County judge gives green light to Carpinteria homeowner’s class action lawsuit against local cannabis…

On a recent Wednesday, a Santa Barbara County Superior Court Judge made a significant decision to allow a class action lawsuit filed by local homeowners against cannabis growers based in Carpinteria to proceed to trial. This ruling marks a pivotal moment that could potentially impact cannabis cultivation across the state of California.

Lead trial attorney and partner at Foley Bezek Behle & Curtis, LLP, Robert A. Curtis, expressed the magnitude of the ruling by stating, “This ruling will send shockwaves throughout California’s cannabis industry, particularly in Carpinteria.” He emphasized the growers’ responsibility to mitigate the foul odors emanating from their operations and the importance of holding them accountable through legal action.

The class action lawsuit, representing residential property owners living within a one-mile radius of the cannabis growing operations along Casitas Pass Road, aims to seek damages for the persistent and pervasive odors caused by the cultivation of cannabis in the area. The close proximity of some of the plaintiff’s homes to the cannabis farms is strikingly depicted in an image presented as evidence in the lawsuit.

During the court proceedings, Santa Barbara County Superior Court Judge Thomas Anderle dismissed arguments put forth by cannabis growers, asserting that the odor and nuisance claims apply to all members of the suit, thereby allowing a unified legal claim to proceed. The growers’ non-compliance with County requirements regarding the installation of carbon filtration systems further strengthened the need for certifying a class action lawsuit, as explained by the law firm representing all members of the suit.

The Carpinteria homeowners involved in the class action suit are awaiting the initial trial date, currently scheduled for March 5, 2026. Through this legal process, the residents hope to address the issues of olfactory disturbances affecting their community and the negative impact on property values caused by the pervasive cannabis odors.

Lead attorney Robert A. Curtis reiterated the necessity of seeking justice, accountability, and restoring the right to live in a clean and odor-free community. The upcoming trial will serve as a platform to demand relief from the unpleasant odors that have encroached upon the homes of Carpinteria residents and to ensure that growers adhere to regulations that protect the quality of life of local residents.

Efforts to contact the relevant parties involved in the class action suit, including Fresno-based Valley Crest Farms LLC, as listed in the California Secretary of State’s Registry, are currently ongoing. The implications of this ruling extend beyond the local community, setting a precedent that could impact the practices of cannabis growers statewide, signaling a shift towards greater accountability and responsibility within the cannabis industry in California.