Cannabis on the horizon

It’s not every day that a whole new revenue stream opens up for greenhouse growers. But in recent years, as cannabis has become legal for various uses across North America, growers are experimenting with the crop. And some are seeing some serious success.

In this issue, we explore the various ways this could be good news for those who choose to get involved in the cannabis industry. Some are choosing to rent out space for hemp production, which you can read more about here. Others, like ColorPoint (one of the largest greenhouses in the U.S.) are jumping into the cannabis industry. Brothers Art and Ken VanWingerden are switching the operation to 100% hemp production. You can read more about that here.

But many are still wary of the crop. I recently visited a greenhouse that was experimenting in cannabis production but was unable to discuss their future plans. And another grower I spoke to said they’re starting production, but was unable to provide any details. It seems as though many are starting to dip a toe into the market to see what they can do. They want to be prepared to make hard decisions about their production space when the right time comes.

According to exclusive research from our sister magazine, Cannabis Business Times, greenhouse production of cannabis is rising, increasing 4% from 2016 to today. And who knows where the market will go from there?

As more and more states legalize hemp and marijuana production — and as the market continues to grow — it’s becoming an increasingly attractive prospect. But it’s also one that requires a lot of leg work and due diligence.

No matter what decision your operation makes, there’s plenty the two industries can learn from each other. As growers forge a path in the constantly changing cannabis market, they’ll face challenges and opportunities that could provide new perspectives on traditional greenhouse operations.

Whether it’s new technology, new methods or new solutions to old problems, it will be exciting to see what happens next.