By ZACK SAMPSEL The Daily Journal
Article Last Updated: 02/06/2008 08:33:30 AM PST
Marijuana cultivation is much more than just a stink in the air, and Jim Harrison, Hazardous Materials specialist with the Mendocino County Department of Environmental Health, is prepared to prove it tonight.
"I think that everybody has been lulled into the untruth that the marijuana world is a fuzzy, mom-and-pop world that would ease ill people's pain," Harrison said. "It's basically a non-narcotic remedy to a painful situation, but in reality it's a commercial endeavor. The people doing this endeavor are ruthless and have no ownership in our environment and neighborhood."
At tonight's meeting of the Ukiah City Council (6 p.m., 300 Seminary Ave.) Harrison, a Hazmat specialist for 12 years, will make a presentation of the environmental effects of commercial marijuana growing in Mendocino County. The presentation will begin shortly after 6 p.m. following the roll call and Pledge of Allegiance.
Harrison said the public would learn an awareness about what is going on in the county with commercial marijuana growing -- both indoors and out. He said he would use photos to explain how the mishandling of water, fuel, pesticides, insecticides and fertilizers could lead to future problems.
"It's about an awareness of what's going on in the county," he said. "I feel some of the problem is in the mishandling of hazardous waste and material like diesel fuel and oil."
In other marijuana-related business, the council will discuss whether or not to take a position on Measure B,
which will be on the June 3 ballot. Measure B, which made the ballot following the Jan. 8 meeting of the Board of Supervisors, would repeal Measure G and adopt the minimum state limits for medical marijuana. The state limits allow six mature plants per medical marijuana patient or a greater amount if recommended by the patient's physician.
Measure G, adopted by voters in 2000, has provided protection for anyone growing 25 or fewer plants. Critics of Measure G contend that 25 plants is a commercial growing operation and that the high plant count per patient has created a permissive atmosphere that has encouraged commercial growing in Mendocino County.
During its special meeting in January, the council previously supported placing the repeal of Measure G as well as adoption of the state limits on the ballot, and it is expected the council will support Measure B.
To view a complete agenda or to read the staff reports, visit the Civic Center, 300 Seminary Ave., or on the Internet at http://www.cityofukiah.com.
Zack Sampsel can be reached at udjzs@pacific.net.
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