The cannabis industry has made huge waves in the past few years alone, with the future of global legalization having potential for our community and environment. Today, there are now more states that have legalized cannabis either medically or recreationally than states that have not at all.
As it reached its way towards a billion-dollar industry, many governors and public health officials even considered cannabis operations an essential business during a global pandemic crisis.
The quick development of legal cannabis in the last few years alone has presented questions about what the future of global cannabis legalization can look like, as well as the obstacles faced today.
In this article, we’re breaking down the current state of the legal cannabis industry we know today, and what we could expect from global cannabis legalization.
The Wavering State of a Legal Cannabis Industry
All eyes continue to focus on the legal cannabis industry, as countries throughout the world connect their discoveries and turn to legalization. There has been immense progress and profit that has come from the cannabis industry, despite the plant being illegal under U.S. federal law as a Schedule 1 drug.
As time passes, these numbers continue to flourish. In the U.S. alone, legal marijuana sales are expected to triple to $30 billion by 2023. Additionally, by 2028 the legal market is expected to hit $70.6 billion.
Even as a federally illegal substance, investors, manufacturers, researchers, scientists, and even celebrities are focusing their attention and wallets on various cannabis brands, products, and companies.
With the current state of cannabis today, there’s no doubt we have come a long way since the war on drugs. But while this illegal plant is boasting a billion-dollar industry in multiple places around the world, there are many different avenues of cannabis that have a mound of progress still ahead.
Farmers Facing Environmental Challenges & Regulations
Each legal cannabis state holds its complex structure of regulations and rules. For instance, states such as California, Washington, and Arizona have been consistently presented with the issue of water drought and wildfires for decades. Since 2020, each year has been record-breaking for its hot temperatures and low precipitation rates in the Southwest United States.
Most states that legalized cannabis have both a cannabis agency separate from state environmental departments. This often faces operators with an astringent amount of laws, regulations, and fees to adhere to be fully legal and certified to grow, sell, and/or distribute cannabis.
Considering where and how a cannabis operation is running may alter these environmental regulations. For instance, indoor cannabis operations in some legal states may have to follow resource limitations for water supply or energy used. Compared to outdoor cannabis grows, they are required to follow the state’s environmental guidelines to ensure no runoff or waste affects the surrounding environment and wildlife.
Additionally, each state that has legalized cannabis for either recreational or medical use has its own set of environmental laws and regulations - There is no federal enforcement for environmental protection in regards to cannabis agriculture and cultivation.
While no two states will be the same in their laws revolving around cannabis and sustainability, the intent and understanding are shared. Global cannabis legalization can allow this current industry to make a positive impact on the environment through consciously operating with efficient and sustainable practices.
Agricultural and industrial farming for hemp and cannabis can happen in tandem with a collective understanding of the impact it can have on our environment.
The Future of Global Cannabis Legalization
At Geomat, we are committed to making a real-world impact in our communities. We have proudly provided sustainable water containment and recovery solutions to various industries - from the rental car market to the agricultural and cannabis farming markets.
Until overall legalization takes place, it is up to these legalized regions around the world to use their efforts toward a beneficial and positive future for cannabis.
The global legalization of cannabis means correcting the unjust actions that have affected many and equally regulating the cultivation and use of this powerful plant in a fair, civil way for all.
It means continuing conscious efforts towards efficient and sustainable cannabis operations and practices. Energy, water, and waste can all be accomplished through sustainable actions, technology, and everyday efforts for a brighter and greener future.
To learn more about how your cannabis operation can make a sustainable and conscious environmental impact, visit us at www.geomat.com com.