Land Use
What we’ve learned
- Cannabis farms in California’s Emerald Triangle tend to cluster in ecologically sensitive areas near unpaved access roads, steep slopes, and aquatic habitat.
Butsic et al. 2017Butsic and Brenner 2016 - Rapid expansion of small cannabis farms has led to fragmented habitat in biodiverse forests of southern Oregon. Our results suggest impacts on mammals, fish, and other wildlife.
Parker-Shames et al. 2021 - The area of cannabis cultivation nearly doubled during a period of rapid regulatory change from 2012-2016. Sites near high-quality salmon habitat, far from paved roads and on steep slopes, also increased.
Butsic et al. 2018 - A small number of large cannabis farms comprise the majority of permitted cultivation area in California. These larger farms tend to be newer and sited in areas more favorable to meeting environmental regulations. In Humboldt County, farm size increased despite policies to encourage small farms.
Dillis et al. 2021Schwab et al. 2019 - Cannabis farms are more likely to be located in high to very high fire hazard severity zones than any other type of agriculture in California.
Dillis et al. 2022 - Land use policies control who grows cannabis where and how, especially at the local and county scale.
Polson 2015
Science and Policy Briefs
Transformation of Unlicensed Cannabis Cultivation Since Legalization
This brief outlines the transformation of unlicensed cultivation since legalization based on over 150 extended interviews with people involved with cannabis cultivation in three regions of California.
English – Outcomes of Local Cannabis Cultivation Bans on California Communities
Local commercial cannabis cultivation bans add administrative cost and lead to economic and social inequities.
Researchers
Researcher
Professor, Integrative Biology and Faculty Manager, Angelo Coast Range Reserve
Related Publications
2025
Sorgen, J., LaRosa, S., Sowerwine, J., Butsic, V., Nelson, P., McCavour, M., Gaughen, S., Starkey, A.
Journal of Extension
2025
Sorgen, J., Nelson, P., LaRosa, S., Butsic, V., Gaughen, S., Starkey, A.M., McCavour, M., Geary, R., Sowerwine, J.
Environment and Planning E: Nature and Space
2025
Martin J.V., Dillis C., Starrs G., Schell D., Grantham T.E., Butsic V.
Wildfire impacts and mitigation strategies among California cannabis producers
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
2024
Polson, M., Laudati, A., Sayre, N.
2024
Dillis, C., Petersen-Rockney, M., Polson, M.
Journal of Environmental Management