This article originally appeared in the April 2018 print issue of Cannabis Business Times. To subscribe, click here.
It is easy to make mistakes when planning a new facility or upgrading to large-scale production. Many cultivators have gone through the process of building a facility only to discover later that a mistake was made and that the systems, methods and environmental controls are not compatible. When this occurs, business owners are forced to expend massive amounts of time and capital on a do-over. A multitude of factors need to be considered when designing a facility, and ample opportunity exists for missteps. The decisions you make will often dictate your fiscal success or failure. To avoid costly mishaps, here are important factors to consider when planning or designing a grow.
PROTECTION/PEST PREVENTION
1. Employee Decontamination Areas
All persons entering the facility must change attire. Street clothes and shoes must be replaced by regularly cleaned work clothes that are free from pests and diseases. After changing, the employee should further decontaminate his or her feet (by walking through hydrogen peroxide and foaming agents) and hands (by submerging in disinfectant) prior to entering any cultivation area. Plan for proper decontamination zones, or risk having outside pests and diseases tracked into the grow rooms.
2. A Sealed Environment
As of late, I have seen many growers building greenhouses with direct access to the outside environment, meaning they open a huge door, and their plants are immediately and directly exposed to the elements. A completely sealed environment is preferred in commercial operations. Why would it be any different for cannabis? The more controlled an environment is, the easier it is to prevent or minimize infestations.
3. Greenhouse Coverings
There have been many recent greenhouse cover advancements, but beware: Not all coverings are created equal. A covering that does not inhibit ultra-violet (UV) light transmission is vital. Coverings that inhibit UV light transmission are detrimental to THC production. Diffused light that still allows proper light spectrum is equally important. When choosing which covering to employ, convey all required parameters to the manufacturer.
To read the full article in the April 2018 issue of Cannabis Business Times, click here.
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