Illinois Regulators Propose Allowing Outdoor Cannabis Cultivation
Illinois officials propose a major shift in cannabis cultivation policy by allowing outdoor growing. This could drastically reduce energy use and cultivation costs. However, home growers will not benefit from this change.
Background and Current Regulations
State law previously required cannabis to be grown in an “enclosed, locked” facility. This was interpreted by the Department of Agriculture to exclude outdoor growing due to security concerns and potential pesticide drift. A shift occurred after two cannabis companies secured court approvals for outdoor cultivation, with a third following suit.
Outdoor cultivation is already common in states like California and Michigan. Experts suggest it might save up to 76% of the energy typically used in indoor cultivation, aligning with state goals to cut net carbon emissions and potentially lowering consumer prices.
Impact on Small Growers
Scott Redman, founder of the Illinois Independent Craft Growers Association, views this as beneficial for small growers facing high start-up costs. Currently, only 31 of 85 licensed craft growers are operational. This change could offer a path to expand economically without a significant initial investment in indoor facilities.
The proposed regulations permit licensed companies to cultivate outdoors near their facilities under specific conditions. These include enclosing the area with an 8-foot high chain-link fence topped with razor or security wire, and ensuring it remains out of public view. Outdoor crops would be used for extraction, enhancing small-business infusers with more distillate without affecting flower availability for smoking.
Legal and Regulatory Challenges
The issue became contentious when Curaleaf Holdings sought to grow cannabis in hoop houses, but regulators demanded solid-walled facilities. Curaleaf argues that such growing methods are already allowed under current laws. The proposed changes now enter a 45-day public comment period, aiming to set clear health and safety standards.
Comparison to Hemp Cultivation
There is irony in restricting cannabis when hemp, a cannabis plant with minimal THC, can be legally farmed nationwide. Illinois initially permitted and later attempted to retract permissions for outdoor screen houses for two companies, which continued cultivation after winning court rulings.
Overall, indoor cultivation dominates, heavily relying on energy for lighting and climate control. A study equated the industry’s emissions to about 10 million cars, highlighting the environmental impact of current practices.
Industry Reactions and Future Implications
The Cannabis Business Association of Illinois plans to survey members and comment on the proposed changes. Some worry about price and supply impacts due to potentially cheaper outdoor cultivation. “We expect a significant and closely watched rulemaking,” stated Executive Director Tiffany Chappell Ingram, addressing concerns about security, cost, and market effects.
Home Growing Exclusions
Current law limits home growing to registered medical cannabis patients, allowing up to five plants indoors only. Some advocates, including Cole Preston of TheColeMemo.com, urge for outdoor home cultivation to be permitted for easier access and simplicity.
Madeline Scanlon, an activist, underscores the simplicity and lower cost of fenced, locked, outdoor growing for medical patients. She stresses that “outdoor cannabis is already happening without any adverse effects,” urging legislative support for broader adoption.