Although Michigan has legalized medical marijuana since 2018, the state’s market recently made a huge impact after wrapping up its first legal recreational year. In 2020, Michigan’s cannabis industry totaled out to $3.1 billion. The same year, Michigan retailers reported $1 billion in sales.
In a survey conducted by Anderson Economic Group, one in five Michigan residents used cannabis in 2020, which reached a 75% increase since being surveyed in 2010. The country’s thriving cannabis industry has given life to new businesses, new jobs, and revenue for many states. It’s no secret that Michigan has played a major role in this progress, but there remains immense potential ahead.
The New Cannabis Movement
Considering the abundant amount of large corporations and industries established in this world, the cannabis industry is still the new kid on the block. With nearly half the country regulating a medical or recreational cannabis market, this plant is still illicit at a federal level. Right now, there are plenty more questions than answers regarding various angles of the cannabis industry.
Registering for a license, tackling environmental regulations, sorting out retail and bank taxes, to name a few. As time and experience continue for this cannabis movement, these major legal states like Michigan have great potential to make right and lead in an innovative, inclusive way. From cultivators to budtenders, there’s a moral responsibility from each community to help shape this industry to its highest potential.
Cultivating Concerns
Specifically, in the category of cannabis cultivation, there are a lot of factors in uncharted territory. As cannabis continues to rise in demand and production, there are inevitable environmental impacts that cannot continue to go overlooked. Air, water, and energy are some of the many necessities that are extremely important in the industry, yet severely exhaustive.
When Michigan became a fully legal cannabis state in 2018, many state member legislatures came together to conclude an outline of state regulations. The White Paper document was released by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality. The document expressed the long-term impacts mass cannabis production could have on the environment.
There are even specific requests and regulations established for cultivation operations, to prevent damaging ecological areas of the state. “Indoor cultivation operations should not be in proximity to ecologically sensitive land,” the White Paper states, “All land changes and water withdrawals should be carefully controlled. Best management practices such as closed-loop and water reuse systems can help reduce the quantity of water required in cultivation.”
According to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, large-scale cannabis cultivation operations require significant water usage or withdrawal. The amount of water withdrawn by these facilities must be reported through an extensive process and metering system per state order.
This regulation, plus many others listed in the document, are these environmental concerns put into action. Michigan is a leading example of these legal cannabis states that are taking action towards protecting their resources. However, these efforts don’t stop here.
A Wasterwater Recovery Solution
Michigan is only one example of water control and conservation in the cannabis industry. Many major states are suffering from similar, if not worse, consequences already. Luckily, resourceful companies and technologies are emerging in the indoor cannabis and agricultural industry. These businesses are offering environmental solutions to these rising concerns.
Geomat’s Patented water recovery solution allows cannabis cultivation operations to capture and recycle all wastewater used in various processes. As a closed-loop system, water is captured and filtered through a Patented filtration system, then aerated in holding tanks until ready for reuse. This individual system holds the solution to various concerns and regulations centering Michigan and the state’s environmental ecosystem.
A Sustainable Future
Geomat was one of the many companies recently awarded the 2021 Sustainable Leadership Award. Held by Cannabis & Tech Today, Geomat was awarded for its sustainable efforts in water conservation. Among the other Sustainable Leadership Award winners, Glass House Brands is a California brand with sustainably sourced energy in its cultivation. Diamond Packaging offers sustainable cannabis packaging, while Cryo Cure offers their efficient freeze-dried technology. Community organizations such as Ilera Holistic Health and Green Hygienics Holdings Incorporated have implemented sustainable practices in every step of their process.
These companies are paving the way towards a more sustainable future. Major cannabis markets such as Michigan have a great opportunity to do the same.
By implementing efficient environmental standards and practices in everyday cannabis cultivations, this booming Michigan industry has the potential to make a real world impact with these sustainable solutions.