Document text
3 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW Our View: Governor should not try to tilt LNG process ... From the Council: Have a safe, fun Halloween ... Guest Opinion: The other side of the fire station story ... Our View: Governor should not try to tilt LNG process ... From the Council: Have a safe, fun Halloween ... Guest Opinion: The other side of the fire station story ... CONTINUING COVERAGE: MARIJUANA Opinions mixed at marijuana town hall forum Jackson County officials host meeting Many residents at a marijuana town hall forum hosted by Jackson County officials said grow sites are destroying their quality of life, while others said marijuana will prove to be an economic boon for the area. Comment By Vickie Aldous Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Vickie Aldous Mail Tribune Posted Oct. 22, 2015 at 2:00 AM By Vickie Aldous Mail Tribune Posted Oct. 22, 2015 at 2:00 AM » Social News Many residents at a marijuana town hall forum hosted by Jackson County officials said grow sites are destroying their quality of life, while others said marijuana will prove to be an economic boon for the area. Jackson County Board of Commissioners Chairman Doug Breidenthal and Kelly Madding, director of Jackson County Development Services, talked about marijuana regulations and listened during the Wednesday night forum that drew more than 100 people. "This is the last year of the Wild West in Jackson County," said Breidenthal, noting that the state of Oregon and Jackson County officials are developing regulations to deal with the impacts of voter approval of recreational marijuana in November 2014. He said county regulations could be in place by next spring to alleviate some of the impacts rural residents are reporting. Resident Victoria King said she lives within a half-mile of seven outdoor marijuana grow sites, plus a greenhouse which likely contains marijuana. Renters paid an astronomical sum to rent a parcel. They fire their guns and have shot wild turkeys in the area, plus a deer they thought might eat marijuana plants. Their barking dogs disturb neighbors and traffic has increased, she said. After 25 years in her home, King said she is afraid. "I hope you can protect us and make us feel safe again," she told Breidenthal. Diane Cooper, who lives near Jacksonville, said she's gone from feeling like she lives in paradise to feeling like she lives in hell. Growers mowed down 60 trees and have created a threatening environment, she said. Rob Pendell, a representative of the SunGrown Growers' Guild for marijuana growers, said growers who behave responsibly can benefit the economy with cannabis tourism, just as wineries and breweries are an asset. "I'd like to apologize to all those people who have nasty neighbors," he said to the people who told horror stories at the Wednesday forum. Many rural residents said Jackson County needs more regulations on marijuana grow sites. They advocated minimum distances away from homes and said growers should not be allowed to use residential wells to water their crops. Robert Graham, an attorney representing growers, processors, dispensaries, landowners and customers, said the county is moving too slowly to adopt regulations. He said the industry needs certainty so members can plan. "This is going to be an economic boon to the county," he said. Medical marijuana dispensary owner Bree Malarkey said there are responsible growers and dispensaries. She said she visits grow sites and chooses marijuana that is sustainable and organic. More regulations would hamper the ability of small, organic growers to operate legally, she said. Staff reporter Vickie Aldous can be reached at 541-776-4486 or [email protected] . Follow her at www.twitter.com/VickieAldous . By Vickie Aldous Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Vickie Aldous Mail Tribune Posted Oct. 22, 2015 at 2:00 AM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... Business Name address Location, ST | website.com Find Southern Oregon Attractions Bars Restaurants Beauty Salons Entertainment Doctors Medical Specialists Contractors Education Lawn Services Lawyers Shopping Travel Tanning Used Cars Wedding Services ▼ Add your business here + Events Calendar Connect with MailTribune.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services Home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Announcements Obituaries Story ideas Since you asked Alerts Email Alerts RSS Feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Propel Marketing Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Mobile Site Stay Informed Email newsletter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Your privacy is important, read our privacy policy. © Copyright 2015 Local Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Local Media Group Publications Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted. MailTribune.com | P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501