublicServiceAnnouncements3 NumbersofCommentsReceived
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Table of Contents
California Department of Food and Agriculture Medical Cannabis Cultivation Program Scoping Report
iii January 2017Project No. 16.015
Appendices A NoticeofPreparationB NoticeofPreparationMailingListC NewspaperNoticesD PreRegulationWorkshopSurveyE MCCPFrequentlyAskedQuestionsF MCCPFactSheetSummaryG SummaryofStatuteandRegulatoryGoalsH CommentFormsI WorkshopPowerPointPresentationJ ScopingMeetingPostersK ScopingMeetingAttendeeSignInSheetsL TranscriptsReceivedduringScopingMeetingsM CommentCardsReceivedduringScopingMeetingsN MaterialsProvidedduringScopingMeetingsO EmailedCommentsReceivedduringScopingPeriod
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Table of Contents
California Department of Food and Agriculture Medical Cannabis Cultivation Program Scoping Report
iv January 2017Project No. 16.015
Acronyms and Abbreviations Act Medical Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act
CDFA California Department of Food and Agriculture
CEQA California Environmental Quality Act
EIR environmental impact report
GHG greenhouse gas
NOA notice of availability
NOP notice of preparation
PEIR program environmental impact report
MCCP Medical Cannabis Cultivation Program (also Program, Proposed Program)
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California Department of Food and Agriculture Medical Cannabis Cultivation Program Scoping Report
ES-1 January 2017Project No. 16.015
EXECUTIVESUMMARY
OverviewThis Scoping Report summarizes the comments and questions raised during the publicscopingperiodforthepreparationofaprogramenvironmentalimpactreport(PEIR)bytheCaliforniaDepartmentofFoodandAgriculture(CDFA)fortheMedicalCannabisCultivationProgram (MCCP, Program, or Proposed Program). The scoping period during whichinterested parties were invited to comment on the environmental issues and concernsregardingtheProgrambeganonSeptember1,2016,andendedonSeptember30,2016.ThisScopingReportincludes:
asummaryofthepublicscopingprocess, asummaryofkeyissuesidentifiedduringthescopingperiod,and adescriptionoffuturestepstobetakenintherulemakingandenvironmentalreview
process.
SummaryoftheScopingProcessANoticeofPreparation(NOP)wasdistributedinvitingthepublictooffercommentsduringthe30dayscopingperiod.Atotalof321writtencommentswerereceived.Inaddition,eightpublicworkshopswereheldthroughoutCalifornia.Thepublicwasnotifiedof these workshops through CDFAs listserv, publication of notices in nine newspapersthroughoutthestate,andothermeans.Approximately968individualsattendedthescopingworkshops. Theworkshops included a number of topical stations,with staff available toengageindiscussionandanswerquestions.Ancillarymaterialswereprovided,andacourtreporterwasavailabletoreceivecomments.Fortysevenoralcommentswereprovidedattheworkshops.
SummaryofCommentsReceivedCommentsweregenerallysortedintooneofthreecategoriesbasedontheirrelevanceto(1)theproposedProgramregulations,(2)theProgramsProgramEnvironmentalImpactReport(the PEIR), or (3) issues outside of the scope of the PEIR. The following text provides asummaryofthecomments.Chapter3ofthisScopingReportprovidesadditionaldetailsonthecommentsreceived.
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Executive Summary
California Department of Food and Agriculture Medical Cannabis Cultivation Program Scoping Report
ES-2 January 2017Project No. 16.015
CommentsontheProposedProgramRegulation
As part of the scoping process, CDFA requested feedback on seven goals to informdevelopmentoftheProgramregulations.Thesevenregulatorygoalswereasfollows:
RegulatoryGoal1:DefineTermsUsedinCannabisCultivation. RegulatoryGoal2:DefinetheApplicationProcessandRequirementsforLicensing. RegulatoryGoal3: IdentifytheCultivatorLicenseTypesbyLightSourceandSite
Size; Clarify Allowable License Combinations; Outline Renewal Process and SetLicensingFees.
Regulatory Goal 4: Specify Requirements to Mitigate Environmental Health andPublicSafetyIssues.
RegulatoryGoal5:OutlineCultivatorResponsibilitiesforComplianceInspection. RegulatoryGoal6:SpecifyTrackandTraceRequirements. RegulatoryGoal7:StateLicenseViolationsandAppropriatePenalties.
Responsestothesegoalsandadditionalcommentsrelatedtotheregulationsaresummarizedbelow. The comment subcategories related to CDFAs Proposed Program regulationsincludedregulatorygoalresponses(RegulatoryGoalsNos.1through7),licensetypessought,type3limits,nurseries,inspectionsandrecords,trackandtrace,andother.
ResponsestoRegulatoryGoal1provideddefinitionsforcannabiscultivationterms(canopy,flowering,immature,mixedlightcultivation,premises,andpropagation).
ResponsestoRegulatoryGoal2indicateapreferenceforonlinecultivationlicenseapplications(butalsotheavailabilityofpaperapplications);notbanningweaponsorfirearmsatcultivationsites;and,generally,planstoapplyforthreeorfewerlicenses.
Responses toRegulatory Goal 3 are diverse and include responses to site arearestrictions, lighting requirements for mixedlight, limiting Type 3 licenses, andestimatingthenumberofappliedforlicensedcultivationsitesbyoneperson.
Responses to Regulatory Goal 4 relate to the following key requirements forenvironmentalhealthandsafetymitigationmeasures:requireUSDAfarmspraylogsfor pesticides and odor control for indoor facilities; allow organic chemicals ortargetedpesticides; require optimalwatering,water and soil recycling, and greenwaste; use commonmethods of security; and distribute clones/juvenile plants tocultivators,dispensaries,membersofcollective,orsolelytoadistributor.
ResponsestoRegulatoryGoal5recommendestablishingrequirementsforrecordcontentandstoragedurationforbusinessrelateddocuments,materialrecords,andenhancedemployeerelatedrecords.
ResponsestoRegulatoryGoal6includeavarietyofsuggestionsfortrackandtracemethods,thoughthemostpopularwastotrackaproducedproductbybatchnumberandpurchaseorderfromthetimetheplantisaseedorcloneandthroughoutitslifestagesallthewaythroughdistribution.
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Executive Summary
California Department of Food and Agriculture Medical Cannabis Cultivation Program Scoping Report
ES-3 January 2017Project No. 16.015
ResponsestoRegulatoryGoal7 focusonhandlingenforcement inanexpeditiousmanner,anddefiningminorandseriousviolationsmoreclearly.
License types sought concerns are generally associated with license quantitylimitations, costs of cultivation licensing and applications, manufacturing anddispensary license requirements, cultivation area limits, cottage licenses, andmethodstodistinguishlicensetypesfromoneanother.
InputonType3limitsislimitedtotwocommentsrecommendinglimitsforprimarilyoutdoorgrowsbasedontheirwatershedrelatedeffects,andapplyinglimitsonlytocultivation operations proposed after the implementation date for CDFAs MCCPlicensingprogram.
Nurseryrelated comments express concerns about pests, facility cleanliness,nursery stock licensingand label requirements, licensing costs, scaleand spaceofnurseries, distributor and dispensary roles, and consistency for nurseryrelatedtermsanddefinitions.
Inspectionsandrecordsrelatedcommentsidentifyconcernsassociatedwithcoststolocalandcountydepartments;uniqueidentifierdatabaseaccessforlocalagencies;unannouncedand/orlawenforcementescortedinspections;quantityofinspectionsper year; product damage or pest infestation from site or cannabis materialinspections; provision of a grace period to address violations; and specificrecommendationsforrecordcontent.
Thetrackandtracerelatedregulationsproducednumerousuniquecomments.Ingeneral, the commentsprovidedaddress recommendationsor concerns related tocertaintrack/tracetechnologiesandensuringthetechnologywascompatiblewithavariety of hardware and software systems; data encryption; tracking individualplants or particular plant stages/sizes; using agricultural produce traceabilitymethods; tracking cannabis products through all stages of cultivation; trackingcannabisweights;providingelectronictracking;allowinglawenforcementorthirdparties uniform access to the tracking information; requiring open standard;protecting personal patient information; tracing products back to the respectivecannabissources;trackingstagedflowerharvests;andadministrativemanagementneedsandcostsofthetrackandtraceprogram.
Othercommentsreceivedthatarerelatedtoregulationsincludethefollowing: Protection of federally granted certified organic farmers from cannabis
cultivation; Concernsregardingthebackgroundofcultivators,theirbusinesses,and/ortheir
funding mechanisms (past felonies, live outofstate most of year, foreigncountriescontrollingcannabislandorwaterusage,largecorporations);
Applicabilityofregulationstoagriculturalmarketingcooperatives; Providing a regulated marketplace for growers to comply with cultivation
regulations; Incentivizingorganicfarmingbycannabisgrowers;
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Executive Summary
California Department of Food and Agriculture Medical Cannabis Cultivation Program Scoping Report
ES-4 January 2017Project No. 16.015
Requiringastatecultivationlicensepriortoconstructionofcannabiscultivationfacilities;
Allowingforonsiteconsumption/sales(i.e.,farmtours,bed&breakfast,events); Logisticsofstorageofcannabisproductsfollowingtestingandtimingoftransport
todispensary; Mitigating violence from cannabis cultivation, addressing illegal activities and
blackmarketasbestaspossible; GeneralconcernontimingofMCCPlicensingprogram; Cannabisproductpricingduetooverregulation; Quickerapplicationprocess; Equal opportunity concerns and priority recommendations for variety of
cultivatorsrelatedtosmallbusinesses,racialimbalanceincultivationindustry,certified organic farms, cultivators that have alreadymet local and statewiderequirements,existingcultivationoperations);and
Prohibitingcannabiscultivationuntil215cardprogramisrevised.
CommentsRelevanttotheEnvironmentalReview
ThefollowingisasummaryofcommentsreceivedthatpertaintoEIRcommentcategoriesrelevanttotheProposedProgramandpreparationofthedraftPEIR.
