Pubdate: Thu, 22 Nov 2012
Source: Chico News & Review, The (CA)
Copyright: 2012 Chico Community Publishing, Inc.
Contact:  http://www.newsreview.com/chico/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/559

GREEN BUD AIN'T SO GREEN

Marijuana Is Still Eco-Unfriendly, Despite Rise in Support

Though public support for the recreational use of marijuana is
reportedly on the rise, pot cultivation and distribution remains
detrimental to the environment.

Pot presents a host of environmental issues including high energy
costs for indoor growing, irresponsible forest clearing, illegal
stream diversions, and fertilizer and pesticide runoff that can kill
wildlife and stimulate blue-green algae blooms, according to Grist.
And that's not to mention the high cost of transportation-most reefer
is shipped hundreds of miles from production to customer.

Some experts believe many growers in Colorado and Washington-both of
which voted recently to legalize recreational marijuana use-will opt
to cultivate indoors even during summer months, to avoid prosecution
by the Federal Drug Administration.
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MAP posted-by: Matt