Local supporters urge 'limited operation' status for cultivators to avoid business collapse

Public commenters and local industry representatives urged Trinity County to adopt rules that would allow licensed cannabis cultivators to retain their stock and harvested material while temporarily suspending cultivation'a status sometimes described as "limited operation" or nonoperational status.

Adrian (last name not provided) told the board the county's planning commission had postponed a hearing and that a cultivator had been denied an administrative buffer reduction. He urged the county to use discretionary authority at hearings to find practical solutions so businesses are not forced out of the market during permitting disputes. "There's a fair chance it's gonna end up back in these chambers," he said, urging flexible use of discretionary authority.

Lisa Wright (identified as "Lisa Wright Lewiston" on Zoom) recommended adopting the state Department of Cannabis Control's limited operation status or an equivalent. She said the state program permits licensees to pay a reduced fee (she cited a 20% figure used by the state) to retain their license while not cultivating, allowing time to resolve regulatory or supply-chain issues without catastrophic loss of genetic stock and harvest.

Board members did not adopt any ordinance changes at the meeting. Commenters asked county staff and the Board of Supervisors to consider ordinance updates to provide a pathway similar to state-level limited operations, and to avoid forcing businesses to reapply from scratch after enforcement or permitting delays.

Ending: Commenters and local advocates said they will follow up with recommended ordinance language; supervisors and staff acknowledged the suggestion for future consideration.