For decades, cannabis cultivators, dispensaries and patients have faced raids and incarceration for growing, distributing and consuming cannabis.

The constant fear of police, property loss and expensive legal defense costs has created generations of cultivators who invested the bare minimum into materials and infrastructure. Cheap equipment, unlicensed contractors and lack of code-enforcement guidelines created ideal conditions for fire hazards and excessive waste.

But with the Medical Marijuana Regulation and Safety Act of 2015 (MMRSA), the confidence level has increased for cannabis operators, investors, local government and businesses throughout California. Entrepreneurs and big corporate companies alike are flocking from around the globe to invest in industry revolution.

With its roots in the tree-hugging, peace-loving culture, this new economic boom could blaze a new trail and create solutions to global issues, instead of leaving problems behind for the next generation. Blend the resources of the traditional ag and tech communities with the...