Politics & Government

Concord Cultivators Bring the Weeds Indoors

Growing medical marijuana plants outside is now illegal in Concord.

Local pot growers may need to do some weeding — or risk a $500 ticket. 

Concord's ban on outdoor medical marijuana cultivation went into effect in late May, meaning that growers need to bring their plants inside and away from public view.

“We want the public to know that the Police Department is now enforcing the ban on outdoor medical marijuana cultivation,” said Chief Guy Swanger as quoted in a city press release. “It is our hope that all growers in Concord will move their operations inside and abide by the new regulations.”

The new ordinance stipulates that indoor cultivation must take place in an occupied residence. Building inspections and permits may be necessary to meet code requirements for those retrofitting property to accommodate indoor cultivation, according to the city. The residence also must not be within 600 feet of a K-12 school.

Find out what's happening in Concordwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Growers in the California Medical Marijuana Program are limited to six mature plants or 12 immature plants per patient.

Police personnel will follow-up on any complaints received regarding ordinance infringements, according to the city, by arranging an inspection with the grower. If violations are identified, the cultivator will be informed of the city’s requirements and given 10 days to correct the violations. A re-inspection will occur after 10 days, and if violations are still present, the cultivation will be considered a public nuisance and an administrative citation will be issued, carrying a fine of up to $500. Unpaid fines may result in a lien placed against the property, says the City of Concord. At that point, the city may begin abatement proceedings in Superior Court.

Find out what's happening in Concordwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Complaints about outdoor medical marijuana grows will be handled by the Police Department’s Code Enforcement Division, which can be reached at (925) 671-3282 or emailcleanup@ci.concord.ca.us.

What do you think about Concord's outdoor medical marijuana plant ban and the consequences for violators? Share your thoughts in the comments.


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