As the California marijuana market continues to grow, certain regions are emerging as the dominant producers.
The North Coast’s “Emerald Triangle” – Humboldt, Mendocino and Trinity counties – are famous for producing some of the world’s best cannabis. But the Central Coast region, powered by Santa Barbara County, is catching up. The Sacramento Bee reports:
The Central Coast has great advantages for big growers: a well-established agricultural community with an extensive labor pool, flat land and an abundance of greenhouses. Local government also has been more tolerant of cannabis on the Central Coast than in other farming regions in the state. Cannabis farms must receive state and local approval.
Today’s chart, from ERA Economics, also shows the state’s Intermountain and South San Joaquin regions played large roles in California’s 2017 cannabis production.
Supporters of the Central Coast’s growing cannabis market say it’s brought increased tax revenue and jobs. Opponents worry large cannabis farms are pushing small farmers out.
As marijuana legalization spreads, American farms and farm communities will adapt and change. And this changing landscape will provide both investing opportunities and challenges. As always, we’ll keep an eye out for new developments.