Seeking common standards in the Indoor Horticulture Industry 🌿
The world of indoor horticulture is a complex network of ever-updating practices, behind it the driving force of innovation.
With the stunning strides we have seen in the indoor cannabis cultivation world within the last 5-10 years, between increased legalisation around the world and an enhanced online and, in turn, communicative world, we are left with the problems that most rapidly evolving industries are – how do we establish unified global standards and once we do how do we keep them up to date?
I believe that the success of our industry and taking advantage of the global opportunity to change how people see cannabis depends on people and organisations working together. We must set common standards and allow for new and creative ideas. It’s essential to meet the needs of all kinds of growers, whether large or small.
Unifying Efforts: Establishing Standards, Protocols, and Guidelines
The path towards establishing common standards, protocols, and guidelines starts with a shared vision: to elevate the indoor horticulture industry to new heights.
Technology manufacturers, researchers, and growers should join forces to create a foundation of best practices that streamline processes, ensure consistency, and guarantee the best possible outcomes for cultivators.
Collaborating on standard guidelines will lay the groundwork for a more efficient and effective industry, from light spectrum optimisation to nutrient management.
Navigating Challenges: Connectivity, Knowledge Sharing and Consistency
As with any collaboration, challenges are bound to arise. Achieving interoperability among various technologies and systems is a hurdle that technology manufacturers must overcome. Ensuring that different equipment can seamlessly work together empowers growers with flexible solutions.
Additionally, knowledge sharing is essential. Bridging the gap between manufacturers’ technical expertise and growers’ practical insights can be a challenge. Consistency in technology adoption can also be tricky, especially when the industry is rapidly evolving.
Overcoming these challenges requires open dialogue and a commitment to finding solutions together in a way that the global cannabis and farming communities have never seen.
Global Uniformity and the THC % Dilemma
In the dynamic landscape of the rapidly evolving global market, it is no surprise that we are witnessing considerable divergence in legislative frameworks worldwide.
The United States serves as a prime example, showcasing regulations’ intricate and sometimes contradictory nature even within a single nation. Driving too far in one direction can transform the legal status of the cannabis in your possession – from being as trivial as cigarettes or alcohol in the eyes of the law to suddenly becoming a chargeable offence carrying potential imprisonment without having even crossed the nation’s borders.
Across Europe, a similar pattern emerges with ongoing dialogues and a journey marked by occasional setbacks. Countries like Germany and the UK have taken steps forward by permitting pharmaceutical distribution of cannabis, while neighbouring France has yet to adopt this approach, leaving the substance prohibited and with no legal way to purchase or obtain it.
Meanwhile, Spain has introduced a distinct social club model, further diverging from the pharmaceutical model seen elsewhere. One might question the significance of global uniformity.
Why should continents or countries align within their borders?
The answer lies in the fact that we are providing consumables, often with medical intent, to human beings. What’s considered standard and accessible in one nation should ideally be mirrored in another from both practical and ethical standpoints.
This lack of consistency also raises concerns about integrity and transparency. When information provided to potential consumers is inconsistent and frequently unreliable, how can individuals ascertain that they’ve selected the right medicinal product? The truth is, they can’t.
Numerous dangers stem from this uncertainty. Among the most prominent is the uncertainty surrounding the use of harmful chemicals during cultivation and their potential persistence in the final cannabis product. Addressing this issue is absolutely critical for the well-being of our global population.
Concerns, Risks and Precautions to take with Cannabis
Yet, there are less-discussed hazards to consider. Take individuals who employ cannabis to address not just physical ailments but mental ones as well. For them, having accurate information about the cannabis they’re about to consume is paramount.
What might be perceived as a helpful remedy could potentially exacerbate mental health issues. An illustration of this quandary can be found in the glaring disparities between THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) percentage values reported in the USA versus Europe. This issue is far from trivial, often dismissed with the assertion that “Californian weed is simply superior”.
However, this discrepancy warrants close scrutiny. The same product could yield significantly different THC percentages when tested in California compared to a European laboratory. This stems from a lack of comprehensive federal oversight in the majority of US testing facilities, leading to inadequate monitoring.
Such a situation poses risks to users, especially when THC percentages can be inaccurately listed on a massive scale. For those seeking mental benefits from cannabis, such inaccuracies could yield effects opposite to their intentions.
