Momentum is
obviously building for recreational legalization in California for 2016, but
with Cali’s other issues at a more pressing time; some people are starting to
reconsider the timeline with one particular concern in mind, the drought.
Our current drought
has made historic records for California, and could possibly end up being one
of the bigger battles against legalization in 2016, especially with the recent
complaints made by traditional farmers and fishing companies who will likely
argue that it’s more important to direct water toward food over cannabis,
according to a report by International
Policy Digest. Supporters of a recreational market, however, will likely
argue that legalization would spur conservation efforts and do away with the
numerous illegal growers who overuse water and pollute waterways, according to
the report.
Cannabis growers
all over the state are trying to implement more water and energy conservation
tactics, not only to cut costs for themselves but also to limit their impact on
the environment. Some are exploring lighting that uses less energy and puts out
less heat, reducing their electric bills, while others are finding ways to
catch rainwater for their crops.
California
authorities are already cracking down on producers who are not following orders.
Northern California law enforcement recently performed one of the largest multi-site
raids in recent years, in the Emerald Triangle—in Humboldt, Trinity and Mendocino counties. Over 100,000
cannabis plants were uprooted. According to local law enforcement, however, it
was because of their illegal water use, not their plants. Usurping some 500,000
gallons of water a day, in a drought-stricken state, is bound to ruffle some
feathers. Although, cannabis cultivation raids are not surprising in Northern
California, it is surprising that a grow-op of that size would acquire
illegally sourced water for their many plants. This major raid suggests that
legalization efforts may have issues passing. However, even after California
inevitably legalizes cannabis, growers could face major issues with water
access and use for their farms.
Hezekiah Allen, director of the Emerald Growers Association
argues that cannabis farming in the Emerald Triangle can be sustainable when
farmers cultivate drought-tolerant Kush varieties, and irrigate solely with
rainwater stored in tanks onsite. “If we step back and take a look at this
industry and the jobs that it creates, California cannot afford not to grow
cannabis in the 21st century,” he told Mother
Jones. “It’s one of the most adaptable, resource-efficient ways of
generating revenue on small farms.”
