Local farmers and residents urge conditional-use pathway for small cannabis growers

During the public hearing two residents urged commissioners to consider conditional-use permits or other local flexibility to allow small farm-based cannabis production. A resident who provided an address at 750 377th Street said the family bought a 20-acre farm and urged the commission to "amend the current draft where it would allow for mezzo and micro businesses" and to use conditional-use permits to protect small agricultural operators from being priced out by large companies.

Belle Ryan, who introduced herself and described training in cannabis horticulture and a personal medicinal experience, told the commission she and a business partner bought a farm and asked the commission to "please consider our conditional use permit amendment for your current zoning for cannabis." Commenters said state licensing timelines create urgency for small applicants and requested a process that would let local operators demonstrate farming ties and operate on their properties without encouraging large-scale industrial facilities.

Commissioners acknowledged the farmers' concerns and asked staff about statutory constraints and local tools such as conditional-use permits and performance standards; no formal change to allow agricultural conditional uses was adopted at the meeting, but commissioners said the ordinance can be amended later if the City Council or the commission decides to pursue adjustments.