General cultivationpractices formedical cannabiswere discussed in numerousdistinct comments. These comments include recommendations or concernsregardingdemandandsupply,cultivationtechniquesandrestrictions,andgeneralprogramrelatedrecommendations. Demand and supply comments include determining the number of qualified
California medical cannabis patients, their consumption methods (medicalproducts),andtypicalcannabisamountconsumed;theamountofplantmaterial(canopyarea)requiredfortheseproducts;generalcannabisproductionandsaleregulation;andtheavailabilityoffundingmechanismsforcultivators.
Cultivation techniquerelated comments include an organic certificationprogram;noxiousweed speciesprevention; amountof light exposure foreachcannabiscultivationstage;alternativefarmingtechniques;micropropagationandmanaging propagation materials; preference for outdoor cultivation; allowingcultivatorstosortcannabismaterial intorawmaterials;pesticideandnutrientusage, storage, and disposal; proper equipment maintenance; and zero wasteindoorcultivationfacilities.
CommentsrelatedtoCDFAsprogramandensuringpropercomplianceincludedevelopingacultivationchecklist tool forusebyCDFAandothers;preventingillegal growing and sale of cannabis; definingmixedlight cultivation; allowingparticipation in CDFA groups/panels; implementing chemical or carbonized
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Executive Summary
California Department of Food and Agriculture Medical Cannabis Cultivation Program Scoping Report
ES-5 January 2017Project No. 16.015
mechanismbased standards for cultivation facilities; cannabis extractionmethods;conversiontoindustrialhempbycurrentcannabisfarmers.
Aestheticsrelatedcommentsprimarilyrelatetoimpactsondayandnighttimescenicviews or scenic resources from cannabis cultivation operations equipment, landclearing,lightpollution,orthecannabisgrowerstemporarylivingaccommodations.Additionalconcernsrelatedtoimpactsoncoastalviewshedsandminimizingsecurityissuesthroughuseofvisualbarriersandlighting.
Agriculture and forestry comments include concerns with land clearing orconversionof farmland,agricultural,orTimberProductionZoneareastocannabiscultivation; compatibility between cannabis cultivation operations and othersurroundingagriculturalareas;localzoningorWilliamsonActcontracts;spreadofpestsanddiseases;regulation/enforcementconcerns;adesiretolimitgrowsitestopreviously disturbed agriculturezoned areas; and forest fragmentation andcompliancewithForestPracticeAct.
Airqualityandodorrelatedcommentsgenerallyrelatetogrowercompliancewithlocal, state, and federal air quality laws; ventilation systems and airbornecontaminants; and generating air quality impacts from cultivation transportationoperations,dustfromclearedlands,useofdieselfueledequipment,andplannedoraccidentalfiresorburningthatresultinemissions.
Biologicalresourcesrelatedcommentsandconcerns includegeneral compliancewith existing laws and regulations, particularly related to the protection ofendangeredandnativespeciesandtheirhabitats;appropriatebiologicalmitigationand monitoring measures; the effects of hazardous chemicals on native species;impactsonaquatichabitatsandnaturalaquifers;prohibitingcultivationoperationsinTimberProductionZonesandintimberland/woodlandtoavoidimpactsonnativewildlife habitat; harmful effects of light pollution on wildlife migration patterns;foreignsoilsandcorrespondingpotentialpathogens;wildfirerisk;soildegradation;noxiousweedspecies;limitingnumberofcultivationsites;useofprotectivesuitstominimize pest spreading; speciesspecific concerns (Pacific fisher, marbledmurrelet); genetic modification; wastewater and chemical dumping; and fishscreeningandpassageatwaterdiversions.
Culturalandtribalculturalresourcescommentsprimarilyrelatetolandgradingand land clearing activities and potential effects on archeological or historicresources;considerationoftribalcommunityconcerns;discoveryofhumanremainsor tribal burial ground sites; and proper mitigation for any impacts that couldadverselyaffectculturalresources.
Geology and seismicityrelated comments include concerns associated witherosion,sedimentation,disposalofforeignsoils,contaminationofsoilorwaterfromimproperstorage, soildegradation, and theproperusage, storage,anddisposalofnutrients.Othercommentsincluderecommendingageotechnicalservicesreportforcultivationsites,andimplementingmorestringentregulationsandenforcementtoprotectagainsteffectsoflandterracing.
Energyuseandgreenhousegas(GHG)emissionsconcernsincludeGHGandhighenergy use associatedwith indoor cultivation sites; emissions from long distance
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Executive Summary
California Department of Food and Agriculture Medical Cannabis Cultivation Program Scoping Report
ES-6 January 2017Project No. 16.015
traveltocultivationsites;directandindirectimpactsofGHGemissionsatcultivationsites overall; consistency with plans, policies, regulations that address GHGemissions;potentialemissionsreducingscenariosoralternatives;usageanddisposalofappliancessuchasgenerators,butanecanisters,andpropane;andthepromotionofenergyefficientpracticesandappliances.Recommendations forenergyuseandGHG emissions include implementing carbon taxes; initiating a credit system toreward energyreducing cultivation operations; preparing a systematic andcomprehensivediscussionofclimatechangeimpactscausedbycannabiscultivation;requiringcannabisoperationstocalculatebaselinecarbonfootprintanddevelopaplan to minimize it over time; conducting an energy audit; requiring renewableenergysources;maximizingenergyusageduringoffpeakhours;penalizingagainstunmitigatedGHGemissions;developingastatewidecertificationprogram;andnotrestrictinglighting.
Hazards, hazardous materials, and human healthrelated comments expressconcerns associatedwith the spread of pests and diseases; impacts to crops andlivestock; use, transportation, and storage of hazardous materials and protectingagainst the spillage/runoff/drainageof these substances; adequateevaluationandregulation of potential hazards on/near cultivation sites; potential healthramifications from noxious odors and fumes; increased wildfire risk; propersanitation practices; emergency vehicles or evacuations; safety measures forstructures andworkers; increased crime/loss of safety; lightpollution impacts onhumanhealth; equipmentmaintenance; recallof cannabisproductsdue tohumanhealththreats/consequences;andinformingapplicantsofchemicalsthatmay/maynotbeusedonacultivationsite.
Hydrology and water qualityrelated comments relate to including applicableprovisionsofthePorterCologneWaterQualityControlActintheMCCPregulations,and compliance with federal and state water regulations, including adopted bestmanagementpractices.Thecommentsexpressconcernsregardingpotentialsurfacewater andgroundwater supply andquality impactsof cannabis cultivationdue tocannabis water use, cultivation site placement/locations, nutrient/pesticideapplication in an irrigation system, improper handling/storage of hazardousmaterials,plantingmedium,obstructingnaturalwaterflows,improperwastewaterdisposal,wildfireimpacts, importingwaterviawatertrucksfromunmeteredtownhydrants, and erosion and runoff. Reporting/trackingrelated requirementssuggested in the comments include informationonwater storageanduse; linkingreporting across state agencies; welldrilling and irrigation records; specificprovisions for bulk water haulers; analyzing water diversion rates and periods;proceduresfordrought/forcedwaterrestrictions;periodicsystemwidereview;andleakdetectionassessment.Othercommentsprovidespecificwatersavingtechniquesortechnologies.
Land use and planning comments include concerns associated with housingshortages, improper planning and construction practices, increased coastaldevelopment,establishingpropersetbacksfromsensitivereceptorsandhabitats,notallowing cultivation on public lands, land use violations, proper transportationroutes/emergency access for cultivation sites, physical division of establishedcommunities, and numerous recommendations related to the specific MCCPcultivationlicenseallowancesandrestrictions,includingsquarefootage.
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Executive Summary
California Department of Food and Agriculture Medical Cannabis Cultivation Program Scoping Report
ES-7 January 2017Project No. 16.015
NoiserelatedcommentsincludeasuggestiontousenoisecomplaintsasasignificantimpactundertheCEQAchecklist,properstudyofvaryingnoiselevels,excessnoiseexposure,andtrafficand/ormechanicalequipmentnoiseatcultivationsites.
Population and housing concerns are associated with population growth incommunities as a result of cannabis cultivation, and housing shortages due toincreased real estate property values from real estate demand for cannabiscultivation.
Public servicesrelated comments expressed the following concerns andrecommendations:effectsonemergencyresponseandevacuation;restrictingtheuseofagriculturalwaterforcannabisirrigation;coststolocalandcountydepartmentsfor a potential need for increased law enforcement and public service agencies(police, fire); harassment and rights violations from law enforcement towardsgrowers;potentialincreasedcrime;requiredlawenforcementtrainingontheMCCPregulations;establishingnewsheriffsubstationsnearcultivationsites;andadequatesecurityatBoardofEqualizationdistrictoffices.
Recreation comments includeconcernsthatoutdoorcannabiswouldaffectpublicrecreational trails,andthe lossofrecreational facilities fromconversionofcoastallandtocultivationsites.
Transportationandtrafficrelatedconcernsincludeincreaseinuseofpublicandprivateroadstoandfromcultivationsites,illegalroadconstruction,andincreasesindevelopmentofparkinglots.
Utilities and service systems comments include concerns associated with solidwaste/trash accumulation and disposal near or within cultivation sites; use ofsubstandard septic systems; increased demands on utilities regarding electrical,mechanical, and plumbing infrastructure; and compliance with solid wasteregulations.Recommendedactions include studyingpossibleneed forwastewatersystemexpansions,implementingremedialprogramsthatprovidewastedisposalforcultivators,andpreparingawastemanagementplan.
AlternativesanalysisrelatedcommentsgenerallyrequestadetailedandcompleteconsiderationofalternativesinthePEIR,includingafocusonhowalternativeswouldcomply with applicable regulations, reduce cannabisrelated GHG emissions, andavoidorminimizewatershedandspecialstatusspeciesimpacts.
Cumulative considerations comments express concerns regarding cumulativeimpacts on biological resources, sensitive natural areas or natural resources, andwatersheds;indoorcultivationactivitiesandcorrespondingGHGemissions;growthand influx of people and economic impacts; impacts of other manufacturing,distribution,transportation,testing,anddispensarysites;andtheeffectsofdelayedenforcement.
CommentsontheoverallCEQAprocessforthePEIRincludeappreciationforthescoping meetings and the opportunity for the public to provide comment. Somecommentsdidnot favor the scopingmeeting formator theNOP.Other commentswere submitted regarding administrative and technical questions concerning thescopingmeetings.
