In our recent webinar, we discussed navigating the critical start-up phase of your operations—from initial concept and planning to commissioning and baselining. This session gave attendees the knowledge and tools to move smoothly from design to full-scale cultivation.
They learned how to avoid common mistakes and build a strong foundation for long-term success. At the end of the webinar, we held a Q&A session to address viewer questions. Below are some of the top questions we received and their responses.
Q1: What is the minimum space required to start testing the operation of a production facility?
The minimum space required to start testing the operation of a cannabis production facility depends on your goals, scale, and intended market (medical vs. recreational). For testing purposes and early-stage operations, a general guideline is around 500 to 1,000 square feet. Here’s a breakdown of what this size can accommodate:
- Cultivation Space: A flowering room of around 200-500 sq. ft. can house approximately 30-60 plants, depending on your setup (vertical or horizontal growing) and strain specifics.
- Vegetative Room: A separate space of 100-200 sq. ft. for plants in the vegetative stage.
- Support Areas: Areas for storage, drying, trimming, and curing, which could take up an additional 100-300 sq. ft., depending on your operational flow.
- Laboratory or R&D Space: A small lab or workspace (50-100 sq. ft.) for recording data and adjusting variables can be essential for refining processes.
For more specialized testing operations, additional space may be needed for environmental control and possibly a cloning room or nursery area. Commercial-scale production typically requires larger facilities ranging from 10,000 to 100,000 sq. ft. or more.
Q2. How high should the walls be when using double-tiered racking systems?
The required height for cannabis production depends on whether you’re moving into an existing building or constructing from scratch. For small-scale operations, two-tier racks with 8-foot tall shelving in rooms with a 10-foot ceiling can be used, but these tight configurations should only be considered by advanced cultivators.
Optimized setups usually feature 12-14-foot tall racks for two-tier operations, with an additional 2-4 feet of headspace above the racking. This extra space accommodates essential equipment like HVAC+D systems, ducting, sprinklers, and other utilities, and serves as a thermal buffer to prevent heat buildup from affecting the plants on the second tier.
Q3: Are there different processes for cultivating different types of marijuana (e.g., Sativa, Hemp, and medical marijuana)?
While Sativa, Indica, Hemp, and medical cannabis share common growing practices, each has specific requirements tailored to cannabinoid profiles, desired effects, and regulatory constraints:
- Hemp Cultivation: Growers must meet legal THC limits and avoid stressing the plants to prevent THC production. Hemp is often grown in open fields similar to traditional crops.
- Cannabis Cultivation: Medical and recreational cannabis is usually grown indoors or in greenhouses, where environmental factors such as light cycles, temperature, and humidity can be tightly controlled. For example, shorter light cycles during flowering promote the production of cannabinoid-rich buds.
- Organic & Sustainable Practices: Many growers prioritize organic cultivation methods, appealing to consumers seeking chemical-free products. This is less of a concern with industrial hemp, treated more like a cash crop.
Q4: What is the importance of keeping records in cultivation?
Regardless of your cultivation scale, data collection is crucial. The goal is to develop a winning “blueprint” that consistently delivers the desired yield, potency, terpenes, and overall quality. A data-driven blueprint makes it easier to replicate successes and fine-tune processes for continuous improvement.
Q5: What are your thoughts on using solar energy in cultivation?
While we support the idea of using solar energy, several factors have hindered its widespread adoption in cannabis cultivation:
- High Initial Costs: The upfront investment for solar technology can be substantial.
- Energy Needs: Cannabis cultivation is energy-intensive, often exceeding what solar panels can provide.
- Space Limitations: Cultivation may require land that could otherwise be used for growing rather than solar installations.
- Regulatory Barriers: Permitting processes for solar installations can be complex.
- Intermittent Energy Supply: Solar energy is variable and may require backup systems, increasing costs.
