Abandoned Pot Grows Poisoning California's Wilds

Illegal cannabis operations have left thousands of toxic sites in California's national forests, posing a significant environmental threat years after law enforcement raids. Ecologists warn that abandoned pesticide sprayers, fertilizer bags, and trash continue to pollute public lands and waterways, harming wildlife and ecosystems. For over a decade, researchers have highlighted these dangers, but inadequate federal funding and inter-agency communication issues are hindering cleanup efforts.

The U.S. Forest Service reports a lack of dedicated funding for cleanup, while California agencies, though taking the lead, are often financially strained. State efforts are supported by taxes from the legal cannabis market, funding cleanups and restoration projects. However, progress is slow, with former lawmakers emphasizing the urgency needed to protect vital watersheds.

New research confirms the persistence of pollutants from these sites, including plastics, personal care products, and pesticides, which can linger in soil and nearby streams for months or years. Despite eradication efforts, the sheer volume of abandoned grows and the lack of resources for safe hazardous material removal create a growing backlog, leaving California's natural resources at significant risk.