How much of a carbon footprint does marijuana cultivation make? You have to wonder. And we all know what the answer is: a big one.
The carbon footprint of the marijuana industry huge. Anyone who's seen it can tell you that. You can't have a room that is normally lit by two 100 watt bulbs illuminated by ten 1000 watt bulbs without increasing carbon release.
It's not something that will be ignored. In Boulder, Colorado there is a requirement for medicinal marijuana dispensaries to pay carbon offsets. On a per capita basis it's safe to say that marijuana consumers are likely more concerned about global warming than non-pot smokers.
In the old days marijuana was grown outdoors in tropical or semi-tropical countries. From there it was imported to North America and Europe. It didn't take long, though, for people to start growing their own. This wasn't a problem, from a green standpoint, when it was small scale and outdoor.
Then the grow industry was born. High intensity lights in basements, barns and buried shipping containers became normal. Energy use in terms of electricity and fuel to move supplies and run generators blossomed.
There are 16 US states that have allowed some sort of medical marijuana, and 25 that have decriminalized possession. In Canada marijuana cultivation is widespread. A huge industry has grown up just to supply growers with lights, fans, hydroponic systems and much, much more. Those grow shows suck up lots of energy.
High intensity lights, pumps, fans, dehumidifiers, heating and irrigation systems, plus the electric gadgets that control them have an energy impact. It's been estimated that indoor cultivation costs billions a year in energy consumption alone. That's like millions of cars and homes. How much diesel does an off grid generator use to run lights? How much carbon does one joint produce? Some say pounds!
Moving the crop back outside is the answer, but there are challenges. Federal law still prohibits marijuana in the US, but out of sight cultivation is tolerated by local governments. In your face growing may not fare as well. Theft of outdoor crops is easier too.
Some people distinguish between patients who grow inside on a small scale and big commercial growers. Small scale medicinal grows often have few options. They are also lower impact in absolute terms and aren't in it just for the money. That doesn't hold true for black market commercial cultivation.
We could make progress on the green front by legalizing small scale outdoor grows for personal use. Anything to depress prices held up by prohibition is good. Less crime is an admirable goal. The benefits would be manifest.
The carbon footprint of the marijuana industry huge. Anyone who's seen it can tell you that. You can't have a room that is normally lit by two 100 watt bulbs illuminated by ten 1000 watt bulbs without increasing carbon release.
It's not something that will be ignored. In Boulder, Colorado there is a requirement for medicinal marijuana dispensaries to pay carbon offsets. On a per capita basis it's safe to say that marijuana consumers are likely more concerned about global warming than non-pot smokers.
In the old days marijuana was grown outdoors in tropical or semi-tropical countries. From there it was imported to North America and Europe. It didn't take long, though, for people to start growing their own. This wasn't a problem, from a green standpoint, when it was small scale and outdoor.
Then the grow industry was born. High intensity lights in basements, barns and buried shipping containers became normal. Energy use in terms of electricity and fuel to move supplies and run generators blossomed.
There are 16 US states that have allowed some sort of medical marijuana, and 25 that have decriminalized possession. In Canada marijuana cultivation is widespread. A huge industry has grown up just to supply growers with lights, fans, hydroponic systems and much, much more. Those grow shows suck up lots of energy.
High intensity lights, pumps, fans, dehumidifiers, heating and irrigation systems, plus the electric gadgets that control them have an energy impact. It's been estimated that indoor cultivation costs billions a year in energy consumption alone. That's like millions of cars and homes. How much diesel does an off grid generator use to run lights? How much carbon does one joint produce? Some say pounds!
Moving the crop back outside is the answer, but there are challenges. Federal law still prohibits marijuana in the US, but out of sight cultivation is tolerated by local governments. In your face growing may not fare as well. Theft of outdoor crops is easier too.
Some people distinguish between patients who grow inside on a small scale and big commercial growers. Small scale medicinal grows often have few options. They are also lower impact in absolute terms and aren't in it just for the money. That doesn't hold true for black market commercial cultivation.
We could make progress on the green front by legalizing small scale outdoor grows for personal use. Anything to depress prices held up by prohibition is good. Less crime is an admirable goal. The benefits would be manifest.
About the Author:
Have you ever asked the question:how do you grow marijuana? Castulo Zane is well versed in the ways to grow marijuana.. Free reprint available from: Is Marijuana Even Green?.
