Humboldt County Board considers revocation of cannabis cultivation permits due to violations

A public hearing on the revocation of a conditional use permit for Humboldt Emerald Triangle LLC took center stage at the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors meeting on February 25, 2025. The permit, originally granted for flower cultivation in the 1990s and later adapted for cannabis cultivation, faced revocation due to the previous holder's failure to pay Measure S taxes, reportedly exceeding $100,000.

Planning Director John Ford outlined the situation, noting that the previous permit holder had vanished amidst a series of legal troubles and violations, including a police raid linked to illegal activities. The property has since changed hands, and a new applicant is eager to apply for a new permit. However, the existing permit must first be revoked to allow this process to move forward.

During public comment, concerns were raised about the implications of revoking the permit without addressing the outstanding tax liabilities. One speaker argued that it seemed unfair to allow a new owner to benefit from a property burdened by significant unpaid taxes. They suggested that the new applicant should at least be required to pay a portion of the owed taxes before receiving a new permit.

Director Ford acknowledged the frustrations surrounding the situation, emphasizing the need to balance public interest with the potential for the property to become productive again. He clarified that the responsibility for the unpaid taxes lies solely with the previous permit holder, as the permit cannot be transferred without consent.

The board ultimately voted to approve the staff recommendation to revoke the existing permit, allowing the new applicant to proceed with their request for a new permit. This decision reflects ongoing challenges in managing cannabis cultivation permits in Humboldt County, particularly regarding compliance and accountability in the industry. The board plans to revisit discussions about Measure S tax liabilities in a future meeting, indicating that the issue remains a significant concern for county officials.