Marijuana Business Magazine January 2019

final plan called for at least a 100- foot setback between his groundwa- ter wells and processing facility. WHAT WILL THE FUTURE BRING? Looking ahead, states and localities are expected to become even more concerned about the environmental impact of cannabis growers amid concerns over everything ranging from energy use to water pollution. Experts at the Denver sustain- ability symposium cited the recent United Nations report that warned the world population has only 12 years to avert a climate-change catastrophe. “We have 12 years to figure out how to have a somewhat predictable world, which means predictable agriculture,” said Smith of the Resource Innovation Institute. Here are a few examples of recent state and municipal regulations that reflect the growing scrutiny on the environmental impact of cannabis cultivators: • In Massachusetts, indoor cultiva- tors of a certain size in the adult- use marijuana industry face a light- ing density cap of 36 watts per square foot of cultivation space. (Small cultivators are allowed 50 watts per square foot.) • In Colorado, cultivators now face mandatory pesticide testing. • In Oregon, growers must prove they have a legal source of water. Stricter water require- ments are increasing in markets across the country. • In Boulder, Colorado, mari- juana facilities must report energy use and offset their consumption through one of three ways: in- stalling a renewable-energy facility, participating in a verified solar garden or paying into a city fund. “The industry has got to perform at a higher level,” Smith said. If it doesn’t, regulators will probably force it to. South Lake Farms is rehabilitating a spring-fed pond located on its property. Courtesy Photo Wilson, NC info@worldtob.com 252 205 3021 happycuring.com CANNABIS Curing Barns Drying Curing Precision Control Remote Monitoring Operator Variable -Modify to your needs Portability Remote Site Avail - Run on generator Does not need propane or gas HEMP Drying Barns World Class Standard in quality curing Foam insulated wall and roof panels Natural gas, Propane or oil Automatic Controller Service Guarantee!