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Executive Summary
California Department of Food and Agriculture Medical Cannabis Cultivation Program Scoping Report
ES-8 January 2017Project No. 16.015
OtherCommentsOutsidetheScopeofthePEIR
In addition to commentsdirectly related to the regulations and thePEIR topics, commentsweresubmittedthatrelatedtotopicsthatarepotentiallyoutsideofCDFAsjurisdictionand/orarebroadercannabisrelatedsocialoreconomictopics.Thesearesummarizedasfollows:
concernsaboutpotentialincreasedcannabisdemand, offersofassistance indeveloping theregulationsandrequests tomeetwithCDFA
staff, requeststoprovidethepublicwithacompiledlistoflocalgovernmentagencies,and general comments indicating support or opposition towards the MCCP and
legalizationofcannabisasawhole.
NextSteps
DevelopmentofRegulations
Comments received in the scoping process that relate to the scope and content of theregulationswillbeusedtoinformthedevelopmentoftheMCCP.CDFAwillreviewcomments,questions,andsolicitedfeedbackpertainingtotheProgramsregulatorygoals;andconsiderthebestwaystoimplementtherequirementsoftheMedicalCannabisRegulationandSafetyAct.Itisanticipatedthatthefollowingtopicswouldbeaddressedintheregulations:
definitions, applicationsforcultivationlicenses, licensing, cultivatorrequirements, trackandtracerequirements, inspections,and enforcement.
DevelopmentofDraftPEIR
CommentsthatrelatetothescopeandcontentoftheCEQAanalysiswillbeusedtoinformtheanalysiscontainedinthedraftPEIR.ThedraftPEIRisanticipatedtobeavailableforpublicreviewandcommentinthesummerof2017.
OngoingOutreach
Outreachwilloccur through theProgramswebpageandmailings. InterestedpartieswhowanttoreceiveautomaticProgramupdatesviaemailcansignupatfortheMCCPlistservat
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Executive Summary
California Department of Food and Agriculture Medical Cannabis Cultivation Program Scoping Report
ES-9 January 2017Project No. 16.015
https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/subscriptions/?cdfa_list_isd_medical_cannabis. Those withquestions are encouraged to send an email to the following address:[email protected];orcancall(916)2630801.QuestionscanalsobemaileddirectlytoRachelleKennedy,SeniorEnvironmentalScientist,atthefollowingaddress:
CaliforniaDepartmentofFoodandAgricultureAttn:RachelleKennedyMedicalCannabisCultivationProgramComments1220NStreet,Suite400Sacramento,CA95814
ProgramWebsiteUpdates
TheMCCPPEIRwebsite(https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/is/mccp/)willbeavailabletothepublicthroughout the CEQA process. The website will be updated for the public to review asadditionalinformationbecomesavailableabouttheProgramortheCEQAprocess.Thiswillincludenoticeregardingcirculationofdraftregulations,thedraftPEIR,andnotificationofpubliccommentperiodsforthesedocuments.
OtherOpportunitiesforPublicInvolvementintheDraftRegulations
Thepublicwillhave theopportunity tosubmit commentsondraft regulations.CDFAwillannouncetheavailabilityofdraftregulationsandthecommentperiodthroughits listservandothermeans.Thedraft regulationswillbemadeavailable fordownload inelectronicformatonthewebsite,and, to theextent feasible,asahardcopyuponwrittenrequest toCDFA.Interestedindividuals,agencies,andorganizationswillbeabletosubmitcommentsthroughout thecommentperiod,eitheronlineat theProgramPEIRwebsiteorbymailingcommentstoCDFA,asdirected.
OtherOpportunitiesforPublicInvolvementinthePEIR
ThepublicwillhavetheopportunitytosubmitcommentsduringthepublicreviewperiodforthedraftPEIR,whichwillbeforaperiodofatleast45days.ThiscommentperiodwillbeginwithcirculationofthedraftPEIR.CDFAwillannouncetheavailabilityofthedraftPEIRandcommentperiodbyissuingapublicNoticeofAvailability(NOA)totheStateClearinghouse,the58Californiacountyclerks,responsibleandtrusteeagencies,agencieswithjurisdictionbylaw,andotherinterestedindividualsandagencieswhohavejoinedtheProgramlistservorotherwiserequestednotice(viastandardmailand/oremail).CDFAwillalsoposttheNOAontheProgramPEIRwebsiteandissuenewspaperannouncementsasappropriate.ThedraftPEIRwillbemadeavailablefordownloadinelectronicformatonthewebsite,atavarietyoflibrariesthroughoutthestate,and,totheextentfeasible,asahardcopyuponwrittenrequesttoCDFA.Interestedindividuals,agenciesandorganizationswillbeabletosubmitcommentsthroughoutthecommentperiod,eitheronlineattheProgramPEIRwebsiteorbyemailingormailingcommentstoCDFA,asdirectedintheNOA.During the public review period CDFA also will conduct public workshops throughoutCaliforniaataccessiblelocations,similartothoseconductedduringthescopingperiod.
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California Department of Food and Agriculture Medical Cannabis Cultivation Program Scoping Report
1-1 January 2017Project No. 16.015
Chapter1INTRODUCTION
BackgroundInlate2015,theStateLegislaturepassed,andGovernorBrownsignedintolaw,theMedicalCannabisRegulationandSafetyAct(Act).ThisAct,initiallyconsistingofthreeseparatebills(AssemblyBills243and266,andSenateBill643)andsubsequentlyamended(e.g.,AssemblyBills2516,1575,and21),outlinesanewstructureforregulationandenforcementofmedicalcannabis production and use in California. The Act addresses issues such as cultivation,manufactureofcannabisproducts,qualitycontrolandinspection,distribution,dispensaries,andprescriptionsforpatients.TheActestablishesnewlicensingproceduresforvariousaspectsoftheproductionprocessand identifies a number of state agency responsibilities. The Act includes tasking theCalifornia Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) with licensing medical cannabiscultivationandestablishingatrackandtracesystem.Thetrackandtracesysteminvolvesdevelopmentofauniqueidentifierforeachplant,areportingsystem,fees,anddocumentingthetransportpathofplantsfromcultivationtodistributionasamedicinalcannabisproduct.In compliancewith theActs requirements, CDFA is developing regulations to establish alicensingprogramformedicalcannabiscultivationandtoestablishatrackandtracesystem.These are collectively referred to as the Medical Cannabis Cultivation Program (MCCP,Program,orProposedProgram).CDFAispreparingaprogramenvironmentalimpactreport(PEIR)toprovidethepublic,responsibleagencies,trusteeagencies,andpermittingagencieswithinformationaboutthepotentialenvironmentaleffectsassociatedwiththeadoptionandimplementation of these statewide regulations. The PEIR will be prepared by CDFA inaccordancewiththeprovisionsoftheCaliforniaEnvironmentalQualityAct(CEQA)andtheStateCEQAGuidelines.CDFAwill be the leadagencypursuant toCEQAandwill considerCEQArelated comments from responsible and trustee agencies, property owners, andinterested persons and parties regarding the scope and content of the environmentalinformationtobeincludedinthePEIR.
OverviewThis Scoping Report summarizes the comments and questions raised during the publicscopingperiodforthepreparationofaPEIRbytheCDFAfortheMCCP.Inaddition,thisreportsummarizes comments regardingMCCP regulations,whichwere also solicitedduring thescopingprocess,notallofwhicharedirectlyrelatedtotheCEQAprocessorthePEIRsscopeandcontent.Scopingistheprocessconductedtodeterminethecoverage,focus,andcontentofthePEIRas prescribed by CEQA. Scoping helps to identify the range of actions, alternatives,environmental effects, and mitigation measures for indepth analysis in the PEIR. This
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Chapter 1. Introduction
California Department of Food and Agriculture Medical Cannabis Cultivation Program Scoping Report
1-2 January 2017Project No. 16.015
processalsohelpstoselectmethodsofassessmentandtoeliminatefromdetailedstudythoseissuesthatarenotrelevanttotheprojectorrequiredunderCEQA.Inaddition,scopingisaneffectivewaytoidentifyandconsolidatetheconcernsofanyinterestedparties,whichmayincludeprojectproponentsandopponents,andinterestedfederal,state,andlocalagencies,amongothers.ThescopingprocessforthePEIRisdescribedinmoredetailinChapter2ofthisScopingReport.As part of the scoping process, CDFA requested feedback on seven goals to informdevelopmentoftheProgramregulations.Thesevenregulatorygoalswereasfollows:
RegulatoryGoal1:DefineTermsUsedinCannabisCultivation. RegulatoryGoal2:DefinetheApplicationProcessandRequirementsforLicensing. RegulatoryGoal3: IdentifytheCultivatorLicenseTypesbyLightSourceandSite
Size; Clarify Allowable License Combinations; Outline Renewal Process and SetLicensingFees.
Regulatory Goal 4: Specify Requirements to Mitigate Environmental Health andPublicSafetyIssues.
RegulatoryGoal5:OutlineCultivatorResponsibilitiesforComplianceInspection. RegulatoryGoal6:SpecifyTrackandTraceRequirements. RegulatoryGoal7:StateLicenseViolationsandAppropriatePenalties.
Inaddition,CDFArequestedfeedbackondefiningandanalyzing10licensetypesformedicalcannabiscultivation.Theselicensetypes,asdefinedduringthescopingprocess,are:
Type1,orspecialtyoutdoor,foroutdoorcultivationusingnoartificiallightingoflessthanorequalto5,000squarefeetoftotalcanopysizeononepremisesorupto50matureplantsonnoncontiguousplots.
Type 1A, or specialty indoor, for indoor cultivation using exclusively artificiallightingoflessthanorequalto5,000squarefeetoftotalcanopysizeononepremises.
Type1B,orspecialtymixedlight,forcultivationusingacombinationofnaturalandsupplemental artificial lighting, at amaximum threshold to be determined by theDepartment,of less thanorequal to5,000square feetof totalcanopysizeononepremises.
Type2,orsmalloutdoor,foroutdoorcultivationusingnoartificiallightingbetween5,001and10,000squarefeetinclusiveoftotalcanopysizeononepremises.
