The future of growing marijuana took a dramatic turn towards a corporate future yesterday when Oakland approved four mega pot farms. The largest of these farms will produce over 58 pounds of pot a day.

These farms tap into our electric grids and suck thousands and thousands of kilowatts, draining our resources and spewing carbon into our atmosphere.  And, for the small mom and pop growers, whether farming inside or outside, these factory behemoths— by vomiting forth thousands of pounds of product—will destroy their livelihoods.

“The regulations will require applicants to have a minimum of $3 million worth of insurance, hire security and pay a $211,000 annual permit fee.The city will be begin to issue permits in January and will allow the industrial farms to sell only to medical cannabis dispensaries.But if state voters pass Prop. 19, a November initiative that would legalize recreational use of marijuana, proponents believe the city would be well situated for the booming industry….”

This Saturday, Emerald Triangle growers are having a meeting at the Bayside Grange in Arcata to discuss the future of cannabis including legislation to protect the small mom and pop farmers.  I hope to see you there because the future looks like factories to me unless we do something now.