| Two weeks ago, I came across an exchange on social media between one of the largest greenhouse cannabis growers in North America and an individual representing a growers’ association who had a difference in opinion about environmental sustainability.
The exchange was sparked by aerial photos of a massive illegal cannabis operation in an arid region of California. The greenhouse grower, who farms 13 acres of cannabis, pointed out the environmental damages associated with illicit grows.
While the sustainability of his own operation came into question, the greenhouse grower asserted that the water his plants don’t use is cleaned and recycled, adding that his sun-grown cannabis uses 1/27th the CO2 of an indoor grow, 1/10th or less of the water of an open field and 1/10th the energy of a warehouse grow. He cited a 2014 study on water savings. He also said his team is working on ways to recycle the rockwool growing medium that is common in the industry.
The exchange refreshed my memory on an article I wrote last July about a $1.2-billion cannabis seizure during a 10-day sting operation involving some-400 law enforcement agents in Los Angeles County’s Antelope Valley. The operation resulted in 131 arrests of those connected to cartels. The environmental impacts of those illegal operations were extensive in the High Desert, from water theft and overuse to fertilizers, pesticides, petroleum fuels and trash polluting waterways and threatening wildlife. Two dead bears found nearby were linked to illegal chemical use.
Without interstate commerce under federal prohibition in the U.S., many cannabis companies cultivate in less-than-sustainable environments. But those who play by the rules generally care about conserving natural resources and following sustainable business practices.
Here at Cannabis Business Times, we care too. We have an entire educational session at our upcoming Cannabis Conference devoted to evaluating water efficiency, carbon neutrality, reduced electricity and other key measures for sustaining our future.
And be sure to read 5 tips to improve sustainability in cannabis cultivation below. -Tony Lange, Associate Editor | 