Cathedral City considers tougher cannabis rules after odor complaints
Luis Avila
CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ) – Cathedral City is taking stronger action to address growing complaints over cannabis odors, after months of pressure from residents living near facilities. Last week, the city council approved a new ordinance aimed at curbing the persistent smell, particularly from one facility that has been at the center of community frustration.
Residents at Outdoor Resorts say the odor coming from Cat City Cannabis Company has become unbearable. The issue has reached a tipping point, prompting the city to introduce new regulations.
The ordinance introduces stricter odor control measures, including:
Mandatory odor control plans that cannabis businesses must submit for city approval
New spacing requirements between cannabis facilities and residential areas
Stronger enforcement protocols, including potential fines or misdemeanor charges for ongoing violations
“Should we receive a complaint about cannabis odor, we’re giving a business an opportunity to correct the issue before we ever get to an enforcement action and we certainly want to be supportive of the businesses in that sense.”
Andy Firestine, Cathedral City Director of Community & Economic Development
However, not everyone is on board with the changes. David Bernard, CEO of Cat City Cannabis, expressed concerns about the ordinance during the council meeting, saying the new rules are vague and could open the door to targeted opposition.
“I think the things that are concerning are some recent additions to the ordinance that are somewhat vague and provide an opportunity for people that are somewhat aggressive to the business, to put pressure on city council. We don’t see the framework within the ordinance to provide stability to our employees, for our business.”
David Bernard, Cat City Cannabis Co. CEO
In response, city leaders emphasized that the ordinance is designed not to punish businesses, but to ensure compliance with existing odor standards.
“This is a mechanism to verify and ensure businesses are doing what has always been required to do to mitigate odor. In that sense, not much has changed. This is an additional process, yes, but we’re looking at how we can make that as clear and predictable to the industry without imposing too many other additional requirements.”
Andy Firestine, Cathedral City Director of Community & Economic Development
The ordinance will take effect in late November if the council approves it on Oct. 22.
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