Oregon Looks To Crack Down On Water Being Used By Illegal Marijuana Grows

In Oregon, a new state law took effect Friday June 3^rd, in an effort to crack down on illegal marijuana and hemp grows using water intended for legitimate agricultural operations. Alyssa Rash, with Oregon’s Water Resources Department, said there are now requirements for water haulers and suppliers to track to whom the water is going.

“What we don’t want to see is our Water Masters become the arm of this war against unregistered cannabis. So, we are really working to work within Oregon water law to limit water theft.”

She said the goal is for suppliers - like irrigation districts and haulers to verify sites are legal before providing water. It’s then up to law enforcement to investigate an illegal cannabis operation.

The new rules were approved by the 2022 legislature.

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