Massachusetts tackles carbon emissions from pot after legalization

In cultivation facilities, marijuana producers commonly employ dehumidifiers and high-intensity discharge (HID) lights, which use 80 times the energy of a 100-watt LED bulb. HIDs also generate a significant amount of heat, which then requires ventilation and air conditioning to keep the plants at optimal temperatures.

• The energy use of a marijuana-growing facility is 8–10 times that of a normal office of similar size.
• Producing one pound of cannabis can contribute 3,000–5,000 pounds of carbon dioxide, the equivalent of about 2,670 vehicle miles.
• 3% of electricity use in California goes to growing marijuana, while the city of Denver devotes 4% of its total used energy to cultivation facilities.

To curb emissions, cultivation facilities will need to adopt more efficient (and more expensive) LED lighting and building improvements.

Where it stands: In March, the CCCEWG — which has been tasked with studying and outlining new regulations for energy use for both adult recreational and medical marijuana — put in place new electricity caps and lighting-power density standards that favor LEDs over HIDs.

What's next: The regulations are spurring innovation in sustainable growing technology, LED lighting and hydroponics, to name a few. While these efforts will initially be used in the cannabis industry, they could also benefit other agricultural industries, especially in areas without stable electricity access.

Maggie Teliska is a technical specialist at Caldwell Intellectual Property Law, an intellectual property law firm. She is also a member of GLG, a platform connecting businesses with industry experts.