Fish, Wildlife and … Cannabis?

August 1, 2019
Question: I follow the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s (CDFW) social media pages, and it seems like recently there have been a lot of posts promoting cannabis growing workshops and other cannabis activity. This makes no sense to me. Your department regulates fish and wildlife, not marijuana! Isn’t this the responsibility of the Bureau of Cannabis Control? (Bill)

Answer: At the heart of CDFW is a mission to protect California’s natural resources.

Like other farming activities, commercial cannabis cultivation has the potential to harm fish and wildlife through water diversions, alterations to rivers, lakes and streams, habitat destruction and pesticide use.

With the passage of Proposition 64, thousands of new and existing commercial-size cultivators are entering the legal cannabis market. Many are unaware that seemingly harmless farming activities can have big impacts to the environment.

In California, all commercial-size cannabis activity is regulated by three state agencies. The Bureau of Cannabis Control is responsible for licensing retailers, the California Department of Public Health’s Manufactured Cannabis Safety Branch licenses all manufacturing of cannabis products and the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CalCannabis) oversees commercial cannabis cultivation.

While CDFW does not directly issue a license for commercial cannabis activities, any CalCannabis commercial license application must include either a CDFW issued Lake or Streambed Alteration (LSA) Agreement or written verification that an LSA Agreement is not needed. Cultivation activities that alter the bed, channel or bank of a river, stream or lake may require an LSA Agreement to protect fish and wildlife resources. Each grow is unique and specific compliance requirements may vary accordingly.

CDFW has been partnering with CalCannabis, the State Water Resources Control Board and other state agencies that regulate commercial cannabis cultivation by holding workshops for those trying to navigate the regulatory and licensing process.

At these workshops, state agencies are on hand to provide information and answer project questions so cannabis cultivators can succeed in this newly regulated industry. Social media is one of many tools used to promote these important outreach events.

CDFW supports the regulated cannabis market and appreciates those cultivators who obtain county permits, apply for commercial cannabis licenses and take steps to reduce environmental impacts. Visit www.wildlife.ca.gov/cannabis to learn more about CDFW’s role in commercial cannabis regulation.