The recent publication of a study in the journal Agricultural Science and Technology has shed light on the significant environmental benefits of cultivating marijuana outdoors compared to indoor production methods. The research, conducted by experts from McGill University in Canada and the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, highlights key findings that can revolutionize the cannabis industry.
One of the pivotal discoveries made in this study is that outdoor cannabis agriculture can be up to 50 times less carbon-emitting than indoor production. This reduction in greenhouse gas emissions can have a profound impact on mitigating climate change and preserving environmental health. The study also delves into other critical environmental factors such as soil acidification and pollution of local waterways, all of which are significantly minimized through outdoor cultivation.
The primary objectives of the research were twofold. Firstly, the researchers aimed to identify optimal fertilizers that could enhance marijuana flower yields and THC production while minimizing input requirements. Secondly, they sought to quantify the shift in environmental impacts resulting from outdoor cannabis production, including greenhouse gas emissions, resource depletion, terrestrial acidification, and eutrophication potential.
While previous studies have primarily focused on indoor marijuana production, there has been a notable lack of research on outdoor cannabis agriculture. The authors emphasized the importance of disseminating their findings to producers, consumers, and policymakers in countries where cannabis production is either legal or undergoing legalization.
A life-cycle assessment (LCA) was conducted to evaluate the environmental impacts of growing marijuana plants outdoors in Quebec over three growing seasons. The study meticulously tracked inputs such as equipment and supplies at the farm and quantified environmental impacts using indicators like global warming potential (GWP), marine and freshwater eutrophication potential (MFEP), terrestrial acidification (TA), fossil fuel depletion (FD), and metal resource depletion (MD).
The researchers focused on cultivating the Candy Cane strain of marijuana, noting its resilience against early frost. They also examined the effects of different fertilizer treatments on marijuana yields and THC production. Notably, their study goes beyond previous research by evaluating impacts on both a yield basis and a THC basis.
The study highlighted that potting media (primarily peat moss) contributed significantly to environmental impacts, particularly in terms of greenhouse gas emissions. By enabling on-site potting media reuse instead of acquiring fresh media every growth cycle, these impacts could be substantially reduced.
Transportation-related burdens associated with new media use were identified as significant contributors to environmental costs. Additionally, factors like perlite production and steam sterilization via diesel combustion were identified as major sources of greenhouse gas emissions in media reuse processes.
In conclusion, this groundbreaking study underscores the importance of transitioning towards sustainable cultivation practices in the cannabis industry. By optimizing fertilizers for enhanced THC production while minimizing environmental impacts, growers can contribute to a greener future for cannabis production. Policymakers and industry stakeholders must take heed of these findings to ensure sustainable growth practices that benefit both the environment and consumers alike.
