PROFILE
Publications
2025
Martin J.V., Dillis C., Starrs G., Schell D., Grantham T.E., Butsic V.
Wildfire impacts and mitigation strategies among California cannabis producers
The geography of cannabis production overlaps with high fire hazard areas more than any other crop in the state. Over the same period, licensed cannabis production has grown to a high-grossing industry, while remaining an important source of rural livelihood.
2024
Kulik, M.C., Lee, Y.O., Butsic, V., Cermak, T.L., Cooper, Z.D., Corva, D., Marcotte, T.D., Uskup, D.K., McKnight, T.R., Balla, A.
Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research
In 2023 cannabis researchers from across the University of California system presented their work to state agencies and policymakers.
2024
Dillis, C., Petersen-Rockney, M., Polson, M.
Journal of Environmental Management
The marginalization of cannabis farms to the fringe areas of our state has created environmental conflict and negatively affects growers.
2023
Dillis, C., Butsic, V., Martin, J., Reiman, A., Starrs, G., Grantham, T.
Environmental Research Letters
With the largest legal cannabis market in the world, California's cannabis crops face increasing wildfire impacts, leading to substantial economic loss.
2023
Dillis, C., Butsic, V., Georgakakos, P., Portugal, E., Grantham, T.
Environmental Research Communications
Water use on unpermitted farms varies by watershed. With scenario modeling, we project the impacts of compliance with water extraction and off-stream storage.
2022
Polson, M., Butsic, V., Dillis, C., de Genova, H., Grantham, T., Herrera, L.R., Hossack, J., Laudati, A., Martin, J.V., Parker-Shames, P., Petersen-Rockney, M., Sorgen, J., Starrs, G.
This report presents multiple pathways for consideration by state and local governments in their efforts to improve cannabis cultivation policy.
2022
Dillis, C., Butsic, V., Moanga, D., Parker-Shames, P., Wartenberg, A., Grantham, T.
Agroecosytems
Where should we grow? Explore the vulnerability of California's cannabis agriculture to wildfire.
2021
Dillis, C., Bodwitch, H., Carah, J., Power, M., Sayre, N.
The Routledge Handbook of Interdisciplinary Cannabis Research
Will regulation of cannabis production lead to its industrialization? Can more sustainable models emerge for communities and the environment?
2021
Dillis, C., Butsic, V., Carah, J., Zipper, S.C. and Grantham, T.
Environmental Research Communications
Well water irrigates California’s top-producing cannabis farming regions. Why? What are the impacts?
2021
Dillis, C., Biber, E., Bodwitch, H., Butsic, V., Carah, J., Parker-Shames, P., Polson, M. and Grantham, T.
Land Use Policy
How has legalization shaped patterns of farm location, size, land ownership, and regulatory compliance in California?
2020
Dillis, C., McIntee, C., Butsic, V., Le, L. Grady, K., & Grantham, T.
Journal of Environmental Management
What cultivation practices help cannabis farmers store enough water to eliminate surface water diversions during California’s dry growing season?
2019
Dillis, C., Grantham, T., McIntee, C., McFadin, B. & Grady, K.
California Agriculture
How does water use by cannabis farms affect streams in California's North Coast? Our study starts at the source.