Type2A,orsmallindoor,forindoorcultivationusingexclusivelyartificiallightingof between 5,001 and 10,000 square feet inclusive of total canopy size on onepremises.
Type2B,orsmallmixedlight,forcultivationusingacombinationofnaturalandsupplemental artificial lighting, at amaximum threshold to be determined by theDepartment,between5,001and10,000squarefeetinclusiveoftotalcanopysizeononepremises.
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1-3 January 2017Project No. 16.015
Type3,oroutdoor,foroutdoorcultivationusingnoartificiallightingoffrom10,001squarefeetto1acreinclusiveoftotalcanopysizeononepremises.TheDepartmentshalllimitthenumberoflicensesallowedofthistype.
Type3A, or indoor, for indoor cultivation using exclusively artificial lighting ofbetween10,001and22,000squarefeetinclusiveoftotalcanopysizeononepremises.TheDepartmentshalllimitthenumberoflicensesallowedofthistype.
Type 3B, or mixedlight, for cultivation using a combination of natural andsupplemental artificial lighting, at amaximum threshold to be determined by theDepartment,ofbetween10,001and22,000squarefeetinclusiveoftotalcanopysizeononepremises.TheDepartmentshalllimitthenumberoflicensesallowedofthistype.
Type4,ornursery,forcultivationofmedicalcannabissolelyasanursery.Type4licenseesmaytransportliveplants.
TheintendeduseofthisScopingReportistoassistCDFAwithdevelopmentofregulations,inform the public regarding key issues that have been identified, and incorporate CEQArelated comments into the PEIRs administrative record. As such, this Scoping Reportincludes:
asummaryofthepublicscopingprocess, asummaryofkeyissuesidentifiedduringthescopingperiod,and adescriptionoffuturestepstobetakenintheenvironmentalreviewprocess.
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California Department of Food and Agriculture Medical Cannabis Cultivation Program Scoping Report
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Chapter2CEQASCOPINGPROCESS
The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines provide guidance for thescopingprocess.Scopinghasthefollowinggeneralobjectives:1. toidentifytheconcernsoftheaffectedpublicandagencies;2. tohelpdefinetheissuesandalternativesthatwillbeexaminedindetailintheprogram
environmentalimpactreport(PEIR),whilesimultaneouslyassistingintheidentificationofissuesthatareoflittleornoconcern;and
3. toappropriatelyscaletheenvironmentalreviewprocessbyobtainingearlyfeedbackonthescopeandcontentofthePEIR.
The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is committed to a planningprocessthatincludesstrongpublicinvolvement.Theprocesswillbebasedonsoundscience,andbeopenandtransparent.
NoticeofPreparationCEQArequiresformalpublicannouncementoftheintenttoprepareanenvironmentalimpactreportforaproposedproject.IncompliancewiththeStateCEQAGuidelines(14,CaliforniaCode of Regulations, Section 15082), CDFA issued a Notice of Preparation (NOP) onSeptember1,2016(seeAppendixA).TheNOPpresentedgeneralbackgroundinformationontheProgram,thescopingprocess,theenvironmentalusestobeaddressedinthePEIR,andtheanticipatedusesofthePEIR.The NOP invited the public to offer comments and attend workshops during the 30dayscopingperiodSeptember1 throughSeptember30,2016.Somecommentswerereceivedafterthecloseofthescopingperiod;thesecommentswerestillconsideredindevelopingthisScopingReport.The NOPwasmailed to each of the 58 California county clerks, responsible and trusteeagencies,agencieswithjurisdictionbylaw,aswellasotherinterestedindividuals,agenciesand organizations. The NOP mailing list and related Program contact information areincludedinAppendixB.
PublicOutreachThisscopingworkshopinformationwaspublishedinEurekaTimesStandard,ReddingRecordSearchlight,TheSacramentoBee,OaklandTribune,SanLuisObispoTribune,TheFresnoBee,Los Angeles Times, Riverside Press Enterprise, and CDFAs website(www.cdfa.ca.gov/is/mccp). Affidavits certifying publication of newspaper notices are
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includedinAppendixC.Table1liststheNOPpublicationdateandcountyofcoverageforeachnewspaper.Table. 1. Newspaper Notices
Newspaper County Date Published Eureka Times Standard Humboldt September 1, 2016Redding Record Searchlight Shasta September 1, 2016Sacramento Bee Sacramento September 1, 2016San Francisco Chronicle San Francisco September 1, 2016San Luis Obispo Tribune San Luis Obispo September 1, 2016Fresno Bee Fresno September 1, 2016Los Angeles Times Los Angeles September 1, 2016Riverside Press Enterprise Riverside September 1, 2016
Inaddition,thescopinginformationwasprovidedtothefollowingnewsmediaoutletsasapublicserviceannouncementtheweekpriorand/ortheweekoftheworkshop.Table 2. Public Service Announcements
Newspaper County Eureka KMUD Humboldt Oakland KQED Alameda San Luis Obispo KVEC San Luis Obispo Coalinga KTEA Fresno Desert Hot Springs KNWQ Riverside
PublicWorkshopsTo provide the public and regulatory agencieswith an opportunity to ask questions andprovidecommentsonthescopeofthePEIR,eightpublicscopingworkshopswereheldduringtheNOPreviewperiod.CDFAconductedtheseworkshopsatdifferentlocationsthroughoutthestatebecauseoftheProgramsstandingasaprojectofstatewide,regional,orareawidesignificance.Theworkshopswereheldtosolicitinputfromthepublicandinterestedpublicagenciesregardingthenatureandscopeofenvironmental impactstobeaddressed inthedraftPEIR.Approximately968individualsattendedtheworkshops.Thescopingworkshopdates,times,andlocationswereasfollows:
September13,2016,4p.m.SacramentoConventionCenter(Room202)1400JStreet,Room202Sacramento,CA95814
September21,2016,47p.m.CourtyardbyMarriott(GrandBallroom)1605CalleJoaquinSanLuisObispo,CA93405
September14,2016,47p.m.RedLionHotel(SierraRoom)1830HilltopDriveRedding,CA96002
September22,2016,47p.m.HarrisRanch24505WestDorrisAveueCoalinga,CA93210
September15,2016,47p.m.RedLionHotel(PacificRoom)19294thStreetEureka,CA95501
September27,2016,47p.m.PasadenaConventionCenter(BallroomF)300EastGreenStreetPasadena,CA91101
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2-3 January 2017Project No. 16.015
September20,2016,47p.m.OaklandMarriott1001BroadwayOakland,CA94607
September28,2016,47p.m.MiracleSpringsResortandSpa10625PalmDriveDesertHotSprings,CA92240
WorkshopFormat
Allworkshopsusedthesameformat,andinterestedpartieswereinvitedtoattendoneorallworkshops.Ateachworkshoplocation,CDFAstaffwelcomedattendees.Atthegreetingtable,guestswereaskedtosigninandweregivenabriefdescriptionoftheavailablehandouts,theopen workshop format, and the process for submitting comments. Handouts providedincludedcopiesoftheNOP(AppendixA);PreRegulationWorkshopSurvey(AppendixD);MedicalCannabisCultivationProgram(MCCP)FrequentlyAskedQuestions(AppendixE),MCCPFact Sheet Summary (AppendixF); and Summary of Statute andRegulatoryGoals(AppendixG).Commentforms(AppendixH)wereavailableforgueststouseinprovidingwrittencomments,eitherattheworkshoporatalaterdate.TheseitemswerealsoavailableasdownloadsontheCDFAMCCPwebsite.Theroomwasdivided into topical stations,eachofwhich includedseveralposterboards(AppendixJ)withinformationaboutvariousaspectsoftheMCCPandCEQAprocess.EachstationwasmannedbyCDFAand/orconsultantstafftoanswerquestionsandhelpdescribetheregulatoryandPEIRprocesses.Acourtreporterwasalsoavailableateachmeetingtotakeoralcomments.Additionally,a looping10minuteMicrosoftPowerPointpresentationwas available for viewing throughout the workshop (Appendix I). The PowerPointpresentationandposterswereavailableontheCDFAMCCPwebsite.
ParticipatingStaff
ThefollowingCDFArepresentativesandsupportingconsultantsparticipatedinoneormoreofthescopingworkshops:
DepartmentofFoodandAgriculture EnerconServices,Inc.
AmberMorrisCrystalDSouzaMicheleDiasLindsayRains
TomTrexlerJeffWarshauerMichaelSmith
HorizonWaterandEnvironment,LLC NicholasCommunicationsMichaelStevensonMeganGigliniJulieAllison
RebeccaNicholas
BlankinshipandAssociates,Inc. ArdeaConsulting
MikeBlankinship JoeSullivan
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WorkshopAttendance
Ateachworkshop,attendeeswereaskedbutwerenotrequiredtosigninandprovidecontactinformation.CopiesofattendancesheetsareprovidedinAppendixK.
CommentsReceived
OralComments
Atotalof47individualsprovidedoralcommentsduringthepublicworkshops.
WrittenComments
Agencies, organizations, and individuals provided written responses to the NOP bysubmitting electronicmail (email) orhandwritten comment or speaker cardsduring thescopingperiod.Outofatotalof322writtencommentsreceived,298wereemails,20werecommentcards,andfourwerehandouts(Table3).Table 3. Numbers of Comments Received
Entity Type Emails Comment Cards Handouts State Agencies 8 0 0 Local and Regional Agencies 17 1 0 Native American Tribes and Affiliated Organizations
5 0 0
Organizations 25 2 1 Individuals/Landowners/Local Residents 243 17 3 Total 298 20 4
Near the conclusion of each workshop, CDFA staff reminded attendees that writtencommentswouldbeacceptedanytimeduringthescopingperiod.
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California Department of Food and Agriculture Medical Cannabis Cultivation Program Scoping Report
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Chapter3SUMMARYOFCOMMENTSRECEIVED
Allcommentsreceived inresponse to theNoticeofPreparation(NOP)willbeconsideredduringpreparationofthedraftprogramenvironmentalimpactreport(PEIR).Oralcommentsreceived during the scoping workshops were documented by a certified court reporter.Transcripts of these comments, alongwith comment cards and hard copy handouts andletters submitted during themeetings, are included inAppendixK. In addition to thesemeetings,atotalof298commentswerereceivedviaemailduringthescopingperiodandareincludedinAppendixO.Figure1providesageographicdepictionofthephysicallocationsofcommenters,asprovidedbycommenters.
