As California’s landscape begins to formally include cannabis cultivation, the resource conservation districts are a perfect vehicle to help growers reach compliance with all the regulatory requirements and to adopt conservation practices such as erosion control, pollution reduction, water use efficiency, soil health, etc. The goal is for RCDs to serve as a conservation advocate and trusted consultant to provide technical expertise to cannabis producers.

The Coastal San Luis Resource Conservation District (CSLRCD), Upper Salinas-Las Tablas RCD (USLTRCD) and Cachuma RCD (CRCD) held two workshops in 2019 to familiarize growers with the regulations, permits and license required for cultivation on the Central Coast. They also introduced a self-certifying tool developed by USLTRCD, Growing Responsible and Socially Sustainable Cannabis (GRASS-C), that helps growers align their operations with site-appropriate best management practices (BMPs) as well as regional and state regulations.

CSLRCD will continue to work with growers and regulatory agencies in the coming years to increase adoption of BMPs, streamline the regulatory process, and advocate for sustainable and socially responsible cannabis cultivation.

Funders:  Resource Legacy Fund

Partners: CARCD

RCD Contact: Hayley Barnes, hbarnes@coastalrcd.org