A City Prohibits the Scent of Marijuana

Following Colorado and Washington, Oregon has legalised marijuana, although the regulation of cannabis cultivation and consumption will not go into effect until 1 July. While many citizens supported the law, pleasing everyone is tough, and in one town, Pendleton, a city of over 17,000 inhabitants, some have voiced criticism.

The local government there has stated that the scent of marijuana is very "potent" and a "nuisance" if it spreads from one house to another. It is not the first time that the city has addressed these kinds of purported annoyances to residents: municipal ordinances already forbid loud music and barking dogs. This same legislation will now stipulate that the smell of cannabis cannot spread from one house or property to another. Violators may be fined up to 500 dollars (443 euros).

The city passed the measure after one resident claimed that his house, clothes and even his car reeked of marijuana, even though his complaint was not echoed by many inhabitants. "I believe it's to each his own," said Pendleton inhabitant Jody Collins. "If you're not bothering anybody, it's not a big deal. There are worse things out there," she indicated.

Although the ordinance is particularly aimed at growers of marijuana, the police could use it against any homeowner. Peter Walter, a Pendleton local annoyed by the measure, wrote a public letter in the East Oregonian criticising the decision made by the municipality and arguing that if the scent of marijuana is prohibited, another of the city's most disagreeable smells should also be proscribed: that of flatulence.

"While farting may be legal in Oregon, many (including myself) are offended by the flatulent stench," he mocked. "The city council should stop looking the other way and pretending not to notice," he added. An original way to criticise the prohibition of cannabis smell, a measure that curtails the freedom of Pendleton's residents.