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Ventura County Wrangling With Industrial Hemp Growing Controversy; Moratorium Could Be Extended

Ventura County leaders are considering extension of a ban on the planting of industrial hemp in parts of the county. The issue has been a controversial one because of strong odors produced by the crop. More than 100 residents of the Camarillo, Moorpark, and Ojai areas complained to the county about the smell.

Last year, County Supervisors imposed a 45 day moratorium on outdoor hemp planting in specific areas to study the problem.  It expires this weekend. County officials have been meeting with farmers, residents, and city officials to try to come up with a plan, but are still researching it. 

When Supervisors meet Tuesday, they will look at potentially extending the moratorium for up to ten months while work on a solution continues.