Williams is known as one of Oregon’s pot-growing capitals, but longtime residents have raised alarms over industrialized grows they say are ruining the character of this remote but close-knit rural community.
“People are pissed off,” said Michael Johnson, chief operating officer of Siskiyou Sungrown Farms. “I’ve never seen anything like it.”
Small artisan cannabis farmers find themselves pitted against giant marijuana greenhouse conglomerates, said Johnson, whose outdoor cannabis grow, which relies on sunlight and native soil, is often cited by locals as a responsible operation.
Community organizers are drafting a September ballot initiative they hope will lead to a moratorium on activities associated with future large-scale grows until regulations addressing the community’s concerns can be implemented.
“This is not about marijuana, it’s about bringing industry into a rural-residential area,” said Sha’ana Fineberg, co-chair of the Williams Town Council and Citizens Advisory Committee. “It’s asking for a moratorium on the activities that are negatively impacting the community.” Continue reading “Rural Oregon residents at odds with large marijuana grows”
