PROFILE

Christopher Dillis
Researcher
Postdoctoral Reseacher
Department of Environmental Science, Policy, & Management
portrait photograph
Christopher's research explores how cannabis farms use water, how they are regulated, and what the consequences are for freshwater resources.
More Info

Publications

photograph of a circular lined pond, full of water, on a forested slope

Water demands of permitted and unpermitted cannabis cultivation in Northern California

2023

Dillis, C., Butsic, V., Georgakakos, P., Portugal, E., Grantham, T.

Environmental Research Communications

Water use on unpermitted farms varies by watershed. With scenario modeling, we project the impacts of compliance with water extraction and off-stream storage.

request pdf

Policy Findings & Recommendations Regarding California Cannabis: Farming, Regulation and the Environment

2022

Polson, M., Butsic, V., Dillis, C., de Genova, H., Grantham, T., Herrera, L.R., Hossack, J., Laudati, A., Martin, J.V., Parker-Shames, P., Petersen-Rockney, M., Sorgen, J., Starrs, G.

This report presents multiple pathways for consideration by state and local governments in their efforts to improve cannabis cultivation policy.

request pdf
photograph of a charred cannabis farm after a wildfire

The threat of wildfire is unique to cannabis among agricultural sectors in California

2022

Dillis, C., Butsic, V., Moanga, D., Parker-Shames, P., Wartenberg, A., Grantham, T.

Agroecosytems

Where should we grow? Explore the vulnerability of California's cannabis agriculture to wildfire.

request pdf
Photograph of irrigation infrastructure on a cannabis farm. Includes storage tanks, pipes and fertilizer

Cannabis farms in California rely on wells outside of regulated groundwater basins

2021

Dillis, C., Butsic, V., Carah, J., Zipper, S.C. and Grantham, T.

Environmental Research Communications

Well water irrigates California’s top-producing cannabis farming regions. Why? What are the impacts?

request pdf
outdoor grow within hillside forest

Shifting geographies of legal cannabis production in California

2021

Dillis, C., Biber, E., Bodwitch, H., Butsic, V., Carah, J., Parker-Shames, P., Polson, M. and Grantham, T.

Land Use Policy

How has legalization shaped patterns of farm location, size, land ownership, and regulatory compliance in California?

request pdf
Photo of Klamath River and forested hills where cannabis cultivation can impact water flows

Water storage and irrigation practices for cannabis drive seasonal patterns of water extraction and use in Northern California

2020

Dillis, C., McIntee, C., Butsic, V., Le, L. Grady, K., & Grantham, T.

Journal of Environmental Management

What cultivation practices help cannabis farmers store enough water to eliminate surface water diversions during California’s dry growing season?

request pdf
Photograph of a hillside cannabis grow site. The remains felled conifer trees lie on the right and the cleared grow site is steep. Two plastic water storage tanks sit on leveled ground.

Watering the Emerald Triangle: Irrigation sources used by cannabis cultivators in Northern California

2019

Dillis, C., Grantham, T., McIntee, C., McFadin, B. & Grady, K.

California Agriculture

How does water use by cannabis farms affect streams in California's North Coast? Our study starts at the source.

request pdf