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  • CaliforniaDepartmentofFoodandAgriculture

    MedicalCannabisCultivationProgram

    ScopingReport

    Preparedfor:

    CaliforniaDepartmentofFoodandAgriculture1220NStreet,Suite400Sacramento,CA95814

    Preparedby:

    HorizonWaterandEnvironment,LLC180GrandAvenue,Suite1405

    Oakland,CA94612

    January2017

  • HorizonWaterandEnvironment,LLC.MedicalCannabisCultivationProgram,ScopingReport.January2017(HWE16.015).Oakland,California.

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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)

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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;

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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

  • 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.

  • Chapter 1. Introduction

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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.

  • 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

  • Chapter 2. CEQA Scoping Process

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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

  • Chapter 2. CEQA Scoping Process

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    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.

  • 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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    0 100 20050 MilesFigure 1Comments Received by Location

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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)

  • Chapter 3. Summary of Comments Received

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    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.

  • Chapter 3. Summary of Comments Received

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    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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    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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    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)

  • Chapter 3. Summary of Comments Received

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    3-8 January 2017Project No. 16.015

    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)

  • Chapter 3. Summary of Comments Received

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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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    3-10 January 2017Project No. 16.015

    (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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    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)

  • Chapter 3. Summary of Comments Received

    California Department of Food and Agriculture Medical Cannabis Cultivation Program Scoping Report

    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)

  • 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)

  • 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)

  • 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)

  • 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)

  • Chapter 3. Summary of Comments Received

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    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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    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