Protect Your Family’s Health And Your Home’s Value.

Say NO To Growing Hemp In Our Neighborhood.

We are NOT against hemp, we are protecting our health and our homes. 

The State of California and the Federal government recently opened doors in California for the legal growth of hemp (as opposed to marijuana which is still illegal) without any real discussion regarding the effects of such growth on public health, the environment and people's enjoyment of their property when located within proximity to a facility growing such hemp. 

The following facts are largely indisputable for anyone who lives in proximity to an industrial hemp growing operation.

1.The smell, stemming from the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the form of terpenes, is extremely unpleasant and directly affects the enjoyment of nearby homes and properties. This relates both to indoor and outdoor activities. Even with windows closed, the smell reaches indoor spaces through cracks, vents, etc..Unfortunately, the peak season of the smell corresponds to the peak season for outdoor enjoyment.    
2.The smell extends large distances (easily up to a mile or more depending on the winds)  
3.The dust coats nearby structures, cars, clothing, pools, etc. with a dirty sticky residue.
4. The pollen and smell from the VOCs causes noticeable health effects resulting in poor breathing, coughing, nausea, etc.This is especially true with sensitive populations such as people with asthma, young children and infants and the elderly.

The following questions and concerns are obvious but not known due to the lack of any study associated with this fledgling industry.
1. To what extent does the pollen or VOCs create ill health effects on a short term and seasonal basis?
2. To what extent does the pollen or VOCs create long term ill health effects?
3. How far does the pollen and/or VOCs actually travel and create ill effects?
4. To what extent does the growth of hemp impact groundwater levels, upstream and downstream uses, etc.?
5. To what extent does the growth of hemp create concerns related to safety? What levels of security are normal and allowed?

As such, we ask that the following be done immediately:
1. Urgent ordinance issued declaring a moratorium on the cultivation of industrial hemp growth within two miles radius of any residential communities or public use facilities (i.e. any area with a residential or similar land use, parks, schools, etc.)  
2.Limit the areas where hemp can be grown in the future (i.e. not within two miles of a residential community or public use facilities) and determine appropriate mitigation measures.

Please don’t forget to share this petition with as many people as possible.