Marijuana Cultivation Energy and Environment Guidance: Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission Announces Update Initiated

The Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission (“MCCC”) is undertaking a process to update its Energy and Environment Compiled Guidance (“Guidance”) for various medical marijuana related facilities.

MCCC states it is updating the energy and environment leadership criteria to align with its Guidance.

Important aspects of medical and nonmedical marijuana facilities in those states that have marijuana programs are the potential energy, environmental and safety issues and regulatory requirements. This is arguably particularly true in the case of marijuana cultivation, grow and processing operations. The potential environmental effects and energy usage can be significant. Equally important are resource demands for such facilities such as water usage. There are clearly material issues for cultivation/grow facilities that require investment in terms of both thought and expense.

Massachusetts, California and a number of other states have put in place a variety of air, waste water, water resources, solid waste, employee safety and other requirements to address energy, environmental and health and safety issues related to these activities. For example, the California cannabis policy establishes requirements for cultivation activities to protect water quality and stream flows. Its purpose is to ensure that the diversion of water and discharge of waste associated with such activities do not have a negative impact on water resources.

Both public and private utilities are also affected by cultivation operations in view of such issues as:

• Significant energy consumption by marijuana cultivation facilities
• Medical marijuana cultivation, manufacturing (infusion) and dispensary use of water and waste water services

The Guidance developed by the MCCC addresses a number of these issues in a 58-page document. The purpose of the Guidance is to assist various types of marijuana facilities in:

. . . developing energy efficiency and environmental best practices, and to comply with state laws and regulations.

Information addressed includes:

• Energy
  • Guidance on Basic Energy Efficiency Practices & Reporting for MEs
  • Guidance on Energy Efficiency Standards & Reporting for Cultivation Facilities
  • Grandfathering & Energy Extension
• Best Management Practices
  • Guidance on Best Management Practices for Water Use
  • Guidance on Best Management Practices for Waste Management
  • Guidance on Best Management Practices for Integrated Pest Management
• Appendices
  • Appendix A: Checklists for Energy Compliance
  • Appendix B: DLC Horticulture QPL Process

A link to the Guidance can be found here.