ReviewofScopingCommentsReceivedToensurethataneutralandtransparentanalysisisusedtoreviewandcategorizeallpubliccommentsreceived,thisScopingReportincludescopiesoftheoriginaldocumentssubmitted(seeAppendicesL,M,N,andO).The issuespresented in thissectionarenot intendedtoreplicatethecommentsreceivedverbatim,butrathertoprovideasynopsisofthecommentsreceivedandcapturethegeneralviewsandopinionsofthecommenters.ThefollowingpagessummarizethecommentsreceivedandreportthemcategoricallyunderspecificcommentcategoriespertainingtotheMedicalCannabisCultivationProgram(MCCP,Program,orProposedProgram)regulationsandPEIR.Thesecategoriesarelistedbelow.CommentCategoriesRelevanttotheProposedProgramRegulations:
RegulatoryGoalResponses(RegulatoryGoalsNos.1through7)(pages34through311ofthisreport)
LicenseTypesSought(pages312through313) Type3LicenseLimits(page313) Nurseries(pages313through314) InspectionsandRecords(pages314through315) TrackandTrace(pages315through318) Other(pages318through320)
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IMPERIALSAN DIEGO
LOS ANGELESVENTURA
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Diamond Bar
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BerkeleySan Francisco
Arcata BlueLakeFrench Gulch
TrinityCounty
LincolnRocklinRoseville
Fair Oaks
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LASSEN
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HUMBOLDT
PLUMAS
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BUTTE
LAKE
MADERAMERCED
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TUOLUMNE
GLENN
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SONOMAYOLO EL DORADO
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SANTA BARBARA
MARIPOSA
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ALPINE
ALAMEDA
SAN LUISOBISPO
STANISLAUS
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SANJOAQUIN
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SANTACLARA
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SACRA-MENTOAMADOR
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SAN MATEO
SANTA CRUZ
SAN FRANCISCO
Chico
Ukiah
Irvine
Merced
Fresno
Eureka
Covelo
Ventura
Vallejo
Reedley
Gazelle
Cambria
Anaheim
Willits
Modesto
Salinas
Redding
Oakland
Fortuna Hyampom
Shandon
Carlsbad
Adelanto
Stockton
Monterey
RedcrestPetroliaHoneydew
San Jose
El Cajon
Martinez
Somerset
Kneeland
Templeton
San Diego
Hollister
Daly City
El Centro
Red Bluff
Santa Rosa
Santa Cruz
Sacramento
Hydesville
Anchor Bay
Fort Bragg
Chula Vista
Watsonville
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Santa Maria
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Walnut Creek
Rohnert Park
GrassValley
ShastaCounty
Moreno ValleyRancho Mirage
Newport Beach
McKinleyvilleJunctionCity
Mountain View
Desert Hot Springs
0 100 20050 MilesFigure 1Comments Received by Location
NEVADAOREGON
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Notes: Of 369 total comments, 208 included oneor more type of location-based information (city, ZIPCode, or phone number);161 contained nolocation-based information.Comment origin locations were determined firstby city or ZIP Code. Where no city or ZIP Codewere provided, telephone area codes andprefixes were used.
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Count of Commentsby Location
See Calaveras County Inset
See Los Angeles Area Inset
Calaveras County Los Angeles Area
Out-of-State Comments:AZ (1), CO (3), FL (3), IL (1), MD (1),NJ (1), NV (2), OR (2), TX (1)
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Chapter 3. Summary of Comments Received
California Department of Food and Agriculture Medical Cannabis Cultivation Program Scoping Report
3-3 January 2017Project No. 16.015
CommentCategoriesRelevanttoProgramDescriptionDevelopmentandtheEnvironmentalReviewofResourceAreasinAppendixGoftheStateCEQAGuidelines:
GeneralCultivationPractices(pages320through322) Aesthetics(pages322through313) AgricultureandForestry(pages322through323) AirQualityandOdor(pages323through324) BiologicalResources(pages324through326) CulturalResourcesandTribalCulturalResources(page327) GeologyandSeismicity(page327) EnergyUseandGreenhouseGasEmissions(pages327through329) Hazards,HazardousMaterials,andHumanHealth(pages329through330) HydrologyandWaterQuality(pages330through334) LandUseandPlanning(pages334through336) Noise(page336) PopulationandHousing(page336) PublicServices(page337) Recreation(page337) TransportationandTraffic(page338) UtilitiesandServiceSystems(page338) AlternativeAnalysis(page339) CumulativeConsiderations(page339) PEIRCEQAProcess(page340) Others(pages340through341)
The following briefly summarizes the major perspectives from review of all comments.Parenthesizednumbersnexttoeachsummarizedissuecorrespondtoindividualcommentletter codes, to aid in identifying the source(s) of each comment (see Appendices LthroughO).
CommentCategoriesRelevanttoProposedProgramRegulationsThefollowingcommentsreceivedpertaintoProposedProgramregulations.
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Chapter 3. Summary of Comments Received
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3-4 January 2017Project No. 16.015
RegulatoryGoalResponses(RegulatoryGoalNos.1through7)
Goal#1:DefineTermsUsedinCannabisCultivation.
Canopy
Shouldbedefinedastheaerialorbirdseyeviewofmatureplantcoverageexcludingaislesandrowsbetweenplants.Bydefinitionthecanopywouldbemeasuredbytheouteredgeoftheupperportionofthematureplant.(1)(11)(14)(15)(16)(22)(23)(23)(34)(40)(50)(61)(65)(68)(76)(77)(78)(80)(81)(89)(141)(148)(165)(169) (171) (176) (179) (180) (184) (192) (193) (199) (248) (267) (268) (272)(274)(275)(280)(368)
Should be defined as the square footage measurement of surfacemedium. Forexample,a2footby2footgrowbedwouldequal4squarefeetofcanopy.Thiscouldalsorefertotheexteriordimensionsofagreenhouseorcultivationarea.Concernsassociatedwithindividualplantcanopybeingtoovariabletomeasureeffectively.(2)(12)(24)(39)(41)(42)(44)(84)(114)(117)(129)(142)(144)(146)(148)(183)(246)(271)(333)
Shouldbedefinedasthetopthirdlayerofthefoliageofoneormoreplants.(56)Flowering
Associatedwiththeprocesswheretheplantbeginstobloomandproduceaflowerorharvestablebud.Indoorfloweringperiodsareoftentriggeredbyperiodsoflessthan12hoursoflightaday.(1)(3)(11)(12)(14)(15)(16)(24)(39)(40)(41)(42)(50) (56) (61) (65) (76) (78) (80) (81) (89) (114)(117)(129)(144)(146)(148)(169)(171)(176)(179)(180)(184)(192)(193)(248)(268)(275)(280)(368)
Thefinalstageofcultivationpriortoharvest.(2)(23) Recommendationtoincorporatethewordmatureintothedefinitionofflowering.
(34)Immature
Shouldbedefinedasthebeginningstagesofthegrowthcycleincludingsproutingandvegetativegrowth,upuntilrightbeforethefloweringstage.(1)(2)(5)(11)(12)(22)(23)(24)(34)(56)(76)(80)(81)(84)(89)(114)(117)(129)(144)(148)(169)(171)(176)(267)(268)(275)(333)(368)
Recommendationtoreplacethistermwithvegetative.(16)(34)(42)(129)(146)(184)
Forplantsgrownwithartificialormixedlight,associatedwithplantsgrownwith18ormorehoursoflight.(41)(78)
Shouldbedefinedasaplantlessthan8inchestallorlessthan3monthsold.(51)(77)(84)(180)(199)(274)
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MixedLightCultivation
Associatedwithcultivationwithingreenhouseswheresyntheticlightisaddedinadditiontonaturallightduringperiodsoflowsuninordertoprolongtypicalgrowingseasons.Oftencharacterizedbyaretractableortransparentroofthatcanbecovered.(1)(2)(5)(11)(12)(15)(16)(22)(24)(34)(39)(40)(41)(50)(56)(61)(65)(66)(76) (77) (80) (81) (114)(117)(141)(144)(146)(165)(169)(179)(180)(184)(192)(248)(267)(268)(274)(275)(280)(333)
Associatedwithstartingthejuvenileplantsundergrowlightsbeforebeingmovedoutdoors.(42)(176)(183)
Recommendation to divide mixedlight into two tiers based on wattage persquarefootand/ornumberofharvestsperyear.(78)
Premises
Shouldbedefinedasthephysicallysegregatedportionofaparceldesignatedforcultivation.Thiscouldincludetheentireparcelorlimitedsectionsdependingontheuse.(2)(5)(11)(12)(14)(15)(16)(22)(23)(24)(40)(44)(51)(56)(76)(77)(78)(80)(81)(114)(129)(141)(148)(165)(169)(176)(192)(267)(280)(333)
Shouldbedefinedbytheparcelboundaryorpropertylineofthelicenseeoperatedbusiness.(41)(61)(65)(84)(89)(146)(171)(176)(180)(183)(184)(192)(199)(246)(274)(275)(368)
Propagation
Associatedwithstartingplantgrowtheitherfromseedorclone.(2)(16)(23)(42)(56) (61) (65) (76) (77) (78) (80) (81) (84) (114)(129)(146)(169)(171)(176)(180)(183)(192)(267)(274)(275)(333)(368)
Shouldbedefinedasthereproductionofaspecificplantstrainorcharacteristic.(11)(12)(15)(24)(41)(42)(148)(199)
Should be defined as the period 2 to 3months before planting, cloning, andtransplantingplantsintothegroundtoestablishahealthycrop.(14)
Shouldbedefinedasproducingonesownseedsorclones.(39)(40)(89)Other
Regulationsshoulddefinewholesaleandretailnurseries.(96)
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Chapter 3. Summary of Comments Received
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Goal#2:DefinetheApplicationProcessandRequirementsforLicensing.
TheProgramisconsideringusinganonlineapplicationprocess,aswellasatraditionalpapermethod.Whichapplicationmethodwouldyouprefer?
