Council Council passes final rules on hemp




The Moorpark City Council voted 4-5 on Nov. 3—with Mayor Janice Parvin opposing—to approve a revised ordinance prohibiting the processing, manufacturing and storing of industrial hemp throughout the city.

At a meeting last month, council members unanimously voted to extend public discussion, which gave staff time to research hemp-related businesses that wouldn’t negatively affect the community and consider loosening the proposed regulations.

Staff revised the regulations for stand-alone retail sales of hemp products to make them more consistent with the regulations in nearby cities. At least nine cities in Ventura County treat hemp similarly to other products, allowing sales without conditional use permits.

Instead of requiring conditional use permits, which are more strict, Moorpark will only require zoning clearance with additional criteria. Namely, the stores must be at least 600 feet from sensitive sites such as schools, daycare centers, parks, and churches, which addresses the council’s concern for the well-being of minors.

The buffer will not apply to stores where accessory retail sales of hemp products make up less than 5% of the floor area.

In response to the council’s request for staff to further examine the impacts of hemp research and testing laboratories, Shanna Farley-Judkins, principal planner, toured the one testing laboratory in the county. The lab, which is in the process of obtaining state licensing, is in Oxnard.

During a tour of the facility, Farley-Judkins said she did not notice any strong odors or other negative impacts.

Council members also requested an exemption to allow businesses to combine hemp ingredients with other products, such as hemp seeds in cereal or CBD in shampoo. Staff found permitted uses would not cause a strong odor, so they will be allowed with zoning clearances.

“There are a variety of businesses that operate in Moorpark that could take advantage of this exemption,” Farley-Judkins said.

Councilmember Chris Enegren— who stated at the previous meeting that the original language was too strict—said he appreciated the revisions.

“I think it’s a much better, more streamlined ordinance now,” he said.

Parvin, however, said she did not feel comfortable with the sales of hemp products because the Food and Drug Administration has not verified the safety of CBD-infused foods, beverages and dietary supplements.

“I personally am not supportive of the ordinance or having this type of business in our community,” Parvin said. “I just don’t think it’s safe until the FDA tells me it’s safe.”

In response, Enegren said the decision to purchase hemp products is a personal one, adding that alcohol can also be unsafe.