New California Law Aims to Better Inspect Marijuana Farms Suspected of Water Misuse, Environmental Violations

The Merced County Sheriff’s Department in California discovered several migrants who are human trafficking victims living in “horrible” conditions and working as apparent indentured laborers at an illegal marijuana grow operation in Merced, Calif., on July 26, 2023. Courtesy of Merced County Sheriff’s Department

A California bill, which will give the state’s water control board and similar regional boards more authority to investigate cannabis farms relative to water contamination, environmental destruction, deforestation, and contributing to the state’s drought issues, was signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom in September.

Authored by Sen. John Laird (D-Santa Cruz), Senate Bill 756 authorizes the state and regional water boards to inspect properties or facilities suspected of improperly using water or not acting in accordance with state water regulations.