When it comes to cannabis capitals, it would be a crime not to include the birthplace of Snoop Dogg, of one of marijuana’s biggest fans – California, U.S.A.
California has a global reputation for good weed – combined with sunshine, surfing and no bad days bumper stickers, Cali comes to mind for many when discussing cannabis culture.
When it comes to legal weed, California is something of a pioneer. In 1996, California passed the Compassionate Use Act, which legalized cannabis for medical use.
In 2016, the government then passed Proposition 64, the Adult Use of Marijuana Act, which made California the largest population of any state or country in the world to legalize adult (21+) use of cannabis. Proposition 64 originally legalized the possession, cultivation and use of marijuana for personal use. It was officially amended on January 1, 2018 to allow for the sale and taxation of recreational marijuana.
Cali weed has another huge claim to fame – California is home to the Emerald Triangle: Three Northern California counties responsible for growing some of the most famous weed on planet Earth. Together, Mendocino County, Humboldt County and Trinity County make up the largest cannabis-growing region in the United States, with some of the most ideal conditions for growth. Specifically, the combination of volcanic soil and Mediterranean climate produces tonnes of premium bud, giving rise to generations of weed farmers who have called the Emerald Triangle home since well before legalization.
Some plants reportedly grow up to 15 feet tall and produce massive yields, making the Emerald Triangle the number one domestic supplier for the US cannabis market, producing approximately 1.7 million pounds of cannabis annually.
Like other regions that were home to a booming black market prior to legalization (cough, Vancouver, cough), California has had its share of issues making a clean transition. While the legal cannabis market is massive – expected to hit $5 billion in 2022 – inflation and rising taxes have encouraged a return to unlicensed cannabis for many.
What’s your favourite strain of Cali weed?