2023 Research Briefing
After a two year hiatus, in May 2023 we resumed our Research Briefing on campus with a hybrid event of in-person and virtual presentations from our researchers.
2021 Research Briefing
Due to the pandemic we hosted our second annual research briefing via zoom. In 2021 we also published a review paper on the environmental impacts of cannabis production, and continued investigations on how cannabis farming interacts with wildfire threats, water use, and wildlife. Learn more through our presentations below.
Director’s Welcome
Berkeley Cannabis Research Center Co-Director Dr. Van Butsic announces the upcoming five part speaker series on Zoom and gives an overview of the Center’s operations and research.
Environmental Impacts Review
Dr. Ariani Wartenberg presents a Review of the Environmental Impacts of Cannabis at the virtual 2nd Annual Research Briefing of the Berkeley Cannabis Research Center.
Cannabis & Fire
Dr. Chris Dillis presents Wildfire and Cannabis at the virtual 2nd Annual Research Briefing of the Berkeley Cannabis Research Center.
Water Use
Dr. Ted Grantham presents Cannabis and Water at the virtual 2nd Annual Research Briefing Berkeley Cannabis Research Center.
Wildlife
Phoebe Parker Shames presents her research of Cannabis and Wildlife at the virtual 2nd Annual Research Briefing of the Berkeley Cannabis Research Center.
2019 Research Briefing
Our first annual briefing event introduces the Cannabis Research Center. In short videos below, we present initial investigations on water, wildlife, and the experiences of cannabis farmers as they confront compliance with licenses and laws in northern California. We outline issues, news, and research on cannabis agriculture. Then we share a longer presentation on how the legacy of Cannabis prohibition impacts influences legalization and social equity today.
Director’s Welcome
Introduction to the Cannabis Research Center by Co-Director, Dr. Van Butsic.
Freshwater Ecosystems
Briefing by Ted Grantham, Ph.D., CRC Co-Director and expert in freshwater ecology, stream hydrology and how outdoor cannabis farms might affect regional water systems.
Wildlife
Briefing by graduate researcher Phoebe Parker Shames on her documentation of the presence of more than 20 wildlife species on outdoor cannabis cultivation sites.
Barriers to Farmer Licensing
Briefing by Hekia Bodwitch, Ph.D. on her survey of over 300 outdoor cannabis farmers in Northern California and the barriers they face attempting to become compliant, licensed cannabis producers.
Northern California Cannabis Communities
Briefing by Michael Polson, Ph.D. on his research tapping into communities in Northern California to understand local control, cannabis enforcement and parity.
California Agriculture special issue
Briefing by Jim Downing the Director of Publishing at the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources on the special issue of California Agriculture, a collection of peer reviewed publications and news in Agriculture, Natural and Human Resources.
Pests and Disease in Cannabis Agriculture
Briefing by Houston Wilson, Ph.D. from UC Riverside’s Department of Entomology who studies the pests and diseases that affect cannabis.