From San Diego, California to Bellingham, Washington, nearly all of the western coast of the United States has been ravaged by wildfire, including the country’s marijuana “breadbasket.” [6]

The Details:

• Near 100 fires are raging across all three west coast states: California, Oregon, and Washington[1]
• The fires have consumed nearly 5 million acres of land with upwards of 30,000 firefighters being activated. [1]
• Evacuation orders have been given to tens of thousands, with many more being given the warning to prepare.[2]
• Near 40 lives have been lost with many others still missing [1]
• Poor forest management and events from climate change seem to have exacerbated what could have been smaller fires. The Department of the Interior estimates that 90% of wildfires are caused by humans.[3][4]

Effects on the Cannabis Industry:

• 20% of Oregon licensed cannabis businesses are evacuated.[5]
• The largest wildfire in California history has destroyed the cannabis fertile counties in the Emerald Triangle (Humboldt, Mendocino, and Trinity).[5]
• The crop that was not burned may be contaminated due to exposure to heat, ash, smoke, and fire-retardants.[5]
• The percentage of crop loss can range from 20-40% with the rest at threat of being lost due to power outages at grows.[6]
• Supply chains and potentially months of product ruined.[5]

The Questions:

• What can be done to help the cannabis community and affected communities at-large?
• What precautions can be implemented to help in the future?
• How can the cannabis industry better prepare for wildfire season?

Fundraisers to help:

Benson Arbor Southern Oregon Fire Relief-100% of donations received will be distributed to Oregon families and individuals who have lost their homes to wildfires. (Less $2.9% go fund me service fee).

American Red Cross Western Fire Relief- Help people affected by the western wildfires.

References:
[1] 'I could never have envisioned this': At least 35 dead as nearly 100 wildfires continue to rage across 12 Western states
[2] Oregon initially said 500,000 people had been evacuated because of wildfires. The numbers didn’t add up -- and the state backtracked.
[3] Is climate change worsening California fires, or is it poor forest management? Both experts say
[4] Facts + Statistics: Wildfires
[5] Wildfires Have Devastated the West Coast Cannabis Industry
[6] West Coast wildfires threaten hundreds of marijuana businesses, fueling concerns about a ‘new normal’