Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are set to grace screens once again, this time with a cooking show for Netflix. However, the choice of filming location has stirred up controversy, as the couple chose a cannabis farm in California for their project. The farm, owned by the Van Wingerden family, has become a focal point of local dispute due to the pungent odors emanating from cannabis cultivation.
As Meghan and Harry venture into their latest endeavor, the spotlight intensifies on their recent ventures, including the establishment of their lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard. Reports indicate that Meghan, known for her culinary skills, is filming at a luxurious $5 million property owned by Tom and Sherrie Cipolla in Montecito, California. Situated on a sprawling 14-acre farm, the property is part of the Van Wingerden family’s cannabis business, a fact that has raised eyebrows among locals and garnered attention from media outlets like the Daily Mail.
The decision to film at the cannabis farm has reignited tensions among neighbors, who have long voiced complaints about the overwhelming scent of marijuana in the area. The Van Wingerdens, prominent suppliers of legal cannabis, transformed their flower farm into a marijuana cultivation space in 2015, sparking ongoing conflicts with nearby residents. Given the contentious nature of the location, Meghan and Harry’s cooking show, titled “The Duchess of Sussex Celebrates the Joys of Cooking, Gardening, entertaining, and Friendship,” may face backlash from the community if the issue escalates once more.
Despite the potential for controversy, the Sussexes have inked deals for two shows with Netflix, with one showcasing Meghan’s culinary passions and the other highlighting Harry’s love for polo. However, the filming site’s association with the ongoing dispute over cannabis odors adds a layer of complexity to their production endeavors.
The clash over the cannabis farm is not new to the area, with Carpinteria residents filing numerous complaints about the odor in recent years. In September of this year, residents banded together to file a lawsuit against marijuana farms, citing concerns about the impact on property values and quality of life.
Away from the cameras, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are reportedly gearing up for separate commitments. While Harry is set to travel to Nigeria for Invictus Games engagements, Meghan will reportedly stay behind, opting not to join him for the UK leg commemorating the event’s 10th anniversary. This decision follows Harry’s legal setback in his security battle against the UK court, adding another layer of complexity to the couple’s ongoing journey.
