In a significant move for cannabis regulation, the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to implement strict odor-control measures for commercial cannabis operations. This historic decision mandates that every cannabis greenhouse in the Carpinteria Valley must install advanced odor control systems by March 31, 2026. These regulations may be the toughest of their kind in the nation.
The new rules come seven years after a previous ordinance aimed at boosting the cannabis industry in Santa Barbara County. The recent amendments reflect changing political dynamics and public concerns regarding odor issues linked to cannabis cultivation. The board’s decision on Tuesday marks the first comprehensive approach to address these odor complaints in the region.
Under the new regulations, cannabis greenhouse operators will have 12 months to equip their facilities with “multi-technology carbon filtration” systems, also referred to as “scrubbers”. These systems are designed to significantly reduce the smell of cannabis before it escapes through greenhouse vents, tackling a long-standing issue for residents in the area.
