October 22, 2021 10:30 a.m.
The Douglas County Board of Commissioners have unanimously declared a “State of Emergency” for illegal marijuana operations that are taking place locally.
The move was made at Wednesday’s weekly business meeting due to what the Board said was “…the ever-increasing threat to the safety of our citizens, the environment, and our local enforcement communities regarding the overwhelming amount of illegal cannabis being produced, distributed and sold in Douglas County”.
The declaration cited conditions that have resulted in the need for the local state of emergency:
*Since the passage of Ballot Measure 91 in Oregon, the illegal production and processing of cannabis has resulted in significant impacts to Douglas County related to enforcing compliance with county codes, state criminal laws, and state water laws, jeopardizing the public health, safety, and welfare of local citizens
*The impacts to Douglas County from the illegal production and processing of cannabis in the county continues to increase year after year
*The continued lack of state funding and resources to properly regulate and enforce county codes, state criminal laws and state water laws related to the cannabis industry are continuing to cause significant impacts in the county
Commissioner Tim Freeman said the amount of calls and concerns their office receives regarding illegal marijuana growing, “…is staggering”. Freeman said when residents call in, they are scared. Scared about where they live, afraid of what’s going on around them, and in many cases, afraid to leave their homes. Freeman said, “Nobody in our county should ever have to live in fear”.
The release said by approving the state of emergency, Douglas County is requesting the assistance of the State of Oregon, through the Governor and the Oregon State Legislature, to provide the revenue and resources necessary to properly enforce county codes, state criminal laws and state water laws by whatever means are possible.
For more information and to read the complete declaration, go to the link with our story at www.541radio.com