Neighbors within a one-mile radius of Valley Crest Farms' (“Valley Crest”) cannabis operation in Carpinteria, California, are suing the farm because they believe that its strong marijuana smell lowers their property values and makes living nearby unpleasant. A judge's ruling on March 5, 2025, allows these neighbors to join together in a class-action lawsuit.
The lawsuit is captioned Coalition for Responsible Santa Barbara County Coalition for Responsible Cannabis, et al. v. Ceres Farms LLC, et al., Case No. 23CV03885, pending in the Superior Court of Santa Barbara County, California (the “Action”).
Valley Crest denies that it did anything wrong, and the Court has not decided who is right.
The lawyers for the neighbors must now prove their claims at trial. If money or other benefits for the neighbors are obtained, another notice will provide details.
If you are a class member, your rights are affected whether you act or don’t act. Please read the Notice carefully and completely.
Summary Of Your Legal Rights And Options In This Lawsuit | Deadline | |
Do Nothing | Stay in this class action. Await the outcome. By doing nothing, you will remain a member of the class. You will have the possibility of getting money or benefits that may come from a trial or a settlement. But you give up your right to sue Valley Crest separately about the same issues as in this lawsuit and will be bound by any judgment. You will not be responsible for any legal fees or costs. You do not need to do anything to stay in this class action. If you would prefer to be represented by your own attorney, you may hire one at your own expense. | No Deadline |
Opt Out Of The Lawsuit | Get out of this class action. Get no benefits but keep your right to bring a separate lawsuit. If you ask to be excluded, you will not be able to share in any money or benefits that may be awarded later. But you will keep any rights to sue Valley Crest separately about the same issues as in this class action. If you choose to sue Valley Crest separately, you will be responsible for your own lawyer’s fees and costs. | November 28, 2025 |