California is known for its booming cannabis industry, with both licensed and unlicensed growers contributing to the state’s economy. However, a key difference between the two types of growers is their water usage practices.
Licensed cannabis grows in California are required to adhere to strict regulations set by the state’s Department of Food and Agriculture. These regulations include limits on water usage, with licensed growers being required to implement water conservation measures such as drip irrigation systems and rainwater collection. Additionally, licensed growers are subject to regular inspections to ensure compliance with these regulations.
On the other hand, unlicensed cannabis grows operate outside of the regulatory framework set by the state. This means that unlicensed growers are not held to the same standards when it comes to water usage. As a result, unlicensed grows often use more water than their licensed counterparts, leading to concerns about the impact on California’s already strained water resources.
A study conducted by the California Water Resources Control Board found that licensed cannabis grows use significantly less water than unlicensed grows. The study found that licensed grows use an average of 3.2 acre-feet of water per acre of cannabis cultivated, while unlicensed grows use an average of 6.3 acre-feet of water per acre. This significant difference in water usage highlights the importance of regulating the cannabis industry to ensure sustainable water practices.
In addition to the environmental impact of excessive water usage, there are also legal implications for unlicensed growers who do not comply with water regulations. The California Water Code prohibits unauthorized diversions of water from rivers and streams, meaning that unlicensed growers who exceed their water rights could face fines or other penalties.
Overall, the comparison of water usage between licensed and unlicensed cannabis grows in California highlights the importance of regulation in ensuring sustainable practices within the industry. By enforcing water conservation measures and holding growers accountable for their water usage, California can work towards a more environmentally responsible cannabis industry.
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- Source: https://zephyrnet.com/report-unlicensed-cannabis-grows-use-more-water-than-licensed-grows-in-california/