Legislation to increase penalties against cannabis farms for water theft and pollution
Illegal cultivation of marijuana became the focus of law enforcement over the past few years as farms mushroomed throughout the state, often creating massive environmental damage through their use of fertilizers and pesticides and the illegal diversion of water. … The bill, SB 1426, include fines and possible jail time for tapping into a water conveyance or digging an un-permitted well. By including violations of the Fish and Game Code for polluting waters and harming wildlife, it also targets the harm done by fertilizers and pest control chemicals, like carbofuran.