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         Mendocino County's approval of an ordinance to allow licensed  MMJ cultivation for collective gardens in the range of 26-99 plants is a noteworthy effort  to bring outdoor cultivation under control in California's Emerald Triangle.  
          Although Cal NORML did not  like  the way that the ordinance was framed as a nuisance ordinance and would have preferred for it to be rewritten, we think it represents a landmark step forwards and hope that it will prove successful.
        The ordinance expands the opportunities for legal MMJ cultivation in Mendocino.  Until now, the county has limited all gardens to 25 plants per land parcel regardless of the number of patients.

  Sheriff Tom Allman reports that compliance has been good, with most growers respecting the 25-plant limit.  

    Now, for the first time,  the county will allow larger collective gardens of up to 99 plants.  In a county where plant yields range in the pounds, this is significant.  The application process hasn't been finalized, but  should be ready in time for the coming growing season.   

       Under the plan, a collective can have more than one garden if its patient base requires it, so long as the gardens comply with regulations and are on separate plots of over 5 acres. The Sheriff will be charged with overseeing the system.
    Collectives will be required to pay an application fee yet to be determined plus a $25 "zip-tie" fee for every plant.    

      While the Mendo ordinance was controversial in the patient community, it was encouraging to note that some  respected collectives voiced support for it and intend to work with the county. We wish them the best of luck.    
     - D.Gieringer, Cal NORML