Growing Cannabis Sustainably: Inside An Arizona 1.7 Million Square Foot Greenhouse

This article is part of Benzinga Cannabis’ series ‘Cultivator Chronicles,’ which focuses on the latest trends, developments, and major players in the cannabis cultivation industry. Stay tuned as we dig into the world of cannabis growers and their contributions to this rapidly expanding market.

Tucked away in Snowflake, Arizona, Copperstate Farms stands as one of the largest cannabis greenhouses in North America, covering an astounding 1.7 million square feet. It's not just the size that sets this operation apart—it's the seamless blend of efficiency and environmental consciousness that powers it.

Tim Nolan, chief operating officer, brings years of experience from cannabis ventures in both Canada and Colorado and heads the operation with a focus on sustainability. "We're running a massive facility, but the way we've structured things makes it incredibly energy-efficient," Nolan explained. His goal: meet growing demand without compromising the environment.

Harnessing Arizona's Climate for Energy Savings

Operating at such a large scale often brings concerns about energy use, but Copperstate's location offers a distinct advantage. Nestled at 5,600 feet, Snowflake's high elevation and dry climate reduce the need for mechanical cooling and dehumidification.

"Our power usage per square foot is a fraction of what it would be in an indoor grow," Nolan pointed out, crediting the natural climate. He added, "If we were at a lower elevation, 35 feet instead of 5,500 feet, we wouldn't be able to grow there in the summer because it would be too hot." The dry air and cooler nights of Arizona's high desert help Copperstate cut down on energy consumption, allowing them to focus resources on other key production areas. "We save money on the front end and reinvest it on the back end," Nolan explained, referring to Copperstate's labor-intensive post-harvest processes.

Strain Development with Purpose

At Copperstate Farms, cultivating cannabis is about more than just efficiency—it's about delivering a diverse selection of high-quality strains. The company currently produces 50 strains with another 50 in development, but it's not simply about churning out new products.

"We're always evaluating the strains we bring in, seeing how they perform in this setting," Nolan said. "We don't want five strains with the same profile but different names." The focus is on offering consumers a well-rounded selection tailored to market demand and Snowflake's ideal growing conditions.

Sustainability and Quality, Hand in Hand

Nolan stressed that Copperstate's commitment to sustainability doesn't stop at cultivation. The savings from energy efficiency are redirected into post-harvest techniques that prioritize quality. “People are sometimes surprised at how hands-on our post-harvest process is,” Nolan admitted. "But we can operate efficiently because we aren't spending so much money on air conditioning or mechanical equipment."

By focusing on details like hand-trimming and whole-plant hanging, Copperstate can maintain a high standard in its product, even at such a large scale.

Positioned for the Future

With Arizona's cannabis market continuing to grow, Copperstate Farms is positioning itself to remain a leader by staying true to its environmentally responsible approach while keeping pace with evolving consumer preferences. "We're always looking ahead, making sure we're prepared for what's next," Nolan said.

By leveraging natural climate advantages and investing in sustainable practices, Copperstate Farms is setting the tone for the future of cannabis cultivation—not just growing at scale but growing responsibly.

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