Why Green Should Go Green

 

 

The debate over the legalization of marijuana has recently reached an all-time time high. A recent Gallup poll shows that Americans are more open to the idea of legalizing marijuana than ever before. Currently the marijuana industry is one of the least green sectors of the entire United States economy. It is estimated that indoor marijuana cultivation accounts for around one percent of the nation’s electricity consumption. According to a study conducted by Evan Mills of Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, the amount of energy needed to grow a single joints worth of marijuana in an indoor grow house could keep a 100-watt bulb running for 17 hours. Currently standing at a multi-billion dollar industry, the amount of energy wasted on indoor marijuana growing will continue to rise higher and higher.  In California alone the amount of energy used by grow houses is equivalent to the amount needed to power 3 million average homes. Indoor marijuana growing necessitates such a substantial level of energy for a variety of reasons including 1,000 watt lights to mimic the sun’s rays. Additionally, air conditioners, dehumidifiers, and fans are needed in order to control the indoor climate.  It is clear that something must be done in order to increase the sustainability of the marijuana industry. If growers were able to swap to outdoor growing then the strain on the environment will significantly be reduced. Regardless of the how people feel about the use of marijuana they should support legalization and outdoor growing in order to protect the environment.