Publications
2026
Dillis, C., Baruch, E., 2, Grantham, T.
PLOS Water
Using spatial and temporal analyses across multiple watersheds, this study assesses how water use for cannabis cultivation compares to other major water users in terms of total demand, spatial distribution, and interannual fluctuations.
2026
Polson, M., Reiman, A., Dillis, C., Hossack, J., LaRosa, S., Petersen-Rocknet, M., Sorgen, J., Owusu Sarfo, K.
This project, entitled “Licensed and Unlicensed Production Across Ban and Permit Jurisdictions,” aimed to assess the evolution of unlicensed cannabis cultivation since legalization.
2025
Sorgen, J., LaRosa, S., Butsic, V., Nelson, P., Sowerwine, J.
Cannabis cultivation in California threatens Tribal cultural resources. Our two-year study of cannabis and land use with Tribal and agency representatives across the state found that the California’s current consultation policies are inadequate and inconsistently applied, placing Tribal cultural heritage sites at significant risk of irreparable harm. Based on our findings, we offer actionable recommendations the Department of Cannabis Control and other state agencies to address these systemic issues.
2025
Sorgen, J., LaRosa, S., Sowerwine, J., Butsic, V., Nelson, P., McCavour, M., Gaughen, S., Starkey, A.
Journal of Extension
Our researchers and Tribal Advisory Committee found widespread concern among Native communities about environmental impacts of cannabis cultivation. These concerns underscore the need to include Native communities in Extension activities across all regions and sectors.
2025
Sorgen, J., Nelson, P., Butsic, V., LaRosa, S., Gaughen, S., Crosby, E., Geary, R., Sowerwine, J.
Environmental Science & Policy
This study analyzes key barriers to meaningful Tribal consultation through analysis of intergovernmental consultation policy and practice in California. We argue that these barriers trace back to asymmetrical power relations and legacies of colonial governance and exclusion, and we offer recommendations to strengthen Tribal-agency relations in cultural resource protection.
2025
Sorgen, J., Nelson, P., LaRosa, S., Butsic, V., Gaughen, S., Starkey, A.M., McCavour, M., Geary, R., Sowerwine, J.
Environment and Planning E: Nature and Space
Our study underscores the need to support Tribal sovereignty in land use decision making by strengthening and enforcing protections for Tribal Cultural Resources. Through qualitative analysis of California AB 52, we found that local level consultation holds promise for strengthening cultural resource protections, even as laws are inconsistently applied across different jurisdictions.
2025
Martin J.V., Dillis C., Starrs G., Schell D., Grantham T.E., Butsic V.
Wildfire impacts and mitigation strategies among California cannabis producers
The geography of cannabis production overlaps with high fire hazard areas more than any other crop in the state. Over the same period, licensed cannabis production has grown to a high-grossing industry, while remaining an important source of rural livelihood.
2024
Kulik, M.C., Lee, Y.O., Butsic, V., Cermak, T.L., Cooper, Z.D., Corva, D., Marcotte, T.D., Uskup, D.K., McKnight, T.R., Balla, A.
Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research
In 2023 cannabis researchers from across the University of California system presented their work to state agencies and policymakers.
2024
Polson, M., Laudati, A., Sayre, N.
An oversupply of cannabis and high regulatory costs results in an unlicensed market. Based on over 150 extended interviews with people involved with cannabis cultivation in three regions of California, this report documents and interprets the persistence and transformation of unlicensed cultivation since legalization.
2024
Getz, C., Petersen-Rockney, M., Polson, M
Berkeley Cannabis Research Center
Although adult-use cannabis was legalized by state voters in 2016, more than two-thirds of localities have opted to ban its cultivation.
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