Hey, Growers, It’s Not Too Late to Apply for Your Permit

Bud in a garden

Bud in a garden [Photo by Kym Kemp]

Press release from Humboldt County’s Cannabis Services Division:

The Planning & Building Department – Cannabis Services Division is excited to announce the receipt of well over 2,000 Commercial Cannabis Activity Registration forms submitted prior to the Aug. 23 deadline. This impressive and encouraging initial response is due in large part to partnerships and outreach by numerous state agencies and local organizations, non-profits, and consulting firms who were instrumental in helping mobilize and educate Humboldt’s medical cannabis farmers and patients.

For medical cannabis farmers who did not submit their registration forms, it’s not too late to apply for your permit. While no longer eligible for a determination of “good standing”, existing operators are nevertheless encouraged to consider applying for a permit before the Dec. 31 application deadline. The department will continue to accept applications from both new and existing operators through the end of the year, regardless of whether they completed a registration form. As a reminder, the Medical Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act (MCRSA) allows applicants to continue operations during state licensure when operating in compliance with local zoning regulations, and requirements of other state and local agencies, prior to January 1, 2018. However, beginning Jan. 1, 2017 no new applications for local permits will be accepted until after an Environmental Impact Report is completed and the Board of Supervisors enacts a new local ordinance.

REMEMBER, registering your farm is not the same as applying for a permit. For those who have begun or completed the registration process, you will still need to apply for a permit with the county. The type of permit you apply for will be determined based on the requested commercial activity, property characteristics, and zoning. The same applies for those who missed the deadline to register to be eligible for good standing, you may still apply for a clearance or permit in order to secure a zoning entitlement.

If you have questions about the permitting process, please contact the Planning & Building Department at 707-445-7446. You may also reach the Cannabis Services Division via the 24-hr Cannabis Hotline 707-268-3795 or by emailing: [email protected].

The Planning & Building Department remains committed to helping facilitate local medical cannabis operators transition to a fully legal and legitimate commercial market in California. Helping as many existing operators achieve compliance with new local and state regulations is central to realizing the environmental protections and benefits developed within the county’s adopted Commercial Medical Marijuana Land Use Ordinance.

Commercial Medical Cannabis Permitting

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Terry L. Clark
Guest
7 years ago

You need a permit to grow a plant. Or for nature to place a plant on what you thought was your property. That’s it in a nutshell, how far this country has sunk from its origins, not just the founders but the Native Americans who cared for this land before the European invasion and destruction.

Perhaps government should sue the churches, because God didn’t get the Board Of Stuporvisors permission to create these wicked plants that take profits away from the Pharmaceutical Drug Cartel.

Henchman Of Justice
Guest
Henchman Of Justice
7 years ago
Reply to  Terry L. Clark

While no longer eligible for a determination of “good standing”, existing operators are nevertheless encouraged to consider applying for a permit before the Dec. 31 application deadline.

Response: as if the past changes because of a future date, pffft.

2000 registrations…..

After Jan 1, 2017 no new registrations or applications (which is it ??? – county mixing words and terms to intentionally confuse outsiders) until the EIR is complete……

So that in a nutshell is the tyranny of colluding gubbamint scumbags to give an EIR waver to the applications before Jan 2017.

So 2000 registrations = how many applications?

2000 greedy mother fuckers more like….or not really americans when ya think about Constitutional Law.

So, anyone got a guess on how many black market grows won’t go legit?

Let the fireworks blow off fingers, for the county law enforcers are 4th of July “kickin’ it”.

Shak
Guest
Shak
7 years ago

If the state’s don’t consider the 9th (actually 1-9) as valid, then why do they consider the 10th valid until the people wisen up and use the 10th to nullify the 10th’s overreach?

Shak
Guest
Shak
7 years ago
Reply to  Terry L. Clark

Bingo! Well said Terry.

Honeydew Bridge Chump
Guest
Honeydew Bridge Chump
7 years ago

Wait…

Your land, Liberty, and happiness…

Somewhere a redcoat wants in your pocket?

Wasn’t 1776, a moment in history, or does that no longer apply?

Wtf?

Rod Deal said it twenty years ago…

Money for people that hold children hostage?

Really?

Henchman Of Justice
Guest
Henchman Of Justice
7 years ago

Rod Deal is awesome!

Huh ?
Guest
7 years ago

I like turtles !!

moocow
Guest
moocow
7 years ago

He was an interesting guy – we were sorry to see him go right on the dawning of his going big time…..

A Real Ma Grower
Guest
A Real Ma Grower
7 years ago

This is for medical right? What if I want to grow for non-medical recreational use (assuming it passes in Nov)?

