California's marijuana growers are producing far more pot than is consumed in-state — and will be forced to reduce crops under new regulations that ban exports, the Los Angeles Times reported.
But some pot farmers will likely stay in the black market and send marijuana to other states anyhow – activity that's also illegal under federal law, warned Hezekiah Allen, executive director of the California Growers’ Association.
"We are producing too much," Allen told the Sacramento Press Club during a panel discussion, the Times reported; he added that state-licensed growers "are going to have to scale back. We are on a painful downsizing curve."
Estimates vary for just how much surplus California produces — anywhere from five times to 12 times what is consumed in-state, the Times reported.
Voters last November approved the legal sale and possession of an ounce of marijuana for recreational use.