In addition, it’s essential to consider the potential hazards stemming from the lack of adequate information available to users. For instance, examining the current pharmaceutical model mentioned earlier reveals an alarmingly insufficient amount of information provided to consumers.
Typically, users are presented with brief descriptions of the presumed effects without any substantiation of their accuracy or acknowledgement of the vast genetic diversity and lack of consistency in monitoring.
This discrepancy sharply contrasts with the broader agricultural and industrial norms, underscoring a scenario where the traditional cannabis community’s existing insights have not seamlessly integrated with these established frameworks.
Why does this disparity persist in Indoor Horticulture Industry?
The answer lies in the fact that if these communities had fully converged, it would have been evident for quite some time that ensuring genetic consistency in cannabis requires substantial logistical and scientific investments. Many nations involved in producing pharmaceutical cannabis for these markets are restricted to importing seeds only as opposed to clones.
In the realm of cannabis, importing 50 seeds translates to the probability of cultivating 50 inherently distinct plants, differing not only in sensory attributes like taste and smell but, more crucially, in their effects. This raises a pivotal question: How can we address the stark incongruence between these brief and often inaccurate descriptions and the complex reality of cannabis effects?
To tackle this issue, a comprehensive and global discourse must be initiated. It’s imperative to acknowledge that the current descriptions inadequately reflect the multifaceted nature of cannabis and its effects. Moreover, the concept of genetic consistency, or the lack thereof, needs to be acknowledged openly.
The traditional cannabis community, the agricultural sector, and the pharmaceutical industry should collaboratively engage in this dialogue to establish a more accurate and informative framework that genuinely serves users’ interests.
In essence, as the global cannabis landscape continues to evolve, achieving a harmonised regulatory framework becomes increasingly essential. This not only ensures consistent access to safe and effective products for medical and recreational purposes but also underscores the necessity of accurate information for users’ well-being, whether physical or mental.
Cultivating Innovation: Collaborations’ Role in Addressing Growers’ Needs
Collaborations have the incredible power to drive innovation by fostering a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by indoor horticulture growers. By actively listening to the needs of cultivators and working closely with them, technology manufacturers can tailor their solutions to provide objective, tangible benefits.
From energy efficiency to crop yield enhancement, innovative technologies can directly address growers’ pain points, resulting in more successful harvests and sustainable operations.
Careful Steps to Avoid Stifling Innovation
After presenting the arguments in favour of enhanced legislation and frameworks, it’s crucial to emphasise that I do not advocate for an overly restrictive approach that holds back home growers or hampers innovation.
From my time at Lumatek and my involvement in cultivation, I’ve come to understand that an environment that prevents the possibility of failure also extinguishes the potential for success. This notion holds true in our industry – unless one is willing to cultivate relatively poor cannabis at least a couple of times, the opportunity to grow the fantastic cannabis you had dreamed of may never be realised.
Undoubtedly, innovation stands as a cornerstone of our industry’s sustainability. Thus, striking a balance is imperative – we must establish frameworks that provide guidance without imposing rules so stringent that they inadvertently impede progress.
This calls for a nuanced approach that acknowledges the need for responsible cultivation practices while fostering an atmosphere where experimentation and learning from mistakes are actively encouraged.
This delicate equilibrium can lead to both the evolution of our industry and the cultivation of exceptional cannabis that pushes boundaries.
The Way Forward: A Shared Commitment to Progress
Having now been at Lumatek Lighting for ten years and truly making my home within the industry, I am dedicated to championing industry collaborations that pave the way for a brighter future in indoor horticulture.
We can create a thriving ecosystem where innovation and excellence are the norm by bringing together technology manufacturers, researchers, growers, and stakeholders.
Establishing common standards, protocols, and guidelines will lay a strong foundation, allowing us to tackle challenges together and drive meaningful change in our industry.
In conclusion, the journey towards industry collaboration and standards is a collective effort that requires dedication, effective communication, along with a receptive attitude towards learning and flexibility.
By working hand in hand, technology manufacturers can create solutions that are not just cutting-edge but also deeply rooted in the needs and aspirations of indoor horticulture growers. As we navigate this exciting era of growth, let us stand united in our pursuit of excellence and progress.
Natalya Gray
CEO Lumatek Lighting
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