Lake County supervisors vote to oppose pot measure

<p>Lake County Supervisors Tuesday voted to formally oppose a June ballot measure that would give “right to farm” privileges to medical marijuana growers.</p><p>Measure D also would allow medical pot growers to cultivate up to 12 mature plants in residential backyards of less than a half acre outside of city limits in Lake County. More plants could be grown on larger parcels, with a maximum of 84 plants allowed on properties that are seven acres or more.</p><p>The ballot measure is opposed by county and police officials, the local Sierra Club, the Chamber of Commerce and state and local farm bureaus. Opponents say it will lower property values and increase pot-related crime.</p><p>County officials fear the “right to farm” clause will reduce their ability to abate marijuana gardens that cause problems for neighbors. Right to farm ordinances are intended to protect established agricultural operations from nuisance complaints.</p><p>Traditional farmers say Measure D would dilute right to farm ordinances.</p><p>This is the first time medical marijuana growers have attempted to extend that protection to pot cultivation.</p>