As more states pass adult consumption legislation, what does the emergence of this new industry mean for state and local clean energy goals?
Cannabis legislation is creating an exploding new industry unlike traditional agricultural businesses. The race to be the first on the market can incite quick decisions regarding facilities and growing equipment, which often results in substantial energy impacts. Growing cannabis is an energy-intensive process, and as cultivators focus on getting product ready as quickly as possible, it will be easy for energy efficiency to get pushed to the back burner with little concern for increased energy consumption.