Cathedral City Cannabis Odor Sparks Legal Threats as Frustrations Boil Over

It still stinks in Cathedral City—and residents say they’re done waiting for relief.

On The Roggin Report, Fred sat down with attorney Dan Bolton from Walter Clark Law Group to discuss the persistent cannabis odor plaguing neighborhoods near a massive cultivation facility. Despite a recent city council meeting focused on a moratorium for new cannabis businesses, locals say the real problem—the stench—hasn’t gone anywhere.

“To me, it’s deny and deflect,” Fred said. “They’re talking about what to do going forward, but nothing addresses what’s happening now.”

Bolton agreed, calling the city’s response little more than performative. “The city has done very little,” he said. “They hold meetings and pretend they’re acting, but they’re not. And they’re ignoring their own ordinance, which clearly defines this as a public nuisance when odors cross property lines. And it’s happening every day.”

Fred noted that residents have openly discussed the idea of suing the city. Bolton confirmed that wheels are finally in motion. “It takes time to prepare litigation, but I believe we’re moving in that direction,” he said. “There’s been a huge amount of community feedback, and we’re compiling everything. It’s likely we’ll bring an action against the city and the property owners of this facility.”

One big question remains: why place a 300,000 square foot cannabis facility so close to residential neighborhoods?

“It’s baffling,” Bolton said. “And now, it’s catching up to them.”

Whether through legal action or public pressure, Cathedral City may soon have no choice but to face the stink—head on.

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