Is marijuana causing global warming? Energy consumption by cannabis farms may soon rival that of data centers

There are many arguments surrounding whether or not marijuana should be grown and used for medical reasons. But the impact on the climate is one factor in the debate that may have been overlooked - until now. A new report, by a clean energy policy research institute, has found growing marijuana makes up one per cent of energy use in states such as Colorado and Washington.

It says the energy needed to run cannabis farms may soon rival the expenditures from big data centers. These are estimated 100 million metric tons of carbon into the atmosphere every year, according to Takepart.com. The report also warns banks are reluctant to do business with cannabis farms to give them finance to invest in energy efficiency and renewables, even in areas where growing it is legal.

'Utilities and local and state regulators have yet to consider the energy impacts of marijuana cultivation comprehensively,' said Kelly Crandall, an analyst for EQ Research, who wrote the report. EQ Research is a clean energy policy research institute based in North Carolina.

Growing marijuana can use a lot of energy because the operations need to be dehumidified, air-conditions and illuminated. 'Marijuana cultivation may be viewed as a burden that will lead to higher costs and larger environmental footprints.'


Source: Daily Mail
Fri 7 Oct 2016 at 06:59