For years, cannabis cultivation in Humboldt and neighboring counties was marked by darkness. Before legalization, growers went to great lengths to conceal light, covering LEDs and sealing doors to avoid detection. Today, residents say the glow from some permitted cannabis grows remains visible at night—raising concerns about light pollution rather than criminal activity.
Redheaded Blackbelt has heard from residents reporting bright nighttime illumination they believe is coming from legal cannabis operations. Some describe a steady glow disrupting the night sky, while others say the light appears intermittently, often more noticeable during cloudy conditions when reflected light spreads across the sky.
Those complaints come despite county and state rules that restrict nighttime lighting associated with cannabis cultivation.
Humboldt County's cannabis ordinance requires cultivation sites to prevent artificial light from escaping beyond the grow area. The standard is that no cultivation-related light should be visible from dusk until dawn. Mixed-light and indoor operations are expected to fully contain lighting, typically through blackout tarps or enclosed structures. Neighbors say that some cannabis operations continue to illuminate surrounding areas as growers attempt to extend daylight conditions for plant production.
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