Cannabis Sustainability: Why It Matters and How to Achieve It With Practical Inexpensive Measures

The cannabis industry faces a significant sustainability challenge. A recent article in Forbes noted that due to federal prohibition and the resulting ban on interstate commerce, manufacturers are forced to establish costly production facilities in locations with less-than-ideal growing conditions. This is making the cannabis industry as polluting as coal mines.

This inefficient production locations includes areas that are too hot, too cold or too windy, leading to energy-intensive, water demanding cultivation processes. Compounding this issue is the marketing myth that indoor cultivation is superior to outdoor, further exacerbating the industry’s unsustainable practices. There’s room for improvement.

The WholeSale Ban Problem

Federal prohibition enforces restrictions that prevent high-quality outdoor cannabis, like that grown in California, from being transported and sold in states like New York. This restriction forces manufacturers to build indoor cultivation facilities in unsuitable climates, leading to high energy consumption. One result is that indoor cannabis cultivation relies heavily on artificial lighting and climate control systems, making it an energy-intensive process.

Federal prohibition also forbids cannabis to be imported into the United States, which is great from a point of view of protecting the domestic industry, but also contributes to the inefficiency of production.

Then there’s the misconception that indoor-grown cannabis is better than outdoor. Market forces and consumer demand have been shaped by marketing strategies that promote indoor growing, despite evidence that outdoor-grown is equally, if not more, effective. This has contributed to a proliferation of indoor grows, further straining the electrical grid and increasing fossil fuel consumption.

Read Also: Eco Alert: Cannabis Cultivation’s Unseen Toll On Fragile Ecosystems, Here’s What We Can Do

Regenerative Cannabis

Regenerative cannabis cultivation offers a viable solution to these challenges. This approach emphasizes sustainable farming practices, such as using organic inputs and reducing energy consumption. For example, some small farms in California have adopted regenerative indoor farming techniques, utilizing compost and worm castings instead of synthetic nutrients. These farms operate in mild climates, reducing the need for extensive energy use.

Doug Fine, author of “Too High To Fail,” argues that growing cannabis outdoors in suitable climates can be both environmentally sustainable and economically viable. “Healthy cannabis cultivated outdoors in a manner akin to organic produce is a win-win model,” he says.

This approach reduces the carbon footprint of cannabis production and aligns with consumer preferences for organic and fair-trade products.

Sustainability is increasingly becoming a critical global issue. The cannabis industry has much to gain from adapting eco-friendly cultivation techniques. Let’s not forget that hemp is one of the crops expected to replace synthetics hydrocarbon derivatives. But there’s also much to be done as the industry moves to viable and responsible farming.

Embracing regenerative practices and pushing for necessary changes can reduce the environmental impact and also open up new opportunities for growth and innovation.

• Read Next: Is Eco-Friendly Hemp Farming Profitable? This Company Proves It Is And Now Leads A Revolution In Cannabis Cultivation

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