Reality Check
Guest
Reality Check
7 years ago

The Adult Use Act has a clause that removes the size caps of grows after 5 years. This would literally snuff out all the regular growers in Humboldt. Remember, California is an agricultural state with many, many huge Ag areas far, far from our lovely hills.
The medical laws that passed recently allow for-profit businesses, whereas up until now you’ve had to prove you were operating as a not-for-profit. MRCSA (the medical laws) restricts sizes of grows thus allowing more to participate and it has regulations for our watersheds and quality of the product itself which have been sorely lacking.
Also, I’m pretty sure you have to be permitted locally (read Humboldt County) no matter what the state law will ultimately be.

Tworedogs
Guest
Tworedogs
7 years ago
Reply to  Reality Check

Except that LOCAL regulations can be STRICTER than the state. Which means our county ordinance TRUMPS state regs based on allowed sq ft/zone. BOOM

Saucy
Guest
Saucy
7 years ago

@Real G ma grower- Yes, this is for commercial medical. BUT if recreational does pass in november, I have heard that the transition from permitted commercial medical farms to recreational farms will not be that complicated of a transition.

CB
Guest
CB
7 years ago

The County is already working on creating codes for the recreational side, expecting it to pass in Nov.

Shak
Guest
Shak
7 years ago

Wouldn’t that fall under the preventative medicine unconstitutional clause that the thieves in DC love to expound upon for all their unconstitutional tax raising pleasures?

Only love
Guest
Only love
7 years ago

How many permits are they going to hand out? I heard there was a limited amount, in fact that there are only 80! Is that right? Is it 1st come/1st serve for the ones that meet all their requirements?

CB
Guest
CB
7 years ago
Reply to  Only love

No limit, other than. You can only use 4 permits yourself, but you can hold up to 12 if you have enough land that meets the requirements. You can lease out the extra permits.

Pros and Cons
Guest
Pros and Cons
7 years ago

I suspect there are a lot of people who would love nothing more than to get in line for legal status but they are reluctant to do so because of the near guarantee they will be outed by LoCo or some other media outlet.

This gives people pause because of the threat to their security and safety since now all manner of bandits will know what’s going on behind their doors. We rarely go more than a week without news of yet another home invasion robbery and those don’t always go well for the victims.

It also potentially threatens the livelihoods and social opportunities for people whose lives aren’t all weed all the time. In short, this process as designed, given the exposure it brings, puts anybody who participates into a separate class and may prevent or preclude them from participating in many of the non-weed elements of our community.

If...If...If
Guest
If...If...If
7 years ago

If I was aweed farmer I would not give my info to anybody in gubamint, seems like the attitude and policies change with every election

Saucy
Guest
Saucy
7 years ago

” registering your farm is not the same as applying for a permit.” — Can anyone elaborate on this? I know several people that are going thru the process right now to try an get a county permit and I will say it’s been one hell of a nightmare for most folks I know. Not trying to discourage people from signing up but just be warned about the nightmare it has been for most folks, and is continuing to be. Unless literally EVERYTHING on your property is permitted and you have tens of thousands to fix anything that ‘still isn’t up to par’ with your property as well as thousands to start up your LLC AND non-profit business entity, I would personally encourage you to think real hard about it before you decide to get on-board. Once again, I’m not trying to discourage anybody I’m just trying to educate you on how ‘NOT EASY’ of a process it has been for most folks.

Scooter
Guest
Scooter
7 years ago
Reply to  Saucy

Yes and once you do have your permits and business licence, you will not be able to have a business account with an FDIC insured bank, you will not be able to have a business VISA or MC, and you will not be able to deduct your business expenses on your federal 1040. What a sham.

Sparklemahn
Guest
Sparklemahn
7 years ago
Reply to  Scooter

Mockery of a sham. By the year 2200 it will be alright.

veterans friend
Guest
veterans friend
7 years ago
Reply to  Scooter

AND you will not be able to own or purchase a firearm
the constitution no longer applies

Saucy
Guest
Saucy
7 years ago

@Veterans friend – I believe the law about that is you can’t buy a gun if you have a 215. (i also believe that law is fairly new) As far as I know, you do not need a 215 to own / operate a commercial cannabis farm. I could be wrong, but I have not heard that you need a 215 to do that. Also I know plenty of people that have a 215 and have owned guns for years and am yet to hear of anyone receiving letters saying to turn in there guns because they can’t have them and a 215. If anything I said in this comment is incorrect, as well as if you read somewhere that you can’t own/ buy a gun if you own or operate a commercial cannabis farm, then plz link source because this is a topic I would be interested in reading about. Thanks.

