The legal marijuana market is expanding as recreational and medicinal restrictions are increasingly lifted in the U.S. As a result of this: How can environmental regulations keep up with an industry that requires excessive amounts of water and contributes additional runoff of pesticides and other contaminants that threaten water supplies, wildlife, and vegetation? Are cultivation practices such as aeroponics and energy-efficient greenhouses enough to offset the environmental impact? Does the onus of sustainable practices fall to the growers or the state?

Two issues here. Is the water consumption/disruption comparable to what marijuana could displace? If the industry really takes off, will anyone worry :)?

How Will the Growing U.S. Marijuana Market Impact the Water Industry?

Published on August 16, 2017 10:00 by Jake B in Social

The legal marijuana market is expanding as recreational and medicinal restrictions are increasingly lifted in the U.S. As a result of this:

How can environmental regulations keep up with an industry that requires excessive amounts of water and contributes additional runoff of pesticides and other contaminants that threaten water supplies, wildlife, and vegetation?
Are cultivation practices such as aeroponics and energy-efficient greenhouses enough to offset the environmental impact?
Does the onus of sustainable practices fall to the growers or the state?

Taxonomy

Sustainable Agriculture
Resource Management
Water Resource Management
Water Resources
Sustainable Water Resource Management
Natural Resource Management
Irrigation Management
Resource Management