Recommendationtouseanonlineapplicationasthemostefficient,costeffectivemethod,andpreferredmethod.(1)(2)(11)(12)(8)(15)(16)(24)(34)(39)(40)(41) (46) (50) (56) (61) (65) (72) (76) (77) (81) (82) (87) (88) (89) (114)(117)(141) (143) (144) (145) (146) (147) (148) (165) (168) (169) (179) (180) (182)(183) (186) (190) (192) (193) (195) (198) (246) (248) (267) (268) (272) (276)(280)(333)
Recommendationtouseapapermethodorhaveapaperapplicationaccessible.(14)(15) (16) (46) (50) (56) (61) (65) (76) (77) (142)(145)(148)(165)(182)(190)(194)(246)(267)(268)(273)(274)(280)(368)
Concernaboutthelackofaccessthatsomecultivatorshavetointernetandsuggestthatlocalagricultureofficesshouldbeabletoassistcultivatorswithcompletinganapplication.(12)(78)(87)(142)
TheProgram isconsideringaweaponsandfirearmbanatcultivationsitestoprotectStateenforcementstaff.Howwillthataffectyou?
Concernsoverabilitytoprotectselfandpropertyinremoteareaswithoutaccesstofirearmswhendealingwithwildpredatorsanddelayedlawenforcementresponsetimes.(1)(11)(14)(34)(41)(65)(78)(87)(117)(137)(141)(145)(146)(168)(169)(183)(190)(268)(271)(275)(280)(334)(339)(164)(312)
Recommendationtoallowlicensedsecurityguardstoprotectcultivationsitesintheeventofa firearmsban.(2)(11)(39)(49)(50)(76)(80)(175)(179)(180)(193)(271)(274)
Recommendation to implement aweaponsand firearmsban. (8) (15) (61) (72)(82)(88)(147)(182)(272)(276)(333)
Concernsoveraviolationof2ndamendmentrights.(16)(17)(24)(42)(63)(77)(89)(143)(148)(187)(248)(267)
Concernsover the inabilityofacultivator toproperlyprotecttheiroperations iffirearmswererestricted.(12)(17)(34)(80)(114)(144)(186)(192)(194)(195)(196)(199)(246)
Concernsassociatedwithfeelingunsafeifweaponsandfirearmsoncultivationsitesareprohibited.(70)(105)(136)(137)(164)(312)
Concernsassociatedwithfirearmsonlicensedcannabiscultivationsites.(98)(100)(147)(282)
Since some growers are conducting cannabis cultivation operations inside ofresidences, recommendation to establish a setback limit beyond homes wherefirearmsarenotallowed.(246)
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Chapter 3. Summary of Comments Received
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3-7 January 2017Project No. 16.015
Howmanyapplicationsdoyouanticipatesubmitting?
Planstosubmitthreeorfewerapplications.(1)(5)(14)(15)(24)(34)(39)(40)(50)(62)(65)(77)(81)(88)(114)(117)(144)(145)(146)(148)(165)(169)(183)(187)(193)(198)(271)(272)(273)(276)
Planningtosubmitupto10applications.(2)(34)(41)(56)(87)(195)(275)(333)
Goal#3:IdentifytheCultivatorsLicenseTypesbyLightSourceandSiteSize;ClarifyAllowableLicenseCombinations;OutlineRenewalProcessandSetLicensingFees.
Whatistheacreageyoufeelisreasonableforthecap?Howaboutforindoorandmixedlight?Howwillthisimpactyourbusinessmodel?
Concernsassociatedwitha4acrerestriction,ascorporationsareallowedtogrowandcompetewithsmallerfarmers.(1)(41)(129)
Recommendationtoallowforindividualparcellimitationsaslongascultivatorscanhavemultiplelicensesformultiplelocations.(11)(15)(16)(42)(61)
Recommendationthatoutdoorgrowsshouldhavelesssizerestrictionsthanmixedlightandindoorgrows.(12)(8)(17)(23)(39)(56)(171)(190)(192)(273)(368)
Recommendation to not finalize the site restrictions until a more accurateevaluationofconsumerdemandisdetermined.(24)(34)(51)(81)(180)(186)(267)
Recommendationto includeType4 licenses inthesame4acrelimitastheotherlicensetypes.(34)
Concern that certain countiesandcities (e.g.,Humboldt)havealreadypermittedcultivationplansinexcessof4acres.(34)
Concernthat4acresistoo largeandwouldpreferstricterrestrictions.(72)(88)(89)(114)(142)(145)(146)(165)(174)(190)(193)
Whendoesacultivatoralsoneedamanufacturinglicense?Arejoints,drysieving,andwaterconcentratingaformofmanufacturingorwithinthescopeofcultivation?
Recommendationtonotrequiremanufacturinglicensesforcannabisproductionfarmswhicharebynaturesuitedtoperformdrysievingforkieforshakeaswellasjointrollingtoselltoadispensary.(24)(34)(42)(61)(77)(78)(81)(89)(129)(143)(146)(180)(186)(190)(193)(196)(274)(333)
Recommendationtorequireamanufacturinglicensefortheuseofcarbondioxide,hydrocarbons,orotherchemicalsolventstoextractresin.(39)(72)(77)(78)(81)(142)(143)(192)(193)(274)
Concernthatanyactiontakentomodifyand/oraddmaterialstocultivatedproductmustperformqualitycontrolandberegulatedasmanufacturingandsubjecttonecessarylicense.(40)(114)(183)(267)(272)
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Chapter 3. Summary of Comments Received
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Recommendationtorequireamanufacturinglicenseforanycultivatorthatwishestotrim,process,orinanywayaddvaluetotheirproduct.(50)(72)(174)(248)
All fees (application, licensing, penalties, etc.) should reflect the full cost ofmaintaining andproviding environmental protection,monitoring, and restoration.(46)(100)(136)(282)
Concernsassociatedwiththeimpactsofcannabistaxationandfeesongrowers,especiallysmallgrowers.(122)(236)(308)(323)(70)
Howmanyseparatelylicensedcultivationsiteswouldyouliketoapplyfor?
Theabilitytocultivate,manufacture,andtransportproductaremainfunctionsofourbusinessmodel.(1)
Planstorequestmultiplecultivatorlicenses.(15)(24)(42)(50)(114)(117)(141)(144)(145)(190)
Wouldrequestallormostlicensingtypes.(41)(56)Whatdoyouthinkisareasonableamountoflightingtobeusedandstillbeconsideredamixedlightcultivationsite?
Recommendation that a reasonable mixedlight grow operation is approximately40,000wattsor+/40lights.(1)
Recommendationtonotrestricttheuseofsupplemental lightingbutencourageorrequireuseofsolarandrenewableenergysourcesand/orefficientlightingsuchasLED.(11)(14)(275)
Concerns about being able to appropriately determine lighting limitations givenlocationaldifferencesandpersonalpreferencesincultivationstyle.(12)(24)(34)(39)(41)(89)
Recommendstohavethethresholdsetatapproximately35to50wattspersquarefoot.(16)(56)(88)(143)(145)(171)(186)
Recommendationtosetlimitationsonwhatissafeforthebuildingorstructuretohandle,inregardstofirehazards.(42)
Recommendationtoprohibitartificiallights.(65)TheProgram isrequired to limit thenumberofType3(largest license type) licensesissued.Whatmethoddoyouconsiderfairforestablishingtheselimits?
ConcernsthatType3licenseswouldbeunobtainabletosmalllocalfarmersandcommunitiesduetopriorconvictionsand/orlackoffinancialresourcesresultinginlargemonopolies.(1)(12)(42)
Recommendation to limit Type 3 licenses based on applicants experience inrunning largescale operations, proximity to populated area, security, andenvironmentalimpacts.(2)(15)(61)(81)(180)(333)
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3-9 January 2017Project No. 16.015
Recommendation to baseType 3 license distribution based onclimateand localregulations.(11)(39)(42)(56)(81)(141)(143)(144)(171)(192)(267)(272)
Concernsthat thesizeofType3 licensespromotes lowergradecannabiswithlimitedmedicinalbenefitandshouldbehighlyrestricted.(14)(88)(145)
Concerns that the limitation on Type 3 Licenses wouldnot allow cultivators toredeemlicensingandoperationcosts.(24)(34)(41)(44)(61)(76)(174)
RecommendationtoprohibitorrestrictType3licenseuntiltheconsumerdemandisbetterevaluated.(40)(114)(129)(193)
Goal#4:SpecifyRequirementstoMitigateEnvironmentalHealthandPublicSafetyIssues.
Howdoyoucurrentlyaddresspotentialenvironmentalimpactsatacultivationsite?
RecommendationtorequireUSDAfarmspraylogsforpesticidesandodorcontrolforindoorfacilities.(2)(333)
Recommendationtotreatthegrowingofcannabisjustlikeanyotherfarmedcrop,suchasgrapesforwineproduction.(24)
Doyouconducttargetedpesticideuse?
Recommendation to incorporate the use of organic chemicals and preventativemeasures,suchasneem,oliveoil,garlic,ladybugs,castilesoaptotreatmildewandpests.(14)(39)(56)(88)(89)(117)(165)(168)(169)(268)(272)(273)(368)
Recommendationtoallowtargetedpesticideusewhendeterminedtobenecessarytopreventthecontaminationofthefacilityorspreadofdisease/pests.(24)(40)(42)(50)(61)(77)(78)(81)(148)(267)
Doyouuseoptimalwateringtimes?Doyourecyclewaterand/orcultivationmaterials?
Recommendationtoestablishoptimalwateringtimesandrecyclingprogramforwaterandsoil.Primarymethodsforresponsiblewateringincludestheuseofdripirrigationsystems,mulching,watercatchment,andsoilamendments.(5)(11)(12)(15)(27)(34)(39)(40)(42)(50)(56)(61)(62)(65)(80)(114)(141)(143)(144)(168)(169)(179)(183)(199)(267)
Recommendationtorequiregreenwastefromthecultivationprocesstobeusedtoamendsoil.(24)(34)(39)(42)(56)(65)(77)(80)(88)(89)(114)(141)(143)(168)(183)(280)
How do you currently secure your cultivation site? Alarm system? Fencing? Securityguard?
