Report: Seasonal Workers Flock To California To Process Marijuana
WILLITS, Calif. (AP) -- The annual march of migrant marijuana workers throughout California's pot-rich North Coast is in full swing but, like the pot industry itself, reaction to the workers' presence is mixed.
The Santa Rosa Press Democrat reports some say the migrant workers contribute to the economy, but critics point out there are upticks in complaints about transients, illegal camping and illegal dumping in their towns during the trimming season.
There are no official statistics available on the number of seasonal laborers in the underground industry but local experts say between 7,000 and 12,000 workers show up during the trimming season, which runs through the end of November.
Some say workers spend a portion of their earnings on local businesses but critics say many of them are homeless and their presence attracts vagrants who see a permissive pot culture.