California Marijuana Growers Battle With Water Shortage

Snowfall and rainfall have dramatically decreased in the state of California since the year 2012. For this reason, the reservoirs in the state have been left almost empty with a fraction of its capacity below normal. Marijuana growers are suffering as a result of this and so is the cannabis industry. Utility managers have created a temporary solution by widening the reservoirs, but using artificial means might call for drilling deeper down into the water table in order to access sources of water that have been backed up for emergencies. However, most experts will tell you that this kind of measure is not sustainable. Let's see what is causing the water shortage for marijuana growers in the state of California.

The Cause

The water shortage in the state of California is dramatically affecting both the cannabis industry and the agriculture industry. It is truly a travesty since the state contributes a lot of its agriculture to the entire United States. Most of the agricultural foods such as lemons, almonds, tomatoes, and artichokes come from the state of California. Of course, you know that medical marijuana is legal in the state of California and water is essential to the growth of marijuana. Right now, due to the shortage of water, the state has mandatory water conservation procedures, which has driven up costs and drove down the yields of various crops for marijuana growers and farmers.

Humboldt County

Most of the marijuana crops are grown in Humboldt County with thousands of acres being put at risk of drought due to the water shortage. Residents of the state have voted for the legalization of recreational marijuana. Therefore, this means that more weed is going to have to be planted, which subsequently means more water is going to be needed. If this problem is not taken care of quickly, then the cannabis production will be severely affected.

The Drought

Another reason for the drought is that the atmospheric pressure has gotten high in certain areas of the Pacific Northwest. As a result, the state of California and other states missed its full dosage of snowfall, which would have increased the mountain snow packs, melting afterwards in the lowlands of Southern California and contributing to the lack of water shortage.

The Conservation Plan

The state of California has now resorted to measures that will ensure that the water maintains a consistent flow for marijuana growers and farmers. The Governor of California, Jerry Brown has instituted mandated conservation plans and policies to reduce water consumption by at least 25%. This conversation plan restricts communities, preventing them from watering grass that is not essential. Especially those on front lawns, football fields and roadways. The restriction was extended to include the reduction in the use of household appliances, showers, and hoses. The agricultural industry is also part of the mandated restrictions and as a result farmers are losing out on their agricultural sales by 17%. Marijuana growers are significantly impacted and the state has had more issues enforcing the water measures on the cannabis farmers than the agricultural farmers.

The Future

What is the future of this water shortage in the state of California? Marijuana growers in the state have to also risk wildfires on top of all this. The dry vegetation is making it even worse. Acres and acres of land are being affected. Outdoor marijuana growth is the most being impacted. All marijuana growers can hope for is to get enough rainfall and snowfall in the coming months. If you want to know about how marijuana growers are fairing in this water shortage, go to the Cannabis Training University to learn more right now!

Fred Hernandez

Fred Hernandez is a highly accomplished and versatile writer, boasting an extensive background in the cannabis industry. With an in-depth understanding of various sectors including cultivators, processors, retailers, and brands, Fred's expertise spans across the entire cannabis landscape. As a prominent contributor to CTU, he consistently delivers insightful articles exploring the latest developments, news, and regulations shaping the cannabis industry. Whether it's delving into the intricacies of cannabis products, cannabis strain reviews, or providing comprehensive analyses of cannabis laws, or sharing expert insights on cannabis cultivation techniques, Fred's wealth of knowledge positions him as an invaluable writer and educator for all cannabis-related subjects.