Why do sometimes the things loved most cause the worst problems. Sugar, chocolate, coffee, salmon and rice are some of the worst crops for the health of the planet. Already climate change is having effects on crops, countries (Maldives) and dramatic weather.
The environmental impacts of alcohol are observed across the entire production and consumption chain and include the depletion and degradation of water resources, greenhouse gas emissions, soil and air pollution and waste production. But are large scale grows of marijuana good for the environment? While not as harsh on the planet as sugar, almonds, and coffee, currently there are issues around legal and black market crops.
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Both are responsible for environmental damage to varying degrees, experts say, potentially contributing to pressures on Earth’s “safe operating space.” Among the concerns are the impacts on freshwater supplies, threats to biodiversity, changes in land use, and potentially vast emissions of CO2, adding to ever-worsening climate change. As cannabis remains a Schedule I drug for the moment, it encourages those in non-legal states to grow marijuana illegally in covered forests, mountains, to clear cut deep in forests.
Black market farmers use enormous amounts of energy to run lights and regulate proper temperatures to grow their crops. Ushering marijuana growers into the light would allow them to embrace more eco-friendly practices, like green energy on solar farms.
New York is particularly enticing for the illegal cannabis business. That’s partly because of the problematic rollout of legal recreational marijuana, with critics saying excessive regulations and a complicated licensing process have stymied legitimate efforts. There is are a significant number of grows to support the 1,500 unlicensed dispensaries.
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Colorado set standards in 2015. Boulder County established rules where licensed growers must use 100 percent renewable, sustainable energy in cultivation. Those who cannot comply due to space or financial reasons, must pay into an energy offset fund, with part of those funds going toward educating growers on how to adopt energy reductive practices. States can adopt similar practices when collecting taxes from marijuana sales, setting aside part of the revenue for eco-focused or conservation projects.
In California, when government officials find illegal grows, they destroy the crops. And they aren’t shy about it either. Environmental Magazine shared law enforcement officers tend to be a it overzealous when it comes to the destruction of illegal marijuana crops. They spray the plants and the lands with harsh herbicides like glyphosate.
Federal legalization would open up traditional farming areas, giving the opportunity for more climate friendly ground and less reliance “grow factories” which are damaging to the environment in multiple ways. Indoor cannabis cultivation is energy-consuming, mainly due to heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and lighting. Energy consumption leads to greenhouse gas emissions.
While using cannabis as a medicine might be at the forefront of the legalization conversation, its boost to the environment shouldn’t be dismissed.