CB
Guest
CB
7 years ago
Reply to  Saucy

Saucy, you are correct. Registering is the first step, but you have to apply for the permit to complete the process and this is the point when you should have some protection from LEO’s.
You’re are also correct about having to permit everything on your property, not just your cannabis operations.
A lot of cultivation expenses are tax deductible, but distribution expenses are not. I know, that’s odd, and I can’t say why cultivation is deductible and everything else is not.
Forming non-profits and LLC’s can be costly if you go through a lawyer, but there are some other options for doing this, or getting them created.
The firearms ban comes from the ATF and is for anyone that has a medical card, not just business owners. This law was created in 2011, but a lot of people just started hearing about it when it went to the supreme court recently. The State is also considering adding their own firearms ban for any cultivation site registered with the State.

Saucy
Guest
Saucy
7 years ago
Reply to  CB

@CB – thanks for info, Any chance you can link where it says if you own a business you can’t own a gun? like I said, I heard about the if you have a 215 you can’t buy a gun, but like I said in my other comment I know lots of people that have valid 215’s and have had them for years as well as own guns so I’m wondering if there will eventually be letters telling them to turn there guns in or what.

CB
Guest
CB
7 years ago
Reply to  Saucy

The issue comes up when buying a new gun. The form asks if you’re a drug user. Saying yes you’re disqualified, saying no if you’re a patient is considered lying. They’d have to catch you lying though. The State is considering adding a no firearm rule to the books for cannabis farms. The police or feds always add a charge and try to show that you’re a criminal of you have a gun when they raid. Being a cannabis business owner doesn’t automatically mean you can’t own a gun, but you risk law enforcement using it against you if they raid you. Just a bad idea to have them if you’re in the business. I know it sucks, but, is there more risk of being robbed or raided?

Saucy
Guest
Saucy
7 years ago
Reply to  CB

” Just a bad idea to have them if you’re in the business. I know it sucks, but, is there more risk of being robbed or raided?” – I think that last part is yet to be determined CB, but once again TY for info.

CB
Guest
CB
7 years ago
Reply to  Saucy

Here is a link to the letter the ATF sent out in 2011 about cannabis users and firearm sales.

https://www.atf.gov/file/60211/download

Teisha Mechetti
Guest
7 years ago
Reply to  CB

CB, you are only required to permit what is relevant to your operation.

Saucy
Guest
Saucy
7 years ago

@Teisha – that’s not what I’ve been hearing from folks, every building, well, road, needs to be permitted so I’ve heard, regardless if it’s ‘relevant’ to your operation. My friend was told his house needs to be permitted in order to complete the process.

Tworedogs
Guest
Tworedogs
7 years ago
Reply to  CB

The simple answer is : Its the 280e laws. Only COGS are deductible when participating in an illicit market according to the feds. A cultivator (producer) has significantly more deductible expenses (the cost of creating the goods, i.e. cannabis) than a dispensary (can only deduct the cost to of the goods) i.e. the cannabis from the producer.

ED Denson
Guest
ED Denson
7 years ago
Reply to  Saucy

The first form most people file is a Notice of Activity form. This registers your farm, but the Application is a separate form (or really a pile of them) that needs to be completed before Dec 31

AnonymousHumboldtian
Guest
AnonymousHumboldtian
7 years ago
Reply to  Saucy

It’s not an extremely complicated process to be permitted, although the process is a bit lengthy. The biggest cost is having a consulting agency do the process for you. They charge about 12,000 for the whole process for county permits and registering with the water board. It cost’s about another 6,000 to have a lawyer set up and non-profit business (collective) and an LLC. Then you have the annual fees from the water board and county which is another 2500 bucks. On top of all that, if you don’t have enough water storage, water tanks have to be set up before you can grow. That can be a really hefty cost on top of everything depending on how many tanks you need to buy. It’s worth it if you have the startup money. Growing 5,000 square feet should more than make up for the cost associated with startup.

