Illinois regulators have proposed a significant policy change allowing cannabis companies to grow the plant outdoors. This shift aims to reduce energy use and cultivation expenses. However, personal growers won’t benefit from this change. Current state law demands cannabis be cultivated in an “enclosed, locked” facility, previously interpreted to bar outdoor growing due to security and pesticide concerns.
This proposal follows legal actions where two cannabis companies secured court approval for outdoor growing, and a third pursued similar litigation. Outdoor cultivation is standard in states like California and Michigan, known for legalized cannabis. Studies indicate up to 76% energy savings compared to indoor cultivation, aligning with Illinois’ carbon emission reduction goals. This could also lower consumer prices.
Scott Redman, of the Illinois Independent Craft Growers Association, believes this proposal is crucial for small-scale growers. Current challenges include high startup costs and financing difficulties, with only a third of licensed growers operational. Redman states, “For those operating, it allows a faster and more economical route to expanding to the full state limit of a 14,000-square-foot canopy.” The proposal would permit outdoor cultivation adjacent to existing facilities, contingent on specific security measures like an eight-foot chain-link fence topped with security wire.
Only cannabis intended for extraction, such as concentrates for edibles, vapes, and oils, can be grown outdoors. Redman notes this will not increase the availability of smokable cannabis flower but benefits small-business infusers with more distillate.
The issue gained prominence last year when Curaleaf Holdings, the largest U.S. cannabis company, initiated a lawsuit. It sought the ability to grow in hoop houses beside its current facility. Regulators required solid walls and ceilings for such areas. Curaleaf’s statement emphasizes their ongoing review of the proposal, advocating for regulatory safety, security, and efficiency.
The public has 45 days for comments before the new rules could be finalized. The Department of Agriculture emphasizes health and safety standards consistency and its commitment to a safe and regulated cannabis industry. The irony of this debate is highlighted by hemp’s legality, even as intoxicating derivatives face federal and state bans this November.
Illinois initially approved but later tried to retract outdoor screen-house growing permissions for companies like Green Thumb Industries. These companies won court rulings supporting their operations. Most of Illinois’ cannabis industry relies on indoor growth, a practice involving high energy consumption. Studies show the cannabis industry’s greenhouse gas emissions are comparable to those from 10 million cars annually.
The state’s climate permits one or two outdoor harvests annually, extendable through greenhouses. The Illinois Cannabis Business Association, representing significant industry players, plans to survey members. Tiffany Chappell Ingram, the association’s director, mentioned concerns about security, costs, and price impacts from outdoor cultivation.
Currently, only registered medical cannabis patients in Illinois may grow up to five plants indoors. Advocates like Cole Preston, of TheColeMemo.com, argue for inclusive outdoor cultivation permission. He notes the simplicity and reduced costs of outdoor operations compared to elaborate indoor setups. Cannabis activist Madeline Scanlon also argues for outdoor home-growing as an affordable and accessible option for medical patients.