Deep in the national forests of California, a criminal enterprise is thriving. Hidden among the trees, thousands of cannabis plants are grown illegally for the illicit market. While this may seem like a peaceful scene, the reality is far from idyllic. Illegal cultivators often use toxic and illegal pesticides to protect their crops, leading to devastating consequences for wildlife.
Dr. Greta Wengert, the executive director of the Integral Ecology Research Center (IERC), reveals that thousands of illegal cannabis sites exist on public lands in California. These sites frequently employ banned pesticides and insecticides, many of which are highly toxic. In fact, Dr. Wengert shares a shocking example of three 400-pound black bears found dead due to a small amount of these insecticides.
The IERC initially focused on researching and conserving endangered wildlife in California’s forests. However, they soon discovered that illegal cannabis cultivation posed a significant threat to these species. They found evidence linking anticoagulant rodenticide poisoning to the deaths of fishers, which was unexpected since these animals inhabit remote forests far away from agricultural areas where such poisons are typically used.
By collaborating with law enforcement officers and examining residues left at grow sites, the IERC team identified numerous toxic pesticides responsible for wildlife deaths. Their study published in PLoS ONE in 2012 revealed that 46 out of 58 fisher carcasses had been killed by anticoagulant rodenticide. The team also discovered traces of these chemicals in other animal species such as black bears, northern spotted owls, turkey vultures, grey foxes, bobcats, and mountain lions.
The environmental damage caused by illegal cannabis farms extends beyond wildlife deaths. The use of insecticides and pesticides contaminates water sources, soil, and native vegetation. This contamination destabilizes soil structures on steep slopes used for cultivation, leading to increased erosion and further water source pollution. Moreover, these grow sites divert billions of gallons of water annually, exacerbating California’s ongoing drought and contributing to the severity of wildfires.
Despite the legalization of recreational cannabis in 2016, the majority of California’s cannabis market remains controlled by unlicensed businesses. Unregulated growers take advantage of limited law enforcement resources and continue to operate illegal farms. In some regions, such as southern Oregon, the situation has become so dire that a state of emergency has been declared due to the overwhelming number of illegal cannabis farms.
Dr. Wengert believes that California has experienced a similar surge in illegal cultivation. The environmental damage caused by these illegal grows has worsened over time. However, she remains hopeful that changes at the federal level and increased regulations and funding will eventually lead to a reduction in damaging practices.
While the future looks uncertain for California’s wildlife and ecosystems, Dr. Wengert, the IERC team, and US Forest Service officers are committed to combating illegal growers one site at a time. Their goal is to document the damage caused by these operations and work towards reclaiming the land. By raising public awareness and garnering support for cleanup efforts, they hope to mitigate the harm inflicted on public lands until more permanent solutions can be implemented.
In conclusion, despite expectations that legalization would reduce illegal cannabis cultivation, it remains a significant problem in California. The environmental impact is vast, posing threats to wildlife, water sources, and soil stability. Only through continued efforts to expose and address these issues can we protect California’s endangered species and preserve its natural resources.