Guest
Guest
Guest
7 years ago
Reply to  Saucy

Yes the permit application is a process, the registration is one step for existing grows. New grows skip this part. There’s a checklist of the steps, and forms you need through the planning department website, and google north coast regional water quality board cannabis for the rest, establish which tier you are, then you can find the steps and forms they want. I was told there’s no limit on permit numbers, if you comply and fit the requirements, you’ll get it. The limit is on how long they’ll take the permit applications aka the “sunset clause,” which is Dec. 31, this year. After that, an environmental impact report must be done and they’ll either close all permitting or reopen it (I think we can guess which one). The write-offs and banking are an issue. It you haven’t laundered money, there’s hope, they’ve just starting banking for totally above board businesses in CO. This permit will transfer over to recreational easily, they wrote it with that in mind. The state is leaving the permitting up to the counties, just like our building codes are set by our county and different from other counties. If recreational passes, the state will issue licenses to the places permitted by the county, just like any business. The permit is attached to the property, held in a name or legal entity, which makes sense since the land compliance is key. In early Sept, there were about 250 turned in permit applications. Some may be incomplete, they’ll get a letter telling them that, what they need, and get put to the back of “the line.”” The line” is the order of reviews of the applications and the granting of the permits. I was told the permit would take at least 6 months to be granted since they’re very bogged down. Yes, all of your property needs up to code, and that’s true for all of us living in the county, that’s not some conspiracy to get money from growers. Anybody building without permits is breaking the law, weed or not. The heart of this process is coming from an environmental perspective, and I’m glad, it should. Let’s all admit there has been damage done, unnecessary damage, logging or mining comparisons aside. They want to limit new grows (as I am applying for one, I know this well) and they want to encourage people who have already done the environmental impact, you growers, to get it in good standing and compliance for the protection of our land, to minimize additional impact. It’s not a trick by the county to get sheep lined up for the slaughter, it’s actually quite favored towards growers. That said, it isn’t just filling out forms. You can’t lie about your square footage, they’re checking this year’s satallite images. If you have issues needing fixing, let’s say a stream crossing that needs improvement, you have to document that, and submit a plan of how and when to fix it, a plan they agree with as defined in the ordinances. If you don’t make steps towards that goal, then you’re open to action. You can’t just register, say you’ll do stuff, and just hope they won’t check before harvest. It seems these types of issues are connected to that bust, not them just going down the registration list for addresses to bust, like that’s even necessary, grows are everywhere, just fly into ACV. If you don’t plan to finish the permitting process, and do the work to come into compliance, then registering with the county makes no sense. Compliance is the key. Don’t like it or want to do it? Your choice, stay how you’ve been, but know your time for the big cash is limited, so save some for once, and expect trouble if you’re a bad land steward. I’ve talked to supes, the department of agriculture, planning department people, environmental health, public works, land use, the NCRWQB, my employees, my neighbors, they’re all on board, this is happening. Generally the county people seem optimistic and excited, though very busy with the process. I probably have had conversations with them growers don’t, they and I are on the outside looking at the development, without the paranoia layer in between. I have dealt with all these people before, the process isn’t different as far as dealing with the local people, they’re your friends and neighbors, they live in and govern Humboldt County, they know weed is here, it’s integral to our economy, they’re trying to be proactive and protective. You’re sick of the black market side effects, and so are they. Have there been hiccups and issues? Yes. I was told 2 different things by 2 people a few times on the finer points, but this is all new to them also, they’re having to be reactive and can’t train on something they’ve never done before. Have a little patience. When we hit a sticky spot, they talk a day and then get back to me. Just expect it to take time, it is government after all. The high expenses cited by others are due to the intentional disregard for permits or even looking up the codes and building properly so when this industry comes out of the shadows, or you want to sell your property someday for what it’s worth, you’re at least not violating readily available building and land codes. I have not been in the weed industry, but I plan to expand into it come recreational passing, and yes, my current buisness on the same property has to be up to code and registered with the NCRWQB even though it hasn’t and won’t be producing cannabis. I have to have F and G check for endangered bumblebees even though my property has been hayed twice a year forever. I can’t pour concrete according to the cannabis permit regulations, but the people at the building permit desk (same office, different process) would allow it if I asked and could care less about prime ag designation. But guess what? That’s how these things always go. Yes there’s more to do here than the typical business, but put on your glasses and read the documents, figure out your questions and ask them. Yes, the NCRWQB process is a pain and lengthy, but I moved to CA because this state cares about their land and I want to live in an area blessed with incredible wild places. Those of you who have built illegally, diverted streams, let your generators leak into the rivers, quit complaining about what you have to spend to fix it. If you had followed pretty basic laws on construction, weed aside, you’d have already spent that cash or could have avoided the extra it costs to move or fix things. You chose to live like outlaws and disregard not only the cannabis prohibition law, which I feel is absurd, but also every land law. If you’ve been a bad land steward, take responsibility and fix it. This place is magical and if you’ve been only taking, time to give back in a more substantial way than going out to local resturants. If you want to be a new grow, you should consider it. I went through the application process myself, no lawyers, no consultants. The water board, by law, has to work with you, a 3rd party consultant is not required. Give them a call. I had several emails and a phone interview with someone there and found the process doable. If your land fits the requirenents (and even if it doesn’t yet, you do have the option to pay for the consultant to see if it can), and your previous construction is permitted, it’s a pretty streamlined process for you. But people, read the ordinances, do your homework, these people are very busy and don’t want to hold your hand through the 65 pages of ordinances and BMPs. So far I think I’ve spent less than $3,000, and I have submitted my permit application. There’s more to come, but it’s just typical construction costs. Yes I’ll have to pay between $1500 and $2500 annually for the water board, taxes on my square footage, other typical annual permit and license fees (which my non weed business has to pay, that’s how business works), but this is a big opportunity and growing weed has always been a gamble. Farming has always been a risk and an act of faith. Take a chance at a long term, profitable, legal industry. Will there be lots of competition? Yup, that’s capitalism. I compete with national brands now and my customers buy my stuff because I have a better product, great customer service, and a personal relationship. You buy stuff at the farmer’s market sometimes, right? You could just buy an onion at the gas station, too. This isn’t a trap, it’s just people who haven’t been dealing with government regularly are not used to it. If recreational passes, the feds can’t spend money to prosecute you if you comply with the state laws. Take your chance, because come next year and the environmental impact report they have to do, I’ll be shocked if we ever see the permitting open again in our lifetimes. This is your chance to show the world, or at least HC, what you can grow, and do it in the open with pride.

