Due to the number of people who consume it, the cannabis industry has become a big business for many countries. However, this booming business is coming at a significant environmental cost, especially from greenhouse emissions from commercial indoor production.
According to a study developed by Colorado State University (United States), the demand for cannabis is insatiable in consumers. In fact, there is no evidence that the lawsuit will stop as it is legalized in different countries. The study also analyzes the energy and materials needed to grow the plant, and accounts for the corresponding greenhouse effect emissions.
In this way, the researchers discovered that the greenhouse effect emissions from cannabis production are mainly due to the production of electricity as well as the consumption of natural gas indoors. Similarly, high intensity grow lights and carbon dioxide supplies for plant growth are a significant energy expenditure.
United States, leader in legalization
On the other hand, researchers have found that carbon emissions can vary depending on where the product is grown (mainly due to the climate and emissions from the electricity grid). Thus, if the United States is analyzed, one of the leading countries in the legalization of cannabis, it can be seen that greenhouse gas emissions are between 2,283 and 5,184 kilograms of carbon dioxide per kilogram of dried flower.
In contrast, according to the Cannabis Energy Report published by New Frontier Data, the emissions generated in growing cannabis outdoors and in greenhouses are approximately 326 kilograms of carbon dioxide per kilograms of flower. However, this report only takes into account electricity expenses, while the research carried out by scientists at the University of Colorado is much more comprehensive.
On the other hand, the researchers were surprised to discover that heating and air conditioning and ventilation systems had the highest energy expenditure, since a specific temperature and humidity are required.
Now, scientists are focused on raising funds to continue the research, as they want to carry out a comparison between growing cannabis indoors and outdoors. Additionally, they would like to help the industry address environmental concerns.
