Illegal Cannabis Farms Pose Environmental Threat to California Forests
Illegal cannabis farms in California's public lands are causing significant environmental damage, according to ecologists and researchers. These operations, often located in national forests, leave behind hazardous waste, including pesticides and fertilizers, which contaminate ecosystems and water sources. Despite law enforcement raids, many sites remain uncleaned due to inadequate federal funding and resources. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife, along with other state agencies, is attempting to address the issue through cleanups and policy initiatives. However, the scale of the problem, with thousands of sites identified, presents a daunting challenge.