By Mike Sunnucks | Rose Law Group Reporter
The Gilbert Town Council is scheduled to consider proposed zoning changes to allow for industrial hemp processing production in industrial areas.
The Gilbert Council will hold a hearing and potentially vote on the changes at its April 21st meeting.
The proposed changes would add industrial hemp to allowed uses and allow for its potential processing and production at properties zoned industrial or light industrial.
Hemp is a strain of cannabis that is used for a myriad of industrial uses including clothing, textiles, paper, biodegradable plastics and biofuels.
Changes in federal rules and a state industrial hemp program are allowing Arizona cities and towns to consider zoning allowances like the one Gilbert is considering.
Gilbert’s proposed zoning text amendment is modeled after ordinance language crafted by the Arizona League of Cities and Towns. The city Coolidge in Pinal County adopting an industrial hemp ordinance last year allowing it in industrial zones.
“The Town of Gilbert is wise to explicitly contemplate hemp processing in areas zone for industrial use. This signals to the market that Gilbert is open for business, and encourages the burgeoning hemp industry to be active in its jurisdiction. Rose Law Group has a team of attorneys dedicated to working with hemp growers, processers, transporters, and other hemp related businesses, that can assist with licensing and zoning approvals.” ~Adam Trenk, Partner and Director of Cannabis, Hemp and Equine Law at Rose Law Group
