SACRAMENTO –The California Water Board adopted a new statewide policy Tuesday establishing strict environmental standards for cannabis cultivation in order to protect water flows and water quality in California’s rivers and streams.

The policy does not apply to personal cultivation for recreational use.

Commercial cannabis cultivation is expected to grow significantly and spread to new areas of the state following adult use legalization. If left unregulated, the Water Board says cannabis cultivation could pose serious threats to water quality and fish and wildlife by diverting water or releasing fertilizers, pesticides, and sediments into waterways.

“Today’s action creates a strict set of rules cannabis cultivators will need to follow in order to protect water quality and quantity. We will work closely with other state agencies to make sure cultivators are aware of these rules and are following them,” said State Water Board Chair Felicia Marcus.

Story Date: November 12, 2017