The Sonoma Valley Citizens Advisory Commission gave its unanimous approval Wednesday night for a cannabis farm to operate in Glen Ellen.
Mike and Mary Benziger own Glentucky Family Farm on London Ranch Road in Glen Ellen and submitted paperwork for a use permit “more than three years ago,” Mike Benziger said during his presentation to the commission.
The SVCAC, which holds an advisory role, showed no sign of hesitation in supporting the project.
“I’ve been on this group for about six years now and we’ve never had a hearing where there were no questions, almost none,” said Margaret Spaulding, commissioner, before she made a motion to approve the project. “I think that is was very deserving that there were no questions because you covered everything, and covered it quite eloquently.”
The Benzigers currently have two licenses to grow cannabis and their request for a use permit included cultivation of up to 50 cannabis plants in a 1,560-square-foot area centrally located on the couple’s 8-acre property with an indoor cottage cannabis cultivation in an existing barn and onsite processing.
Mike Benziger said it’s “been a bit nerve wracking” to continue investing in infrastructure and building the brand “all without final approval.” But, he is committed to providing a “clean” product for people because of his own experience using cannabis when he had cancer.
“In 2010 I was diagnosed with two forms of cancer. During the treatment of those cancers, the side effects and the treatments really ate me up,” Benziger said. “Somebody recommended that I try cannabis, and I did, and it really was great. It not only took care of a lot of the pain that I had, but more than anything it was able to tamp down the anxiety.”
Five years later he said he was still undergoing treatment, and he and Mary decided to leave the wineries they had and start their own cannabis farm, which “would be therapy in itself.” Their hope was to share what they experienced and offer help to others with similar health problems.
The fact that their farm is certified biodynamic meant that they could offer “cannabis that was of the highest purity of anything that could be grown,” he said.
Benziger’s use of cutting-edge technology, which he outlined for the commission, ensures that the plants are watered only when necessary, “not when the farmer feels it needs it,” he said. Biodynamic farming is a closed system that includes an insectary and reuse of all plant and animal material for compost. Mike and Mary Benziger are the only employees on the farm, which means Glentucky creates no extra traffic in the area, he said.
This is their “sixth vintage” of cannabis and they have had no complaints from neighbors about the farm, in fact, he said “literally every neighbor” has endorsed them. As cannabis is still a “fraught” subject, Mike Benziger said they hope that they will be seen as a “pioneer” and a place that will “showcase best practices.”
Commissioner Tim Freeman asked one of the few questions - was there a plan for expansion? Benziger said, no, not in cannabis.
“No, we’re going to stick to what we’ve got, because we’re growing other medical plants, that to be honest with you, are much more interesting at this point. The demand right now for clean foods and natural medicines is off the charts, and growing marijuana is so regulated that I’m not sure that I would do it again if I knew what I was getting into,” Benziger said.
The permit application will next go to county officials for consideration.
Email Anne at anne.ernst@sonomanews.com.
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