… One major environmental concern associated with cannabis cultivation is the excessive demand for water. Cannabis plants require a large amount of water, particularly in arid regions where many grow operations are located. Data from the California Department of Water Resources show that legal cannabis cultivation can consume more water than many other crops, which puts additional strain on already limited water supplies, especially in drought-stricken areas. In response, certain states have begun adopting regulations to mitigate water usage by requiring specific water allocations for cannabis farms. For instance, California, which produces nearly 70% of the nation’s cannabis, instituted stricter water regulations in response to prolonged droughts. Under the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, cannabis cultivators must now develop and implement water conservation plans that align with broader resource management strategies.