Emily
Guest
Emily
7 years ago
Reply to  Guest

You appear to be very well informed and sure of your decision. But have you considered these points:
1) everyone signing up for these permits will be taxed heavily from several different agencies. That’s not a huge issue I think, because we should all be ok with paying our fair share. But they are going to be taxing us hard.
2) we are all going to be competing in a very small market. The CA medical market is tiny. We should all acknowledge that most of our product goes out of state. If we think we can do legal medical and still serve the black market, that’s a bad assumption. They will develop checks against that. It’s super obvious. Like insurance fraud.
3) the first page of the registration sheet says, this process does not guarantee a future permit (rec) and the information here is public information and can be used against you in federal prosecution. So be careful if you don’t have all your paperwork in order. It’s basically an invitation for the IRS to check out your books.
You seem to have a lot of trust in the government. I understand that. I’m a reasonable person and ive talked to these people, and they all seem very nice and reasonable. But I don’t trust them. I personally would rather quit growing than invite the Feds to my property and have them tell me what I need to fix. I’m a good land steward and I don’t like people telling me what to do. they are a bunch of pencil pushing beaurocrats that don’t understand how things work in the real world.

Henchman Of Justice
Guest
Henchman Of Justice
7 years ago
Reply to  Guest

Just the mere length of this post as it relates to this mockery of a faux permit process shows why things are muddled, messy, and merry wanna.

That last sentence HOJ appreciates and salutes the commenter and says thank you too.☺

silverlining
Guest
silverlining
7 years ago
Reply to  Saucy

I always look for things like under penalty of perjury before signing anything.
If not, it leaves room for a clerical mistake that you accidentally made. Or you were under pressure of a deadline and did not fully understand what the whole thing was.

Jorge Cervantes
Guest
Jorge Cervantes
7 years ago

2000 sheep. Hoping to make it thru the season without being sheared. ” Please Uncle Sam help me regulate my black market enterprise. I will pay you for protection. You will turn a blind eye.” Because we all know the government is so proficient in its regulatory process. They will protect us and keep us safe. Like they always have. God bless America. In other parts of the country and the world this is referred to as extortion. If for one minute those 2000 sheep think they will be safe they are delusional to say the least. Admitting to commiting class 1 felonies for years seems really intelligent on their part. As we pull in another bumper crop all that’s left to do is laugh .

Saucy
Guest
Saucy
7 years ago

You could very well be right about sheep being led into slaughter, but only time will tell. One thing I’d be willing to bet on though, the county of humboldt is gonna have a lot more funds coming in next year as well as a big list of properties that didn’t give them any money. You can count on that.

Henchman Of Justice
Guest
Henchman Of Justice
7 years ago
Reply to  Saucy

Yep, and during suit, use the feds against the state and counties with the federal drug classification and play all pencil pushing bureaucrats (salute to another commenter) against each other, show the hipocrisy, and a jury can’t convict you, really…..just don’t be causing environmental damage and you’ll be fine…..

Fuck Gubbamint, Fuck it hard.

MaesterAmon
Guest
MaesterAmon
7 years ago

Racketeering

Saucy
Guest
Saucy
7 years ago
Reply to  MaesterAmon

I had a friend of mine also refer to people that signed up as ‘sheep being led into slaughter’. This is exactly how I put it into perspective for him: Let’s pretend YOU are the county of humboldt. 2000 people said to you, “Hey I like what I do, and I’m willing to give you a cut as well as play by your rules” meanwhile, several thousand other people basically said the equivalent of “F you county, your not getting a cut and I’m not playing by your rules.” now tell me, which group of people would you NOT be happy with?

