Board of Supervisors

Meeting Summary

Present: Hartmann, Lavagnino, Lee, Capps, Nelson

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Multiple cannabis operators requested 12-month compliance extensions citing power upgrades and equipment supply chain delays.
County staff recommended denial because operators waited 10 to 11 months into the compliance year to submit abatement plans.
The Board approved a motion to deny the requests based on industry delays and the burden on residents.
Operators may appeal the decision through the Office of Administrative Hearings during the statutory 60-day process.

Date: March 10, 2026 Item: Departmental No. 8 – Cannabis Odor Abatement Extension Requests

The Board convened to review requests from multiple cannabis operators for 12-month extensions to comply with odor abatement regulations (originally set with a March 2026 deadline). The meeting included applicant presentations, public testimony from residents, staff recommendations, and Board deliberation.

Operators requested extensions citing the following barriers:
Infrastructure & Power: G&K Farms (representative Jared Ficker) cited significant delays with Southern California Edison (SCE) regarding power upgrades required for high-demand "InVinity" scrubbers. Issues with InVinity technology (patent litigation, lack of CARB/UL certification) were also raised.
Equipment & Costs: Other applicants noted supply chain delays, high costs, and the complexity of installing systems.
Alternative Technology: Hans Brandt (Arnhem Brandts) and Dan Briggs (Genesis/PCO) defended the use of PCO technology over carbon scrubbers, citing lower power requirements and safety data, though residents contested its effectiveness compared to carbon.
Process Delays: Several operators admitted to delays in ordering equipment or submitting Odor Abatement Plans (OAP), often waiting until late in the process.

Residents of the Carpinteria Valley expressed strong opposition to the extensions:
Health & Quality of Life: Commenters (including the Hahns and Carrillo) reported 8+ years of constant odor affecting health, property values, and local businesses (e.g., a rose farm).
Accountability: Residents argued the industry made promises to comply by the deadline and should be held to them. They urged the Board to deny extensions and enforce compliance.
Support: One representative from Southern California Edison (Natalie Yanez) offered availability to assist with technical power questions.

Staff recommended denial for most extensions, citing that operators waited 10 to 11 months into the compliance year to submit plans or engage with the process.
Staff confirmed that while some equipment had been purchased, the delays were largely self-imposed.

Majority Position (Denial): Chair Nelson, Supervisors Lee, Capps, and Hartmann voted to deny the extensions. They cited self-imposed delays, the industry's failure to act on earlier warnings, and the disproportionate burden on residents.
Dissent: Supervisor Lavagnino voted against the denial (effectively supporting the status quo or extensions). He argued that denying extensions would cut off a significant revenue stream ($60M+) during a county budget deficit and that operators who had already purchased equipment would suffer financially.
Decision: A motion to deny the extension requests was passed 4-1.
Specific Findings: Findings for denial were prepared for CP1 Supply Systems, Emma Wood, Valley Crest Farms, C&K Farms, Life Remedy Farms, Blossom, New Generations, Blue Whale Agriculture, Primetime Farms, and G&K Produce.

Operators may appeal the denial through the Office of Administrative Hearings (60-day process).
Chair Nelson noted ambiguity regarding how the ordinance applies to inland operators versus greenhouses and requested future clarification on that legislative intent.