Outdoor marijuana grow in Eden clears first hurdle, county marijuana ordinance clarified

A 35-acre outdoor marijuana grow and processing on a farm in Eden was approved by the county. - Google Maps Streetview

SAFFORD — Graham County is taking up the issue of marijuana, thanks to proposed changes requested by an area farmer.

The county’s Planning and Zoning Commission endorsed a rezoning request by Clint Colvin that will allow him and his family to grow cannabis on land off Hot Springs Road in Eden.

“We have grown hemp down there for the last two years successfully. We’ve done 100 acres total both years, and we haven’t had any issues with any of the plants,” Colvin said.

Colvin’s proposal is for a 35-acre outdoor grow with an onsite processing facility.

The recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Commission will now come before the Graham County Board of Supervisors for final action in April.

The Board of Supervisors did take up the issue of marijuana at its most recent meeting Monday, voting 2-1 to split its current ordinance into two, making marijuana growing its own ordinance and zoning for sexually-oriented businesses a second ordinance.

Voting against was Supervisor Paul David, D-Dist. 1, who said his only issue was the lack of safety regulations in the marijuana ordinance when it comes to home growing.

“I’m definitely opposed to the idea of any kind of . . . chemical extraction for residents, people who are growing it at home,” David said. “It says a flashpoint of under 100 degrees and using alcohol. Based on . . . people generally, with meth labs and all the other experimental things they’re doing, I’m really concerned about allowing any kind of chemical extraction in residences.”

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