Sparklemahn
Guest
Sparklemahn
7 years ago
Reply to  Saucy

Excelsior!

rolling hills
Guest
rolling hills
7 years ago
Reply to  Saucy

Except it’s not 2,000 that they’d be unhappy with, it may be more like 15,000 in this entire county. Maybe more. Then who has the problem? The county needs to sweeten the pot because right now people are paying $100,000-$200,000 to play. Most small growers don’t have that kind of cash lying around to pay for one item.

AnonymousHumboldtian
Guest
AnonymousHumboldtian
7 years ago
Reply to  rolling hills

Nobody is paying that much to the county. You pulled those numbers out of your behind. It’s about 30-50,000 depending on what needs permitting and whether or not you hire a consulting firm. That’s not an outrageous cost to start a business.

Emily
Guest
Emily
7 years ago
Reply to  Saucy

That assumes that you are dealing with a reasonable party! Also, I’m sure they have a huge list of ways to spend that money. I wonder how many busts they are really going to do? They haven’t exactly been going on a spree since the registration period ended (as many predicted). I’m not sure which ‘group’ is the one who made the right choice – only time will tell. I do think it takes a lot of trust of the government to go through with the process.

Saucy
Guest
Saucy
7 years ago
Reply to  Emily

@ Emily – I agree that only time will tell who made the right choice. But I personally do think next year will be a lot more busty then this year was. Why? because I think they were being very cautious about who they took down this year so it wouldn’t look bad if the people were trying to come into compliance. But now that the original deadline has passed, and the final deadline only 2 months away, I’d bet that by next summer they will surely have that fat list of all the people and parcel numbers that signed up and those that didn’t. Also a lot of the county fees haven’t went thru yet as well as the excise tax, (as far as I know) So they didn’t have all that extra funding yet this year that they will have in the future. Your also right about this putting a lot of trust in the government, But I really think it would be too foolish of a decision on there part to bite the hands of those that wanted to feed them instead of those that weren’t willing.

MaesterAmon
Guest
MaesterAmon
7 years ago
Reply to  Emily

One+ bust a day seems like a spree. Why should any of us trust a government that perpetuates the police state and new slavery through the prison industrial complex?

AnonymousHumboldtian
Guest
AnonymousHumboldtian
7 years ago

Are you the real Jorge? If you are I pretty much have lost all respect for you. I’ve seen way too many outlandish comments on here posted under your name. I feel like you’re just a troll using his name.

Saucy
Guest
Saucy
7 years ago

he’s definitly not the real Jorge dude, pretty darn sure anyway.

silverlining
Guest
silverlining
7 years ago
Reply to  Kym Kemp

I would be pissed if I were the real Jorge.

Jaded
Guest
Jaded
7 years ago

Line up like good little soldiers and pay your taxes.

Taurus Balzhoff
Guest
Taurus Balzhoff
7 years ago

And guess what is next! You will pay for: Permits, verification that you are not breaking environmental laws, legal assistance, labor, supplies, water easements and everything else associated with growing. Then you will be asked to pay to verify the quality, strength, purity and also to verify that you didn’t violate the rights of your workers and that you complied with all laws associated with employment, just as any regular employer does. You will have to deduct all applicable taxes, provide unemployment insurance and SDI etc. Then comes the real pay-for-it: you will have to pay TAXES ON YOUR INCOME!
If you are considering growing as a business, remember to consider all of the costs. If you think the old days are over, you haven’t seen anything. If you think there will be a continuing “green rush”, or that just anyone can do this with just a county “permit”, you have been misinformed. The permit is barely the beginning of the end of pot growers in the Triangle.

Emily
Guest
Emily
7 years ago

I think the real kicker is that they WILL watch your harvest. Everyone who registered that I’ve talked to says, well I’ll SAY I harvested only this much, and then sell this on the black market and this much to dispensaries. Well, they’ve figured that out. You will have to account for every leaf, stem and top that you harvest. There will be inventories lists and audits, cameras. My bet is that you signed up for a world of shit. But maybe I’m wrong. We’ll see.

Saucy
Guest
Saucy
7 years ago
Reply to  Emily

@ Emily – How exactly are they gonna keep track of EVERY bud you harvest?? put a microchip in all of them? I mean sure cameras are a good possibility to watch you harvest, but there is really no way they will be able to keep track of every bud you harvest, and I’m willing to bet someone from the county isn’t gonna personally sit there and watch you harvest / put micro chips in each bud. LMAO, and plz source where you read that every leaf an stem and bud needs to be accounted for, as well as the process of going about that. until then, stop spreading false information or at least state that this is just your opinion rather then making it sound like this is all a fact.

