Mendocino County’s Economic Development Division is set to hold a meeting focused on the cannabis sector on Thursday in Willits. This event aims to tackle the challenges faced by small cannabis growers as they strive to compete against larger operations amid falling prices.
The meeting will welcome growers, dispensary employees, and community members to share their experiences and concerns regarding the cannabis industry. Officials from the county’s economic development department, planning and building services, and the cannabis department will also be present to listen and engage in discussions.
Steve Amato, president of the Mendocino Cannabis Alliance, expressed the goal of the meeting is to foster a partnership between local government and the cannabis community. He noted that increased community input is crucial for elected officials to grasp what the industry needs to thrive. Amato stated, “We want to demonstrate that there is a partnership, that our local government is looking to be part of solutions and listen to people.”
He emphasized the importance of building a better relationship between the cannabis community and government, aiming to reduce the perception that officials are adversarial. “Rather than the cannabis people feeling like the government is out to get them, we want to work more on a partnership,” Amato added.
The meeting will take place on March 27, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Willits City Hall Community Center, located at 111 E. Commercial St. For those unable to attend in person, a virtual attendance option will be available for observation, though questions will not be permitted during the online session.
Additionally, a survey will be provided for participants wishing to offer their input on creating a sustainable cannabis industry in the area.
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