Vertical farming has changed how we think about indoor cannabis cultivation. A multi-tiered grow room has many advantages. However, this method draws skeptics who are wary of making the switch.  Below we’ll separate vertical farming facts from misconceptions and explore ways to rectify common challenges in the field. 

Myth #1: Vertical Farming Is Too Complex

One of the biggest myths about vertical farming is that accessing second, third, or even fourth tiers of the canopy is quite difficult. The truth is that employees can easily reach plants with the right equipment.  Operating a scissor lift or rolling ladder can be hazardous, tiring, and time-consuming. For multiple people to service higher levels at once, cultivators need a safe solution. Pipp Horticulture was driven to solve this concern and created our patented ELEVATE® Platform System. ELEVATE®is a modular walking and working aisle platform that allows cultivators to effectively monitor and tend to upper-level plants. This system is lightweight, offers adjustable mourning options, and is easily managed by one person. So, while indoor vertical farming may appear cumbersome at first glance, it is actually more efficient than traditional cultivation methods in practice. 

Myth #2: Vertical Farming Is Too Expensive

Building a multi-tier facility will have a higher initial cost than a single-tier build. However, the cost per canopy square foot is lower than you may expect. While construction, electrical, plumbing, and HVACD expenses increase as you build upward, the sum of these projects is not twice that of a single-tier build—even though you gain twice the canopy. Thus the cost per canopy square foot to construct and facility is lowest in a multitier design. Additionally, multi-tier facilities offer the lowest cost of production per pound and the most efficient use of space. This enables cultivation businesses to achieve a faster return on investment and increase their valuation per square foot.

Myth #3: Vertical Farming Doesn’t Allow for Proper Airflow

Another myth about vertical farming is that effectively controlling airflow is impossible. The additional canopy brings added HVACD needs—delivering CO2-rich and conditioned air is paramount. Choosing appropriate locations for supply and return air dampers, creating enough aisle and tier space, and providing supplemental fan placement/performance can be challenging to synchronize. However, equipment like Vertical Air Solutions® patented In-Rack Airflow Systems combines EC fans, a proprietary transition, and purpose-built ducting. VAS 2.0 delivers the highest air velocity and the most control in the industry, empowering cultivators to use airflow to optimize their systems and plants.

Myth #4: Vertical Farming Means Poor Drainage

Whether growing in a single or multi-tier system, drainage is key for healthy root zone management, dryback control, and ensuring plant vitality. Multi-tier facilities require proper drainage to prevent overflow and allow for proper water throughput, just like a single tier. The main difference is that in multitier, the drain is usually above your head, so you need to know it works.  Pipp racks and tables are designed to provide a simple, reliable, and scalable solution. Some of these elements include a 3/4-inch slope that leads to one large drain opening per table, providing consistent and controllable water flow. Drains can be connected to flexible or rigid piping, leading to a french drain, sump pump, or other water treatment room. These innovations simplify maintenance and offer an excellent opportunity to test runoff and make fertigation adjustments if necessary.

Myth #5: Vertical Racks Are Difficult to Maneuver

Growers can easily fall for the myth that vertical farming systems are hard to navigate, but it is true that without proper mechanical solutions, serious muscle is required to position and lock rows correctly. Pipp Horticulture’s Mobile Carriages solve these problems and keep labor to a minimum. Our systems are equipped with a mechanical assist, making them incredibly easy to move with one person, even with three or four tiers! There is no need to worry about operating an indoor vertical farm; we can make the switch seamless and frustration-free.

Myth #6: Vertical Farming Isn’t Profitable

Upfront investments and higher perceived operational costs are quickly offset by effective multi-tier designs, like smaller footprints and better room utilization metrics. This increase in production per square foot impacts top-line revenue and margins. For example, let’s assume you have 300 f2 of canopy on a single tier but want to add a second tier to optimize the space. What is the value of this additional canopy space? Let’s assume you yield 65 g/f2 , harvest 5.5 times per year, and sell flower for $1,200 per pound. Now, calculate 300 f2 x 65 g / 454 (convert to lbs) x 5.5 runs a year. That equals 236 lbs x $1,200 provides a gain of $283,480 per room! With that math, the value of every single square foot is around $1,000. That is why every square foot counts in a cultivation facility, they add up quickly. Many cannabis cultivators learned to grow commercially in simple single-tier, HID environments. Based on this foundation, the pressures of increased demand and the need for efficiency, new technology, and purpose-built solutions are fueling the transition to modern commercial multitier. LED-lit multitier gardens are more efficient, consistent, and more profitable than ever before.

Myth #7: Vertical Farming Does Not Produce High-Quality Flower

Phenotypic expression is 50% genetics and 50% environment. Getting the most from each cultivar takes an investment in mechanical solutions, time to refine your cultivation process, and a deep understanding of the capabilities and tolerances of your plants. At Pipp, we have seen incredible results from multiple facilities, not just in person but also on paper. Some of the highest testing COAs for THC and terpenes come from indoor multitier farms, as do some of the highest prices per pound. Objectively, multitier farms produce fantastic cannabis but airflow and PPFD management can be limiting factors. Making sure you are selecting the best tier spacing for your genetics, lights, and cultivation style will help you produce top-quality cannabis on every tier. 

Making The Switch to Vertical Farming

In conclusion, many myths plague the vertical farming industry. Some cannabis cultivators are misled by these misconceptions, creating a level of distrust between them and equipment providers.  However, multi-level can significantly maximize production and revenue. Of course, you should evaluate your facility’s scalability to determine if vertical farming is the right approach for your current and future goals.  Pipp Horticulture’s team of in-house professional engineers, CAD designers, and experienced cannabis operators provides unparalleled support before, during, and after equipment installation. Discover groundbreaking vertical farming technologies with Pipp Horticulture—contact us today! Contact us today!