Why it matters: The University of California, Berkeley published a scientific brief on illegal water use for cannabis plants. This brief provides important information about the water demands of both licensed and unlicensed cannabis farms in Northern California.
What they are saying: The brief highlights that unlicensed cannabis farms consume much more water than licensed farms, particularly during the dry season. It also found that the water demands of licensed cannabis farms are much lower than those of residential water usage and other forms of agriculture in the region.
The big picture: The brief sheds light on the water usage of cannabis farms in Northern California and emphasizes the importance of incentivizing licensed farmers to obtain or retain their licenses while increasing off-site stream storage for irrigation.
What to watch: Voters in Humboldt and Mendocino Counties will have the opportunity to approve or reject the Humboldt Cannabis Reform Initiative (Measure A) in the upcoming ballot. This measure could have significant implications for local cannabis growers, as it would impose restrictions that may render small-scale farms unviable.
Your take: Ensuring sustainable water usage in the cannabis industry is crucial for environmental and regulatory purposes. The brief underscores the need for better regulations and incentives for licensed farmers to promote responsible water consumption. However, it is important to carefully consider the potential impacts of measures like Measure A on small-scale cannabis farms and the local economy.
