Cannabis Grow Facilities Consume 100 Times More Energy Than The Average Walmart
Indoor cannabis cultivation in the United States consumes more energy than all outdoor agriculture combined, primarily due to the need for specialized lighting, climate control and ventilation systems. This high energy demand is exacerbated by legal requirements mandating in-state production, which often leads to reliance on energy-intensive indoor facilities.
Despite the industry’s rapid growth, there has been limited focus on its environmental impact. A recent study undertaken by Evan Mills of the Energy and Resources Group of UC Berkeley, points out that indoor cultivation accounts for approximately two-thirds of U.S. marijuana production and is a major emitter of greenhouse gases. For instance, producing four pounds of cannabis in an indoor facility can consume as much electricity as an average American home uses in a year.
Indoor cultivation is also …