Cathedral City Targets Cannabis Odor Complaints with Stricter Rules on Local Businesses

The ongoing debate over cannabis in Cathedral City has taken a sharp turn, as local leaders move forward with stricter rules in response to mounting complaints from residents.

For more than a year, homeowners in the Outdoor Resort Palm Springs community have voiced frustration over strong, lingering odors they say originate from Cat City Cannabis Co., a large-scale indoor cultivation facility located just feet away from their properties. The facility, which touts itself as the largest indoor cannabis grower in California, spans over 300,000 square feet, and its proximity to the neighborhood has raised health and quality-of-life concerns.

John Mullens, a resident living near the facility, described the experience as a relentless nuisance. “It’s a constant intrusion,” Mullens said. “You can’t enjoy your outdoor space without being overwhelmed by the smell.”

In response, the Cathedral City Council earlier this year implemented a temporary moratorium on new cannabis licenses and business expansions while working on a long-term solution. That solution has now arrived in the form of a revised ordinance, unanimously approved by the council.

The new measure tightens odor regulations across all 59 licensed cannabis operations in the city—regardless of whether they are currently active or not. According to Andy Firestine, Cathedral City’s Director of Community and Economic Development, the goal is to hold businesses accountable and give the city stronger tools for enforcement.

“These updated rules ensure that businesses take real steps to prevent odor from impacting nearby neighborhoods,” Firestine said. “This isn’t just about complaints—it’s about protecting quality of life.”

Some cannabis business owners say they’ve already taken action. In a written statement, Cat City Cannabis Co. emphasized its commitment to being a good neighbor.

“We sponsored a pilot program for odor monitoring and reporting, which has helped streamline the process for complaint reporting and subsequent investigations. We have invested over one million dollars in advanced odor mitigation and control systems,” the statement read.

Despite these efforts, residents are cautiously optimistic. Many say they welcome the city’s action but want to see real, lasting change.

The second reading of the ordinance is scheduled for October 22. If approved, the rules are expected to go into effect by late November.