Emily
Guest
Emily
7 years ago
Reply to  Saucy

It’s what they do in Colorado. It’s not unheard of to monitor production of crops in the real world. If you have X amount of square feet then there is a pretty standard amount of production. If you are way below that, you get an audit. It’s not rocket science. You have to account for everything in the real world of business and esp in this newly legalized industry. You should be ready for major colonoscopy if you are serious about going legit. I’m just saying, if you think the government taxmen haven’t considered that people will want to shave some off the top, and thought of a way to deal with it, you’re fooling yourself. That’s what they do.

Saucy
Guest
Saucy
7 years ago
Reply to  Emily

In colorado, you actually have to tag every single plant. This is a way stricter method then what is being implemented here. (So I’ve heard anyway) the method here will be per crop marking in some way (once again, so I’ve heard) Also as far as the ‘X sq feet = X pounds of product’ is sooo false, me an kym talked about this a while ago, depending on the strain, growing techniques, and many other circumstances (grey mold or other diseases) it will NOT be a consistent ‘this guy has X thousand sq feet so this is how many lbs he must have grew’ It just won’t work like that. However sure if you try to say you only grew 20 lbs out of a 100 foot hoop, there probably gonna ask a few questions, but the point I’m trying to make is it will be next to impossible to keep track of every bud, stem, leaf, you create as well as prove that you actually grew X amount when you only claim you grew X amount, unless of course like I said above, it’s an absurdly low number. And honestly the way the proposed taxes are right now is you get taxed per sq foot not how many pounds you get, just an FYI.

Emily
Guest
Emily
7 years ago
Reply to  Saucy

So you think that the current way of taxing square footage is the end of it? Doubt it.
I’m not against taxes! I’m as liberal as they get and I think taxes are the price we pay for civilization, but I’m sensing a period where, in order to legitimize legalization, the gov is going to have to play up the revenue they are going to make, to pay for schools and whatever. So, it’s going to be a killer for the legal guys and great for the outlaws. That’s what I’m seeing.

Emily
Guest
Emily
7 years ago
Reply to  Emily

Also, like I said before, it’s not a novel, genius idea to think you will be able to skim some harvest and sell it on the black market. That’s what they will be expecting and they will most definitely have an accounting safeguard against it. Just because it hasn’t been worked out yet doesn’t mean it’s not going to be there. Duh

Saucy
Guest
Saucy
7 years ago
Reply to  Emily

of course they will be expecting it, but until you or someone else can provide a very plausible system that they could use, that without a doubt would be able to prove that someone is skimming as well as not be completely impossible to implement, I’m going to remain skeptical that all the commercial medical marijuana grown will ALL end up at a dispensary. They are expecting it, But that doesn’t mean they have an answer for it. Like I said before, If you don’t low ball your numbers to a completely unrealistic point, I’m sure you will be fine.

Emily
Guest
Emily
7 years ago
Reply to  Emily

Anyone who has run a real world business knows- you account for and measure everything. And cross check numbers against other numbers. Anyone who thinks the agencies won’t be looking very closely at this new formerly illegal business, is being foolish. Complete accounting is the norm in the real world. I’m thinking most people haven’t ever had to do things like that. Better learn shopkeep, quick books etc.

CB
Guest
CB
7 years ago
Reply to  Emily

The State will be requiring track and trace software to be used. Example https://www.biotrack.com/

readbetweenthelines
Guest
7 years ago
Reply to  Emily

Emily we are not Colorado. I owned a grow store in that state for a few years. People in colorado are extremely obedient.

AnonymousHumboldtian
Guest
AnonymousHumboldtian
7 years ago
Reply to  Emily

Cameras in your garden? You sound really paranoid Emily.

Holly Brown
Guest
Holly Brown
7 years ago

Really I don’t think she is that far off. Look at Colorado, http://www.supercircuits.com/resources/learn/buying-guides/video-security-systems-for-marijuana-growers
It seems Emily may be closer to the truth than you realise.

Emily
Guest
Emily
7 years ago

Every legal garden in Colorado requires a 24 hr surveillance. They are the template everyone will be using, I’m sure. I’m not paranoid, I’m just pointing out that while the registration process is very simple, you are being corralled into the chute of a completely legal business, which means full accounting, among other things. Do some reading. That’s my best advice. This one is about the taxing regimen for some other states.
http://thebea.st/1WsU1PD

AnonymousHumboldtian
Guest
AnonymousHumboldtian
7 years ago
Reply to  Emily

Holly the article that you linked seems to say that the surveillance system is more geared toward theft and monitoring your employees. Although the part that says the liquor control board can review it at anytime does seem like Emily could be on to something. With that being said, even video surveillance is not a good way of estimating yield. I don’t agree with her premise that the state is going to monitor exactly how much you harvest by sticking a camera in your grow. It wouldn’t be an accurate way of determining the yield. They will think of a more full-proof way, it just may take some time.

