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.
Growing marijuana in a big way is energy intensive. High intensity lights that attempt to mimic the sun are the biggest culprits. A typical grow room can use 180,000 khw er day.
It's not going to stay under the radar. In some states medical marijuana dispensaries are required to pay carbon offset fees. And let's face it: your typical weed smoker is likely concerned about the environment and has already put two and two together.
In the hippy days pot was imported from Mexico or Colombia, or Asia. It was grown outdoors the old fashioned way. When people in North America and Europe started growing it they started small and outdoors.
But, greed is a terrible thing. Indoor growing under lights was developed. Wattage and chemical use was increased to maximize yield. Off grid indoor gardens, in barns or in buried containers, required fuel to be trucked in for generators.
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!
Growing outside clearly would reduce the impact. But, being outside is not low profile. While county and state laws may permit marijuana cultivation, in the US federal law still doesn't. Theft of crop is also a danger.
There seems to be a recognized difference between commercial growers and medicinal growers. Many medicinal growers are small scale. While they do grow indoors it's often by necessity. They need the weed, have few options other than the closet, and aren't making money. The same can't be said of commercial growers.
It seems like another good argument for legalization of small grows. If cultivation for personal use was like growing tomatoes then there would be less need for black market commercial grow ops. That would be good for everyone, and not just from a green viewpoint.
Growing marijuana in a big way is energy intensive. High intensity lights that attempt to mimic the sun are the biggest culprits. A typical grow room can use 180,000 khw er day.
It's not going to stay under the radar. In some states medical marijuana dispensaries are required to pay carbon offset fees. And let's face it: your typical weed smoker is likely concerned about the environment and has already put two and two together.
In the hippy days pot was imported from Mexico or Colombia, or Asia. It was grown outdoors the old fashioned way. When people in North America and Europe started growing it they started small and outdoors.
But, greed is a terrible thing. Indoor growing under lights was developed. Wattage and chemical use was increased to maximize yield. Off grid indoor gardens, in barns or in buried containers, required fuel to be trucked in for generators.
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!
Growing outside clearly would reduce the impact. But, being outside is not low profile. While county and state laws may permit marijuana cultivation, in the US federal law still doesn't. Theft of crop is also a danger.
There seems to be a recognized difference between commercial growers and medicinal growers. Many medicinal growers are small scale. While they do grow indoors it's often by necessity. They need the weed, have few options other than the closet, and aren't making money. The same can't be said of commercial growers.
It seems like another good argument for legalization of small grows. If cultivation for personal use was like growing tomatoes then there would be less need for black market commercial grow ops. That would be good for everyone, and not just from a green viewpoint.
About the Author:
If you're looking for an expert in marijuana growing you can depend on Castulo Zane. He knows lots of ways to ways to grow marijuana.
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