As a result of global warming, humankind may be in for some tough times ahead. No more polar bears. No more koalas. No more marijuana. It’s a scary thought that we could eventually run out of resources that keep us alive, everything from clean water to oxygen produced by plant life. In theory, this shortage would also affect marijuana plants.

But let’s face it, in a zombie apocalypse, marijuana falls pretty short on the necessity list. Personally, I’d gather food, water, and shelter first. In any case, it’s a very real scenario that this planet could run out of marijuana in the decades to come. We’re already seeing signs of it on a smaller scale.

Marijuana Shortages in Chicago

Firstly, there’s Chicago. The state of Illinois recently legalized recreational marijuana, which unsurprisingly led to massive lines out the doors of dispensaries. As of early January 2020, business owners say they’ve already run out only SIX days after official legalization. How long will this shortage last? Experts say it could be up to a year. “Hopefully, within six months or a year or two, the supply gets ramped up so you’re not having the same challenges,” Sen. Heather Steans told the Chicago Tribune. “There’s an initial burst of excitement from the public, so some of it is the nature of the beast.” Yeah, you can say that again.

And in Canada

Also in recent years, Canada legalized recreational marijuana for persons 21 and older. It only took a month or so for dispensaries to run low on stock. “While there was a product to order we were very comfortably getting a large amount of it,” says James Burns, the CEO of a company that owns multiple marijuana stores in the province of Alberta. “But obviously, when there’s literally none there, it doesn’t matter how big you are, there’s just none there. If the government warehouse is empty, it’s empty. There’s nothing you can do.” Ever since the stroke of midnight on October 17, 2018, dispensaries in various provinces have been completely sold out of stock. That counts for Newfoundland, Quebec, Ontario, and New Brunswick.

A Marijuana Emergency in Nevada

Now, in my humble opinion, this next one is pretty overdramatic. The state of Nevada issued a “state of emergency” to bring in more marijuana. Only two weeks have marijuana legalization 47 local dispensaries noted extreme shortages. Mind you, a “state of emergency” typically only applies to natural disasters—earthquakes, hurricanes, floods—but now cannabis shortages, too? Everybody just calm down. Do not panic. Governor Brian Sandoval issued this “emergency” as a way to ask state agencies to send Nevada more marijuana.

We see a pattern forming here. States and countries that are new to marijuana legalization seem to be the only ones experiencing shortages. Meanwhile, states like Washington, Oregon, and Colorado (where marijuana has been legal for years) don’t seem to have a problem. It’s also worth noting that marijuana is generally cheaper in these states compared to Canada and California.

So, what are we as marijuana consumers meant to do about shortages? How can we help?

Global Warming on the West Coast

Interestingly enough, Oregon just passed a law “that would allow the overstocked marijuana system there to be sold and exported to other states where marijuana is legal,” according to the Metro Times. This could help the “marijuana crisis” (slight sarcasm) that is currently affecting Michigan as well. Sadly, this law could take years to go into effect. Oregon’s law also “requires that shipments only go to states that have passed a similar law allowing the import of marijuana.” Sounds like lawmakers have a few kinks to work out beforehand.

To the states in a “marijuana crisis,” cross-state sales and shipments could eventually take place. Look at the West Coast, for example. Now that recreational cannabis is legal in Washington, Oregon, California, and Nevada, these states could hypothetically help each other out with marijuana stock. It would be pretty easy to transport marijuana along the Pacific Coast Highway. Additionally, when it comes to cannabis supply, Oregon seems to have the most of it. The Metro Times notes that Oregon has “an estimated 1.3 million pounds of unsold supply.” Like you, I’m currently packing my bags to move to Portland ASAP.

No surprise here, but another solution would be to increase marijuana growth. That’s where you come in. You’ve come to Pacific Seed Bank for a reason—to buy seeds. If you grew your own medicine at home, there would be no need for you to purchase flower from a dispensary. Ergo, you’d be doing marijuana sales a big favor. Of course, there are other benefits to growing your own plants.

It’s a reason to stay active/go outside
It can be therapeutic, similar to gardening
It can save you a lot of money in the future
It can help minimize the effects of global warming

So, what do you say? Are you ready to give our seeds a shot? Do it for nature. Do it to ease the disastrous effects of global warming. Do it for Mother Earth. Do it to save humankind from the dreaded “marijuana crisis.” We make it incredibly easy for you, too! We ship high-quality marijuana seeds both nationally and internationally!