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The greenhouse gas emissions of indoor cannabis production in the United States

Author

Listed:
  • Hailey M. Summers

    (Colorado State University)

  • Evan Sproul

    (Colorado State University)

  • Jason C. Quinn

    (Colorado State University)

Abstract

The legalization of cannabis has caused a substantial increase in commercial production, yet the magnitude of the industry’s environmental impact has not been fully quantified. A considerable amount of legal cannabis is cultivated indoors primarily for quality control and security. In this study we analysed the energy and materials required to grow cannabis indoors and quantified the corresponding greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions using life cycle assessment methodology for a cradle-to-gate system boundary. The analysis was performed across the United States, accounting for geographic variations in meteorological and electrical grid emissions data. The resulting life cycle GHG emissions range, based on location, from 2,283 to 5,184 kg CO2-equivalent per kg of dried flower. The life cycle GHG emissions are largely attributed to electricity production and natural gas consumption from indoor environmental controls, high-intensity grow lights and the supply of carbon dioxide for accelerated plant growth. The discussion focuses on the technological solutions and policy adaptation that can improve the environmental impact of commercial indoor cannabis production.

Suggested Citation

  • Hailey M. Summers & Evan Sproul & Jason C. Quinn, 2021. "The greenhouse gas emissions of indoor cannabis production in the United States," Nature Sustainability, Nature, vol. 4(7), pages 644-650, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natsus:v:4:y:2021:i:7:d:10.1038_s41893-021-00691-w
    DOI: 10.1038/s41893-021-00691-w
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    Cited by:

    1. Parisa Kavousi & Taylor Giamo & Gwen Arnold & Mateo Alliende & Elisabeth Huynh & Jaclyn Lea & Rachel Lucine & Alexandria Tillett Miller & Alana Webre & Aneka Yee & Adrianna Champagne‐Zamora & Keith Ta, 2022. "What do we know about opportunities and challenges for localities from Cannabis legalization?," Review of Policy Research, Policy Studies Organization, vol. 39(2), pages 143-169, March.

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