Cannabis and the Environment: What Science Tells Us and What We Still Need to Know

Riding the global waves of decriminalization, medical or recreational use cannabis (Cannabis sativa spp.) is now legal in more than 50 countries and U.S. states. As governments regulate this formerly illegal crop, there an urgent need to understand how may impact environment. Due challenges researching quasi-legal commodities, peer-reviewed studies documenting environmental impacts are limited, slowing development policies agricultural extension guidelines needed minimize adverse outcomes. Here we review research on relationships between outcomes, identify six documented pathways from cultivation (land-cover change, water use, pesticide energy air pollution) consumption (water pollution). On basis reviewed findings, suggest policy directions for these pathways. We further highlight formalize existing traditional gray literature knowledge, expand partnerships with cultivators, ease restrictions cannabis. Finally, discuss science might contribute risks inform regulations a growing industry.