Moving into an older stablished farm neighborhood - to grow legal cannabis (5%, mortgage)

[Farmer Abby]

So we "bought the farm" from folks that owned it for 20 years, most of the neighbors have been here 20-30 years. The neighbors are mostly retired and have a lot of time on their hands. They don't actively farm even though they are suppose to, to keep their low farm property taxes.


We are in Oregon where growing cannabis is a legal farming practice. First thing all the neighbors say is "I'm glad they didn't sell to a dope grower". Well were are going to grow "dope". Everyone is in our business to varying degrees....from 20 questions to passive aggressive, not speaking or waving to us. We are among 5 other growers in the neighborhood.


We are college educated, entrepenurial professionals starting a new business. It is a business. We have jumped through all the proper loops including getting County approval which 90% of the growers don't get.


Neighbors are complaining to the County about all the growers and the plants are even in the ground yet. They are complaining about water usage although there are long time property owners, not farming, illegally irrigating that will be using millions of gallons of water vs. the under 20,000 gallons each grower will use during the season.


Folks that are friendly you tend to get a feel are the "investigators" sharing the info they get around the neighborhood.


We really started out being nice, but the passive aggressive behavior is bothersome.


We will be using about 5% of our land for the garden site. So it really isn't the fact that we are doing a large "operation" but the stigma that comes w/ cannabis. We are doing a medical grow, so we are helping patients ranging from terminal cancer patients to vet w/ PTSD, folks w/ arthritis, etc.


And by the way we overpaid for the property because it fit what we felt was a good growing site, so it's not like were are lowering values...properly zoned farmland is selling at a premium.


What do you do? We tried the open upfront and honest approach?

[Silverfall]

Water rights are a big deal in Oregon. If you aren't going to be legally irrigating your crop then I would expect complications in your future. Is there anyone around you with water rights that you can lease or buy?

[Pfhtex]

Do your thing. The number of mortgage loans I'm doing for Growers in OR and WA is increasing - I guess it would, since it was at zero. Anyway, none of them have been of the "Heyyyy, mannn..." ilk. The un-educated ones are your critics.

Occlude the grow with some vegetation that fits adjoining parcels, grow a bunch of Mint or Basil at the borders of the property, and pursue your rights to Happiness as Americans.

[CarnivalGal]

I have heard that there have been problems with people coming in the middle of the night and stealing crops. Just because you are selling it legally doesn't mean that there isn't still a huge illegal market in other states. There was a national news story recently about how Colorado is basically the new Mexico when it comes to marijuana sales. People are buying it legally in CO and then selling it for a hefty profit in states where it is illegal. I'm sure some of it is stigma, but maybe there is a bit of valid concern regarding less than desirable folks canvassing the neighborhood at night looking to steal cannabis crops.

[Farmer Abby]

Originally Posted by Silverfall

Water rights are a big deal in Oregon. If you aren't going to be legally irrigating your crop then I would expect complications in your future. Is there anyone around you with water rights that you can lease or buy?

We have water rights, although we don't plan on watering more than 1/2 acres which is legal off the two wells.

[oregonwoodsmoke]

Don't expect any sort of welcome. Rural areas voted against it, cities voted for it, but cities don't want the growers in the city in their neighborhoods. Marijuana plants stink. The suggestion to plant a lot of mint is a good one.

All you can do is to just keeping doing what you are doing legally and give up the idea you are going to be accepted.

[Silverfall]

Originally Posted by Farmer Abby

We have water rights, although we don't plan on watering more than 1/2 acres which is legal off the two wells.

Well it depends on whether or not you have an irrigation well or domestic wells. Domestic wells can't be used for crops. You can water up to 1/2 an acre for domestic use from a well.

[BirdieBelle]

Originally Posted by Silverfall

Water rights are a big deal in Oregon. If you aren't going to be legally irrigating your crop then I would expect complications in your future.

Yep.

Originally Posted by CarnivalGal

I have heard that there have been problems with people coming in the middle of the night and stealing crops. Just because you are selling it legally doesn't mean that there isn't still a huge illegal market in other states.

Originally Posted by oregonwoodsmoke

Don't expect any sort of welcome.

All you can do is to just keeping doing what you are doing legally and give up the idea you are going to be accepted.

Basically.

[Modification Specialist]

Speak to business owners across the country.

One issue you may have with a Cannabis Farm financially - is finding a bank.

Marijuana is still illegal under federal law, but almost half the country has legalized it for medical purposes. Including Colorado, Oregon and Washington State, where it is legal for recreational use. Because it is still federally illegal and bank accounts are not federally insured. This is an issue you may be facing.

Look at state charter banks or local credit unions, to set up your business accounts.

Good Luck

.

[LiaLia]

Slowly but firmly get into local politics. Then ask the more seasoned pro's from higher venues how you should proceed from there. Choose for yourself.

None of this will be cheap.