Incorporatecommonmethodsofsecurity, includingfences,alarms,accesscodes,videosurveillance,dogs,lighting,andneighborhoodwatch.(1)(2)(5)(11)(15)(23)(24)(34)(39)(40)(41)(42)(50)(56)(61)(62)(65)(81)(87)(88)(89)(114)(117)
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Chapter 3. Summary of Comments Received
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(141) (143) (144) (146) (165) (169) (171) (172) (179) (180) (190) (192) (199)(248)(272)(273)(280)(368)
Recommendationtorequireadwellingunitonsiteaswellasforthepropertytobesecurelyfenced.(16)(368)
Doyousellplantstoadispensaryforsaletopatients?Ordoyousellplantstocultivatorsforflowerproduction?Howmuchresearchanddevelopmentgoesonatanurserysite?Doyouregularlypropagatefromseed?
Distributesclonesandjuvenileplantstomembersofcollective.(14)(15)(61)(65)(117)(146)(173)(192)(274)
Distributes clones and juvenileplants tocultivatorsanddispensaries. (15) (39)(40)(56)(61)(78)(114)(142)(173)(192)(280)
Distributessolelytoadistributorandnottoretail.(24) Concern that seedpropagationmustoccuratanursey because the strains are
engineeredtoproducelimitedtonoseeds.(50)Goal#5:OutlineCultivatorResponsibilitiesforComplianceInspection.
Whatmeasuresdoyoucurrentlytaketomakeyoursitesafeforinspection?
Recommend open communication with regulators and notification prior toinspections.(5)(11)(12)(23)(24)(34)(40)(42)(146)(169)(275)
Whattypeofrecordsdoyoucurrentlyretain?
Concernsassociatedwiththelackofrecordkeepingatcultivationsites.(12)(65)(196)
Recommendationtorequiresellerspermitandpatientrecommendationstoberetainedonthepremises.(14)(34)
Recommendation to require businessrelated documents including: expensereports, time frame of activity, inspection reports, production weights, QA/QCreports,andotherdocumentsrelatedtothecultivationactivity.(15)(24)(40)(61)(88)(129)(144)(180)(192)(193)(268)
Recommendationforamandatory2yearfilingperiodforanydocumentsrelatedtocultivation.(16)
Recommendation to requirematerial records including water/feeding records,composttearecipes,fertilizers,pesticides,andfungicides.(39)(40)(41)(81)(129)(141)(142)(143)
Recommendationtorequireemployeetraining,tax,andsanitationrecords.(40)(42)(180)
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Chapter 3. Summary of Comments Received
California Department of Food and Agriculture Medical Cannabis Cultivation Program Scoping Report
3-11 January 2017Project No. 16.015
Goal#6:SpecifyTrackandTraceRequirements
Recommendation to track produced product by batch number and purchaseorderfromthetimetheplantisaseedorcloneandthroughoutitslifestagesalltheway until distribution. (2) (11) (12) (15) (40) (61) (78) (142) (145) (171) (187)(192)(333)(358)
RecommendationtofollowandimplementthesamerequirementstheCaliforniaDepartmentofPublicHealthusestotrackproduce.(6)(129)
Recommendationthatplantcountshouldbetrackedatcloningorplanting.(14)(8)
Recommendationtoimplementariskbasedinspectionsystem(RBIS)thatworksby targeting businesses that are most likely to be noncomplaint with laws andregulations.(23)(84)
Recommendationtobarcode(QRCode)plantssotheycanbeeasilytrackedfromseedtoshelfbyregulator,cultivator,andbuyer.(24)(267)
Goal#7:StateLicenseViolationsandAppropriatePenalties
Recommendationthataviolationshouldbehandledinonemonth,30days,whichisadesiredtimeforanoncompliancehearingtobeheld.(1)(12)(50)(51)(62)(72)(76)(81)(114)(117)(143)(169)(179)(194)(273)
Recommendation that license appeals and similar offenses should preferably behandledwithin60to90days.(15)(40)(61)(144)(192)(272)(276)
Recommendation to revoke licenses in cases of complete disregard for properadherencetoprogram.(2)(16)(23)
Recommendationtoestablishascoringsystemofpenalties.(11) Recommendation to have inspectorworkwith licensee to immediately fix non
complianceissue.(24) Recommendationtodefineasminoroffensesincidentsbeyondcultivatorcontrol
or correctable violations such as reporting errors which could be immediatelyresolved.(6)(12)(8)(15)(23)(24)(40)(50)(51)(56)(61)(76)(78)(81)(84)(88)(143)(144)(169)(171)(268)(273)
Recommendation todefineseriousviolationswith irreversibleenvironmentalhazardsandpollution,mistreatmentofemployees,illegalactivitiessuchasillicitdrugsales,anddisruptingthelocalcommunity.(1)(2)(12)(15)(16)(23)(24)(50)(61)(76)(78)(81)(84)(88)(141)(142)(143)(144)(169)(171)(179)(268)(273)(333)
Recommendationtodefineseriousviolationswithintentionalsaleofproducttoanunauthorizedpurchaserand/ortheunrecordedsaleofcannabis.(40)
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Chapter 3. Summary of Comments Received
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3-12 January 2017Project No. 16.015
LicenseTypesSought
ClarifyanyproductionsizerequirementsorlimitationsonaType4licensesincethelawdoesnotprovideanyclarificationforthis.(96)
Concernsassociatedwiththeoveralllimitonthenumberofcultivationlicensesthatanyoneapplicantorparcelmayhold.(80)(232)(233)(265)(268)(308)(9)(32)(360)(44)(154)(174)(232)
Concernsassociatedwiththetotalarea/acreagethatanapplicantmayplaceundercultivation.(8)(9)(72)(154)(8)(72)(174)
Suggestionsregardingthecircumstanceswhenamanufacturinglicensewouldbeneededinadditiontoacultivationlicense.(174)(267)
Requireaseparatelicenseforanymanipulationtothecannabisplantthatwouldbe consideredmanufacturing a cannabis product, such as joints, dry sieving, andwaterconcentrating.(8)(72)
Concernsassociatedwiththesimplicityandadaptabilityoflicensingrules.(32) Concernsassociatedwithlicensingandapplicationcosts.(32)(36)(100)(136)(161)
(194)(268)(294)(295) Concerns associated with the number of cities and counties that are moving
forwardwithcannabislicensingunderMCRSAinordertohelpdeterminehowmanylicenseswillbeneeded.(33)
Suggestionsregardingthenumbersofeachtypeoflicense thatcanorshouldbeissued.(33)
Concerns associatedwith determining thebestequation for issuing cultivationlicensesatanygiventime.(33)
Questionssurroundingthenumberoflicensespermissiblebasedonacreageofparcels and/or questions and concerns surrounding acreage limitations. (113)(154)(233)(265)(308)
Cultivationpermitsneedtoallowforprocessingoperationssuchas:drying,curing,trimming,sorting,packaging,warehousing.(130)
Suggestionsregardingtheapproachtoallowingseparatelicenseestooperateonthesameparcel.(34)(35)
Questionsregardinghowmanylicensesanindividualandtheirfamilymembersandassociatesmayhold.(233)
Canlicensesbeswitchedbetweendifferentcannabiscultivationclasses?(233) Consider allowing parcels of a sufficient size to receive additional cultivation
permitsunderthesamelicense.(34)(35) Suggestionsthattheapproachtodefiningmixedlightshouldconsidertheamount
ofenergyuse.(130)
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Chapter 3. Summary of Comments Received
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3-13 January 2017Project No. 16.015
Regulationsshouldclarifywhetheradispensarycansellimmatureplantsand/orwhetheritcanholdanurserylicenseforthispurpose.(36)(96)
RegulationsshouldclarifywhetheraType10or10ADispensarycanholdaType4licenseandsellimmatureplants,oralternativelysell(butnotproduce)liveplantsundertheType10license.(196)
TheregulationsshouldallowlicensedcultivatorstotransportharvestedcannabisfromacultivationsitetoaprocessingsitewithouttheneedforaType12license.(36)
Theregulationsshouldallowcultivatorstoholdadispensarylicense(10Alicense).(36)
Thenumberof10Alicensesshouldbelimitedtoprotectsmallgrowers(194)(196) ClarifyanyproductionsizerequirementsorlimitationsonType4licenses.(36) Addanadditionallicensetypeforaspecialtycultivatorthatisupto2,500square
feet.(161) Supportfordevelopmentofcottagelicenses,includinghomebasedoperations.(66)
(228)(231)(326) Provideprovisional licenses forsmall farmers inorder for themtohaveample
timetomeetthenewregulations.(232) Willtherebeanopportunitytoupgradecultivationlicensesuponrenewal?(342)
Type3Limits
CDFAs limit mandate on Type 3 licenses should be applied to cultivationoperationsthatwereproposedafterthedatestatelicensesbecomeavailable.(9)
LimitType3permitstomostlyoutdoorgrowsandalsolimitthembasedontheeffecttheywillhaveonanygivenwatershed.(164)
Nurseries
Regulations should specify how nursery requirements related to pestdetection,prevention,quarantine,andoverallcleanlinesswillapplytocannabisnurseries.(13)(43)(96)
Cannabis nurseries should be subject to existing nursery stock licensingrequirementsandlabelrequirements.(13)
Concernsassociatedwiththeconsistencyofcannabisnurserystockdefinitionsandterms.(43)(110)
Requirethatanycannabisnurserystockthatisproduced,sold,ordistributedcomefromaType4licensedretailorwholesalenursery.(96)
Considerasimplifiedcomplianceprocessforretailnurseriesthatarenotrelatedtodispensaries.(153)
Thereshouldbenolimitonthesizeofanursery.(154)(251)
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Chapter 3. Summary of Comments Received
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3-14 January 2017Project No. 16.015
Suggestionthatthereisnopurposeforlimitingnurseriestofourlicensesof1acreeach,versusonelicensefor4acres.(154)
The ability to havemature plants to produce seeds is needed for the nurseryproductionprocess.(225)
Concernsthatlicensingcostsforsmallnurseriescouldbecostprohibitive.(295) Oppositiontotherequirementforadistributor.(331) Regulations should addresswholesalecannabis seedproduction for resale and
straindevelopment.(96)
InspectionsandRecords
UtilizetheU.S.FDAsFoodSafetyModernizationActasacomprehensivemodelfordraftingtheregulationsandinspectionproceduresestablishedintheMCCP.(6)
