The northern California fires have already claimed over 70,000 acres of land and some marijuana crops have been destroyed among them. Officials say the state’s supply is not at risk, but the losses could drive up prices and put some smaller farmers out of business.
A representative from Cal Fire told the Guardian they are warning residents that if they smell a marijuana farm burning, to stay away from it as the smoke will be tainted by other plants burning, like poison oak, which can make people sick. He also stated that residents will not get high from the smoke.
Marijuana isn’t the only crop at risk, but with the high value per plant and lack of subsidies for farmers should their crops be destroyed, loss of these crops will be especially devastating.
The medical marijuana industry brings more than $500 million in revenues to California.
The state’s wine industry is also facing challenges, even if their grape crops don’t actually burn. Winemakers are concerned that smoke will infuse nearby grape crops and be present in the flavor of their wines.
