State Panel Sides with Complaint Against Cannabis Farm

A States panel has upheld a complaint against Jersey’s government over its handling of residents' concerns about noise and odours from the Northern Leaf cannabis farm in St Lawrence.

The panel criticised the Infrastructure and Environment Department for prioritising the farm’s interests over nearby residents and relying on an unjust "sniff test" to assess odour complaints. It said the government misinterpreted nuisance laws and delayed action unreasonably, despite sufficient evidence to act sooner.

Chief Officer Andy Scate rejected the panel’s findings, defending the department’s response and enforcement efforts. He argued that officials acted professionally within legal limits and criticised the panel for procedural unfairness and exceeding its remit.

The government said it would respond to the panel's decision in full within three months.