Hazy Regulations: Cannabis and the Environment

November 2022
Citation:
52
ELR 10865
Issue
11
Author
Chandler Randol, John Kagia, Kaitlin Urso, and Robert L. (Buzz) Hines

The U.S. legal cannabis market is an estimated $60 billion industry, with approximately 28,000 businesses operating and employing upwards of 300,000 people, and growing rapidly. Large-scale cultivation requires significant energy usage, nutrient and pesticide inputs, and water usage, resulting in cumulative environmental impacts. Addressing these concerns raises complex legal issues because of cannabis’ federal classification as a Schedule 1 narcotic, which prevents federal agencies from collecting data on, providing guidance to, or regulating the industry. This has led to fragmented state regulations that differ widely in regulating its impacts. On July 7, 2022, the Environmental Law Institute hosted a panel of experts who explored these legal and technical challenges, the environmental impacts of cannabis production, and opportunities to improve sustainability. Below, we present a transcript of that discussion, which has been edited for style, clarity, and space considerations.

Chandler Randol (moderator) was the Manager of Educational Programs at the Environmental Law Institute. John Kagia is the Chief Knowledge Officer at New Frontier Data. Kaitlin Urso is a Cannabis Environmental Consultant with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Robert L. (Buzz) Hines is a Partner with Farella Braun + Martel LLP.

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Hazy Regulations: Cannabis and the Environment

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