Meghan Markle and Husband face major issue in Montecito mansion

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are contending with an overpowering smell in their Montecito mansion, attributed to nearby cannabis farms that are reportedly affecting the entire neighborhood.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex reside in a £12 million home with their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. Their Tuscan-style property offers amenities such as a cinema, gym, and pool, but recent complaints from neighbors cite a “skunk-like” odor and an unpleasant “jaw-clenching stench” originating from legally operated cannabis farms nearby.

One of the farms responsible for the pungent odor was previously rumoured to be featured in Meghan’s new Netflix cooking series, although these claims were refuted earlier this month.

These farms are part of a trend where traditional crops like grapes and avocados are being replaced by cannabis, which is cultivated on an “industrial scale” in California.

One of the farms causing the could odour was previously said to be the background of Meghan’s new Netflix cookery series, but the rumours were denied earlier this month. The farm is among several that have seen traditional crops, such as grapes and avocados, make way for cannabis which is grown on an “industrial scale” in California.

A resident said he called in pest control as he thought the smell was caused by rodents, but after experts installed a trap, no mice were found. The house owner allegedly helped bring a lawsuit against two farms – but not the one where Meghan’s show was said to be filmed at – as their output is said to be particularly bad, reported MailOnline.

According to the publication, scrubbers might be needed in the neighbourhood as these filtering machines can rid the air of 84 per cent of cannabis smell. However, they are considered quite expensive, with a price tag of £17,000 per piece – and in order to be effective, ten machines per acre are needed.

Following the publication of his memoir Spare, Harry wrote that marijuana “really helped him” mentally but taking cocaine “did nothing for him”. The Duke of Sussex opened up about his drug use in a live question and answer session in March 2023, set up to promote his book, where the audience paid for a ticket to tune in.

Speaking about cocaine, Harry told Dr Gabor Maté: “That didn’t do anything for me. It was more of a social thing.” He added: “It gave me a sense of belonging for sure. It also made me feel different to the way I was feeling, which is kind of the point.” Moving on to cannabis, which he has admitted to using before, Harry said: “Marijuana is different, that actually did really help me.”

Harry and Meghan moved to America four years ago, shortly after announcing they were stepping down as senior working royals. Local residents have claimed the Sussexes mainly keep themselves to themselves as the Express US reported that the couple are “ghosts” in their own neighbourhood.