Wildfire impacts and mitigation strategies among California cannabis producers

Abstract

California has experienced increasing frequency and intensity of wildfire, with the five largest fires on record since 2018. Over the same period, licensed cannabis production has grown to a high-grossing industry, while remaining an important source of rural livelihood. Importantly, the geography of cannabis production overlaps with high fire hazard areas more than any other crop in the state. We developed and deployed a state-wide survey of licensed outdoor producers to determine direct and indirect impacts of wildfire, as well as how producers have responded to these threats. Quantitative and narrative data were subjected to statistical and thematic analyses, demonstrating key findings around fire-related losses, mitigation tools and techniques, and perceptions of risk. Producers experienced a range of impacts beyond direct burning, including reduced light (affecting grow rates), ash deposition (with impacts on product quality and saleability), and production disruptions. Producer responses to the threat of fire and smoke varied, in part affected by the costs of mitigation, yet some common strategies emerged. However, while most growers reported impacts from fire, these were often outweighed by concerns over other pressures on production and profitability. Our hope is that these findings around the experiences and concerns of California’s cannabis producers will inform future research directions and provide the first steps toward policy interventions to better address the challenges of living with wildfire.