- Financing and Incentives: While there are incentives for solar installation, not all cultivators may be aware of or able to access these financial benefits. Additionally, securing financing for solar projects can be challenging.
- Long ROI: The return on investment (ROI) for solar installations can take several years, which might not align with the financial goals of some cultivators.
- Grid Dependence: Some cultivators may prefer to remain connected to the electrical grid for more reliable or cheaper energy.
As the industry matures and sustainability becomes a priority, more cultivators may explore solar power as technology advances and costs decrease, coupled with potential changes in regulations and incentives.
Q6: Is Pipp Horticulture willing to set up operations in Bermuda?
Yes, Pipp Horticulture has installations around the world and a team dedicated to global sales and service. We are currently working with groups in Bermuda for non-cannabis controlled environment agriculture (CEA).
Q7: Does Pipp provide RCx services, and what is the cost?
Pipp does not offer RCx services at this time. However, you can reach out to groups like Zartarian Engineering and Catalyst BC for these services. Costs typically vary based on the size of the facility, equipment selected, and scope of work.
Q8: What are the best lights, CO2 levels, and growing mediums for indoor expansion?
The best lights, CO2 levels, and growing mediums depend on your company goals, budget, and grower experience. Our team can help you determine the best solutions for your specific project objectives.
Q9: Where can you find a list of third-party commissioning firms specializing in cannabis CEA?
There is not a single firm that can perform full commissioning, that we are aware of, but you can most likely cover full commissioning between 2-3+ companies that offer specialized services. Companies that our customers have worked with in the past include Zartarian Engineering (zartarianengineering.com) and Catalyst BC (catalyst-bc.com).
Cannabis Business Times (CBT) and Cannabis Industry Journal often publish directories and articles on service providers in the cannabis industry, including those focused on cultivation and CEA. They may feature lists of top consultants or engineering firms with expertise in cannabis. Additionally, the National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA) offers resources, directories, and member connections, where you can find vetted service providers specializing in cannabis CEA, including commissioning and compliance.
Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) organizations like the CEA Alliance or CEA Grow sometimes maintain directories of specialized firms, and many are branching into cannabis as the industry expands.
Industry networking platforms, such as LinkedIn and MJBizDaily’s marketplace, can help you locate experienced commissioning firms by searching for keywords like “commissioning services,” “controlled environment agriculture,” and “cannabis.”
Trade shows and conferences such as MJBizCon, CEA Summit, and other cannabis cultivation expos often have lists of exhibitors and speakers who are consultants or firms in this space. These events frequently publish exhibitor directories, which can be helpful in finding industry-specialized commissioning providers.
Q10: Have you found success with branded merchandise for cultivation facilities?
If you’re referring to branded merchandise like hats, shirts, and other promotional items, then yes, we’ve found success depending on how you define it. While these items may not drive significant revenue, they play a valuable role in brand recognition and public exposure. Additionally, they aren’t subject to Section 280E of the tax code, which disallows deductions for expenses related to businesses involved in federally illegal substances, like cannabis. If cannabis were rescheduled, this would change, but for now, operators must follow Section 280E’s guidelines.
On the other hand, if you’re referring to branded cannabis CPG products, then yes as well. Developing a strong brand with thoughtfully designed packaging, logos, and an aligned marketing strategy is essential for success. Over the past decade, operators have increasingly invested in brand identity, focusing on the details of packaging to represent quality.
For high-end or connoisseur brands, it’s especially important that product quality matches the caliber of the branding. Markets tend to respond poorly to high-end packaging if the product itself doesn’t deliver a similarly high standard.
Q11: What funding options are available for a micro-cannabis license in DE?
Securing funding through institutional lending can be challenging for micro-cannabis licenses. Many find success by raising funds through friends and family. Consulting with financial advisors experienced in cannabis financing is recommended.
Q12: Is there any chance marijuana will not be rescheduled in December?
While anything is possible, it is difficult to predict the outcome. We recommend staying updated with industry news and developments.
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