The East Baton Rouge Parish Planning Commission staff is recommending zoning restrictions for the cultivation of marijuana in the city-parish, according to a new staff report.
The report, dated Thursday and signed by Planning Director Frank Duke, details how the staff recommends marijuana to be excluded from the types of plants that may be cultivated as an agricultural plant.
The amendment, to be considered by the Planning Commission at its Dec. 10 meeting, would allow cultivation of marijuana on property that would permit laboratory use, where the product can be processed as required by state law.
“Approval is recommended, based on council direction to restrict the cultivation of marijuana (cannabis) on property zones to encourage neighborhoods, such as rural-zoned property,” the report reads.
Last month, Metro Councilman Trae Welch asked the Planning Commission to study the creation of zoning that would allow marijuana grow operations, a request that was unanimously passed by the council. Welch has said he’s not against marijuana operations, he’s just concerned facilities resemble more of a laboratory than a traditional agricultural operation. Welch declined to comment this morning on the staff’s recommendation.
If approved by the Planning Commission on Dec. 10, the amendment will go to the Metro Council on Jan. 16. See the full agenda.
