Cannabis cultivation requires enormous amounts of energy despite and in New York there are fears that large-scale grow operations could threaten the State’s aggressive clean energy targets.

The Castetter Cannabis Group recently released a 27-page report developing deep into what the energy needs are of controlled environment growing and what lawmakers could do incentive efficiency. Kate Hruby, the Lead Policy Analyst at CCG and co-author of the report, describes the results and a recommendation that NYS creates a “Green Seal” signifying a product’s efficient production and qualifies the business for tax deductions.

What makes cannabis cultivation so energy-intensive?

How can existing and new technologies help play a role in minimizing negative environmental impacts?

What successes and failures have other states seen in trying to keep cannabis cultivation “green”?