'Survival mode': It was once California's top pot-producing county. Now it's a bust.

OG article by Lester Black

November 11, 2025

Monterey County, once California’s leading cannabis-producing region, has seen production drop 43% and packaged goods fall 72% between 2021 and 2024. Tax revenue plunged 80%. Farmers like Mike Hackett of Riverview Farms are in “survival mode,” facing low wholesale prices, high regulatory costs (e.g., $1 million for sprinkler systems), and county fines. Illegal grows are returning, and many licensed operations are failing. County officials blame over-investment during the “green rush,” while farmers criticize lingering taxes and burdensome rules that don’t apply to other crops.