AnonymousHumboldtian
Guest
AnonymousHumboldtian
7 years ago
Reply to  Emily

I agree with you to a point Emily. The article that you linked does scare me a bit. Although, that is just for recreational weed. It wouldn’t apply to Humboldt yet because the current system is set up for non-profit businesses (collectives). If you set it all up with your lawyer correctly, your for profit business doesn’t “traffick any controlled substances”. It just provides services to your collective. The whole process is really murky right now with it being illegal federally. I for one believe that things will rapidly change if California passes Prop 64 coming up on the November ballot.

Emily
Guest
Emily
7 years ago

Yeah I get it. I realize every biz skims a little here and there. But what I’m saying is this- in this biz there is going to be a lot of scrutiny because of the novelty of it all. So be careful. There is going to be a lot of people all competing for a tiny little market. CA medical. So a lot of reason to play around w black market, I would think. And therefore a lot of reason for regulators and tax people to be looking for that. I agree the cameras are mostly for security. Probably not much to worry about. But there will be accounting for weight of trim and stems and buds in the processing facilities. No doubt. They are going to make it very hard to be sneaky. Like I said, doesn’t take a genius to figure out a way to make people account for there weight. The regulators are going to have no problem getting their wording in future legislation. I could be wrong but I doubt it!

Saucy
Guest
Saucy
7 years ago
Reply to  Emily

@Emily, like I said before sure, cameras are a possibility, but that isn’t gonna be able to keep track of every bud. There is no possible way they will be able to do that. And as long as you don’t throw up huge red flags by claiming you grew an insanely low amount out of a huge number of sq feet, I personally think it will be literally impossible for them to prove your lying about your NOT unrealistic, but NOT completely accurate Lb count. This is gonna be even more confusing for them if they try to cross reference people that have the same amount of sq feet, but grew different strains, use different fertilizers, ETC.

For Real
Guest
For Real
7 years ago

Register and get a permit so you can’t use your spring from May 15-October15 and have to buy thousands of dollars worth of water tanks and water storage permit fees. Can’t have plants 100 ft. from a spring either! WTF? Ridiculous! If you were watering grass for cows none of these ridiculous rules would apply. Insanity!

Sunnybankroar
Guest
Sunnybankroar
7 years ago
Reply to  For Real

Cows arent medicinal.

Thats Because Cows Have Guns
Guest
Thats Because Cows Have Guns
7 years ago
Reply to  For Real

You can water your cow field in the middle of August and your cows can romp and shit in the creek, but you can’t have cannabis growing 100′ from said creek or water your plants with the creek water the cow is drinking and shitting in and causing erosion.

fuck that
Guest
fuck that
7 years ago

I hate paperwork. Im a farmer . Im a rebel.

Taurus Balzhoff
Guest
Taurus Balzhoff
7 years ago

Neither is pot.

Thats Because Cows Have Guns
Guest
Thats Because Cows Have Guns
7 years ago

ANYTHING that is a healing is medicine.

Shak
Guest
Shak
7 years ago

Without permits: little farms & big farms. Sales taxes supporting communities.
With permits: little farms confiscated. Big farms grow bigger. Taxes support governments, not the communities. The communities beg for crumbs.

Anonymous
Guest
Anonymous
7 years ago

And why is it necessary to ask in the paperwork how long you’ve been doing it? That seems irrelevant to anything they might need to know.

littlefish
Guest
littlefish
7 years ago
Reply to  Anonymous

The mindset that brought treaties and the betrayal of said treaties to the first people of turtle island will now be trusted to act in the best interests of the common citizens of the good ole usa. Carry on!

Llc.
Guest
Llc.
7 years ago

Does anyone know if this county permitting will increase your assessed tax value( .will water tanks ,greenhouses be considered improvements to property ?will every permit seeker be reassessed ?Back end taxes will be huge :).

Saucy
Guest
Saucy
7 years ago
Reply to  Llc.

can’t confirm about the water tanks, greenhouses increasing your properties value. However, I can confirm If you jump thru all the hoops and actually end up with a property that has a commercial grow permit attatched to it, It WILL be worth more then it was without that commercial grow permit if you ever decide to sell it. How much more, however is yet to be determined.

Denny ellison
Guest
Denny ellison
7 years ago

Nice pic kym!