Interesting article on how the state is starting to demand energy reduction on the cannabis sector, might play in our favour somewhere down the line. (Ignore all the carbon dioxide propaganda though).
https://canadafreepress.com/article/the-marijuana-industrys-dirty-little-secret
"
In Massachusetts, lawmakers have stipulated that grow houses of more than 5000 square feet must limit lighting power density to 36 watts per square foot. Reducing energy use in cannabis cultivation is part of the state’s plan to
cut emissions by 80 percent below the 1990 level by 2050.
Colorado, where marijuana is de-criminalized, has created a
Retail Marijuana Code while lays down guidelines for energy use. The law mandates that “material changes” in how companies grow their crops must be approved by the Marijuana Enforcement Division.
In Boulder County, authorities require growers to utilize renewable energy or pay a $2.16 kwh fine. The fines pay for other renewable energy projects in the county area, through the
Boulder County Impact Offset Fund. The fund offers cannabis growers access to renewable energy resources, offers education on efficient cultivation practices and encourages better energy use habits in the cannabis sector.
The key to improved energy efficiency will likely come from new technologies—including
new lighting units being tested in British Columbia that are twice as effective as standard lights.
LED lights shine brighter for longer and use less power than standard lighting units—and some companies are
already making the switch to cut down on electricity expenses.
Improved greenhouse practices through dehumidification, improved lighting and use of HVAC to retain moisture
could save up to 70% per flower, according to one cannabis cultivator.
Utilizing green energy and harnessing renewable power for cannabis cultivation might allow cultivators to cut down on energy costs in a huge way. In Oregon, an energy trust has provided $400,000 in incentives to growers, who installed LED lights and a 56.4 Kw solar system, at a cost of $1.1 million—saving them millions in future energy costs.
Investments in new tech, new methods and new approaches will allow cannabis cultivators to stay profitable despite narrowing margins and falling prices. And that means the green boom will keep going.
