How Many Pot Plants in California?

California is one of the most liberal states when it comes to marijuana legalization. Since the passage of Proposition 215 in 1996, California has allowed medical marijuana use for patients with qualifying conditions. In 2016, California voters passed Proposition 64, which legalized adult-use marijuana for those over 21 years old. As a result, the state has seen a significant increase in the number of pot plants grown for both medical and recreational use. So, how many pot plants are currently grown in California?

The Number of Licensed Cannabis Cultivators

According to the California Department of Food and Agriculture's CalCannabis Cultivation Licensing Division, as of August 2021, there are over 11,000 licensed cannabis cultivators in the state. These cultivators hold licenses for both indoor and outdoor growing, and the amount of pot plants grown varies significantly depending on the grower's license type and available space.

The Limits for Personal Cultivation

While licensed cultivators can grow a significant number of pot plants, individuals also have the ability to grow marijuana for personal use. Under California law, adults over 21 years old can grow up to six pot plants for personal use. However, if multiple adults live in the same residence, the number of plants allowed can increase. For example, two adults can grow up to 12 pot plants, and so on. These plants must be kept in a secure location and not visible to the public.

Illegal Cultivation

Despite California's legalization of marijuana, there is still a significant amount of illegal cultivation occurring in the state. According to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, illegal marijuana cultivation has a significant impact on the state's water resources and wildlife. Illegal growers often divert water from streams and other water sources, negatively impacting California's delicate ecosystems. In addition, illegal grow sites often use dangerous pesticides and other chemicals that can also harm both wildlife and humans.

In conclusion, while the exact number of pot plants in California is difficult to determine, we can estimate that there are over 11,000 licensed cultivators and thousands more illegal growers. The legalization of marijuana has provided economic opportunities for the state, but there are still significant challenges, including illegal cultivation and environmental impacts, that need to be addressed.