Ep 3. Pot Pipeline

In the third episode of Weediquette's third season, titled "Pot Pipeline," host Krishna Andavolu explores the rise of illegal marijuana grows on public lands in California. As he makes his way to a remote location in the heart of the state's national forests, he learns about the environmental devastation caused by unregulated grow operations, including the destruction of wildlife habitats, the contamination of rivers and soil, and the poisoning of local communities.

Along the way, Andavolu speaks with a range of experts and advocates, including park rangers, environmentalists, and law enforcement officers. These interviews shed light on the various challenges facing those who seek to combat illicit marijuana cultivation, from the difficulty of identifying and dismantling large-scale grows to the complex legal and regulatory issues surrounding marijuana policy in the United States.

Throughout the episode, Andavolu also meets with some of the growers themselves, including those who are fighting back against the rampant environmental destruction and trying to find more sustainable, responsible ways of growing the cannabis plant. These conversations reveal the complex factors at play in the world of illegal marijuana, from economic desperation and the lure of quick profits to a deep connection to the natural world and a desire to care for it.

Overall, "Pot Pipeline" presents a startling and thought-provoking look at the environmental and social costs of the illegal marijuana trade, while also highlighting the potential for positive change through responsible, sustainable growing practices and the continued push for legalization and regulation of the industry.