Does marijuana create a big carbon footprint? Is it even close to green? We all know that the answer is usually no.
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 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.
But the money took over. The indoor grow industry was born, and it took off. Energy use sky rocketed with high intensity lights. Chemicals were used to help maximize the harvest. Fuel was trucked into the back country to run generators.
As the laws prohibiting marijuana relax the suppliers have gone to work. Growing has become an industry, and it has support industries. And whether the electricity comes from an off grid diesel generator or a coal fired plant, the fact is that grow ops use tons of electricity.
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!
Obviously moving back to outdoor growing would reduce the carbon footprint of weed. That move is problematic, though. Laws are too haphazard, and open to various interpretations. Different levels of government treat the herb differently. Additionally, outdoor cultivation is more exposed to theft.
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.
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 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.
But the money took over. The indoor grow industry was born, and it took off. Energy use sky rocketed with high intensity lights. Chemicals were used to help maximize the harvest. Fuel was trucked into the back country to run generators.
As the laws prohibiting marijuana relax the suppliers have gone to work. Growing has become an industry, and it has support industries. And whether the electricity comes from an off grid diesel generator or a coal fired plant, the fact is that grow ops use tons of electricity.
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!
Obviously moving back to outdoor growing would reduce the carbon footprint of weed. That move is problematic, though. Laws are too haphazard, and open to various interpretations. Different levels of government treat the herb differently. Additionally, outdoor cultivation is more exposed to theft.
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.
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:
Have you ever asked the question:how do you grow marijuana? Castulo Zane is well versed in the ways to grow marijuana.