Requireallpermittedoperatorstokeepandmaintainallrecordsrelatedtobusinesssales,material inventory,staff,MSDSsheets formaterials thatareused,andotherstateandlocalrequiredrecords.(8)(53)(72)(93)
Questionsandconcernsregardingthenumberandtimingofinspections,bothasitrelatestoindividuallicenseesandtheoverallCDFAinspectionprocess.(8)(72)(257)(309)
Cannabis cultivation should be an internal system/database for localgovernmentstobeabletofilecomplaintswiththestateandhavethoseassociatedwithalicensekeeptrackofissuesthatarise.(8)
Concernsassociatedwithaccesstotheuniqueidentifierdatabasebylocalagencies.(8)(72)
Provideadvancednoticebeforeinspections;donotconductsurpriseinspectionsassomelocationsarenotopentothepublic.(30)(248)(267)
Addresshowcannabisseedswillbesubjecttoexistingrequirementsforsamplingtodetectdiseaseand,iftheymeetthespecificrequirements,certificationofseedsforpackaging,labeling,andsale.(13)(344)
Providegraceperiodsfortechnicalviolationsorimperfectrecordkeeping.(30) Recordsofplantdestructionaswellaseventsinthecannabislifecyclethatfall
outsideofexpectedparametersshouldbecompiled.(32)(124)(172) Cultivation operations must maintain records that include planting records,
propagationrecords,pesticideuserecords,andharvestrecords.(53)(93) Develop standardprotocol for inspections and provide the CACwith guidance
regarding the submission of Pest Damage Records and collection of pest samplesrelatedtocannabiscultivation.(96)
Concernsassociatedwiththecoststolocalandcountydepartmentsforresourcesusedtoensurethatgrowsitesaresafeandincompliancewithregulationsthroughproperinvestigationsandonsitevisitsoftheseareas.(102)(315)
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Chapter 3. Summary of Comments Received
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3-15 January 2017Project No. 16.015
Concernregardingcannabiscultivationsiteexpansionsafterthepreliminarypermitinspectionsarecompleted,andhowthiswouldbeprevented.(109)
Inspectionsshouldoccurpriortoorshortlyafterlicenseapproval.(100)(136) Lawenforcementshouldnotbeunnecessarilyinvolvedininspections.(164)(251) Lawenforcementshouldhavewarrantlessaccess.(279) Appoint a representative from each grow sitewhowill be taskedwithescorting
inspectorsontocannabissites.(164) Eachsiteshouldhaverecordsoftotalplantcount,weightofdryflowers,andproper
recordsofalldisposedcannabisflowers,plants,anddriedflowers.(172) Concerns regarding improper handling (e.g., exposure to air) during product
testing.(222) UtilizeQRcodetrackinginordertokeeprecordsofcannabisproducts.(267) Require all inspector personnel towearprotectivesuits in order to prevent the
potentialspreadofpeststohabitatareasoutsideofcultivationsites.(244)(290) Requirethirdpartycertifying/inspectionagencies.(64)
TrackandTrace
Utilizeconceptsofproduce traceability implementedby theagriculture industrywhendevelopingtrackandtracerequirements.(6)
Requireallcannabisproductstobetrackedthoughvariousstagesofcultivationsuchasproduction,manufacturing,processing,handling,transportation,sales,andconsumption.(6)(8)(72)(73)(279)
Concernsexpressingtheimportanceoftrackingcannabisthroughallstages.(102) Tracktheweightofcannabisplantsbeforeandaftertransport.(8)(72)(73)(124)
(172) Trackingtheweightofnonpsychoactiveplantmatterisnotnecessary.(262) Track the record of cannabisclonepurchases,vegging, flowering,andharvest
dates.(15)(61)(73)(124)(279) EachcannabisseedmustberegisteredforgerminationwithStaterequiredtags.
(124) Trackingofseedsisnotnecessary.Plantsshouldbetrackedfrom8inches.(248) Electronicformsoftrackingneedtobemadeavailablethatareapprovedbythe
state.(248) Requireallcannabisbusinessestoprovideperiodicdatatorelevantstateandlocal
regulatoryagenciesthatincludesvolumeandtrackingdatafromseedtosalesystemsaswellasretaildatafrompointofsalesystems.(32)
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Chapter 3. Summary of Comments Received
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3-16 January 2017Project No. 16.015
Suggestions regarding thesizeofaplantbeforeaunique identifier is required8inchclones,1footplants.(15)(61)(360)
Developanonlinedatabasewherethepubliccansearchfordetailed informationregardingthelicenseholderandhis/hercannabisoperation(s).(8)(72)
Trackandtrace technology is paramount to the successful implementation of aprogramthatmaintainssystemintegrityandpreventsinfiltrationofnonlicensedproducts.(19)(245)(332)
Allow forexisting trackingsystems and technologyutilizedby current cannabisbusinessestointegratewithCDFAtrackandtraceprocedures.(32)(45)(68)(86)(237)
TailortrackandtraceCDFAprocedurestoadheretobestpracticeswithrespecttoencryptionfordata.(32)
TailortrackandtraceCDFAprocedurestoprovideuniformthirdpartyaccesstocollecteddatatotheextentpermittedbythestateandlocalgovernments.(32)(247)
Tailor trackandtrace CDFA procedures to protect personal information ofpatientstotheextentmandatedinMCRSA.
Tailor trackandtrace CDFA procedures tominimize administrative burden tocannabisbusinesses.(32)
TailortrackandtraceCDFAprocedurestorequireanopenstandardandabilitytosourcegoodsfromthirdparties.(32)
Tailor trackandtrace CDFA procedures to be compatible with a variety ofhardwareandsoftwaresystems.(32)(45)(68)(86)(237)
The trackandtracesystemshouldallowall licenseefacingsystemactivities tobeperformedbyasecureopenaccessAPI(ApplicationProgramInterface).(32)
TheAPIshouldhaveabidirectionalintegration,berealtime,beaccessibletoanyfrontendapplicationthathasbeenvalidatedandhasappropriatecredentials,andhaveversioncontrol.(32)
Suggestionsthattherebeflexibilitytotagentireplantbatchesandlotsinsteadofindividualplants.(36)(130)(206)(259)(358)
Concernsthattaggingindividualplantsisineffectiveandhowitdoesnotprovideanyinformationastohowmuchproductwillbeavailable.(239)
Developatrackandtraceprogramthatallowsthestate,localjurisdictions,and/orlawenforcementtoaccesstodata.(36)(172)
Utilizebarcoding,QRand/orRFID tagging in the trackandtraceprogram. (45)(124)(267)
Cannabisproductsmustbetraceablebacktotheirrespectivecultivationsources.(53)(93)(269)
Howwill the trackandtrace program apply to staged harvests of the cannabisflower?(67)
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Chapter 3. Summary of Comments Received
California Department of Food and Agriculture Medical Cannabis Cultivation Program Scoping Report
3-17 January 2017Project No. 16.015
Thetrackandtracesystemshouldendatthepointtheproductisdeliveredandentersadispensaryspointofsalesystem.(68)(86)
Comment on how smallscale, indoor cultivation that utilizes fully monitoredfacilitiesisbeneficialtothetrackandtracesystem.(83)
There should be specific labeling requirements contained in the trackandtracesystem.(90)
Howwillcannabisproductsthataretransportedbyairbetracked?(102) PromotionofGreenioskTrack,Trace/SeedtoBankTechnology.(107) ProvideGPStrackingandtracingofallpickup/deliveryvehiclemovements.(124) HowdoIparticipateinthetrackandtraceprogram?(127) The trackandtrace system being developed into theMCCP program needs to be
carefullyexaminedandthoughtoutbeforeimplementation.(331) Concerns associatedwith the difficulty in being able to track cannabis due to its
perishability.(331) HumboldtsCountyspredictivemodeloftrackingcannabisisabettermethodthan
taggingindividualplants.(196) Research Colorados trackandtrace program instead of trying to develop an
entirelynewprogram.(241) Request to provide consultation on the development of the trackandtrace
program.(245)(332) Onlythefinishedcannabisproductshouldbetrackedthroughthetrackandtrace
program.(254) Thetrackandtraceprogramshouldmonitorlaborcosts,workflowmethodology,
andplantlifecycle.(262) Thetrackandtraceprogramshouldonlymonitorhowmanyplantswereplanted,
whattheiryieldproducedofmedicalquality,andwheretheywent.Anythingmorethanthisisunnecessaryandcounterproductive.(268)
Concerns associated with the potential cost ofmaintaining the trackandtraceprogramonlocalgovernmentagencies.(315)
UseFlowHuborGreenBitastheprimarytrackandtracesoftware.(324) Concernthatthetrackandtraceprogramisnotpracticable.(347) Concerns associated with the proper tracking of cannabis products that are
transportedthroughoutthestate.(102)(124) Concerns associated with the required items on a transporters manifest for
transportationofcannabisgoods.(328) Concerns associated with the required documents that must accompany
transportdrivers, establishing the necessary thresholds for transporter licenses,anddrivercheckinsandreporting.(124)(328)
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Chapter 3. Summary of Comments Received
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RequirespecialDMVendorsementfortransportdrivers.(124) Concerns associated with applying for a separate transporters license or if
transportisallowedunderacultivationpermitalone.(130) Transportersshouldbeallowedtotransportcannabisbetweenanytwolicense
holders. Specifically, they shouldbeable tomove cannabis from the cultivator tolicensedtestinglabs,processingfacilities,manufacturers,anddistributors.(167)
Other
Provideaccesstoaregulatedmarketplaceforgrowersasanincentivetogetthemtocomplywithregulationsontheircultivationoperations.(31)
Incentivizetheadoptionoforganic/probioticfarmingbycannabisgrowers.(262) Concerns associated with felons receiving licenses and permitting to conduct
cannabiscultivationoperations.(59) Concernsassociatedwiththepropertreatmentofworkersoncultivationsites.(59)
(99) Concerns associatedwithoutofstategrowerswho conduct cannabis cultivation
operationsduringgrowseasonandthenreturntotheirhomestatesafterwards.(59) Restrictgrantingandrenewalof licenses to in