The cannabis industry needs to consider low emission solutions for what is typically a resource heavy industry.
Earlier this week planners approved a proposal to build a production facility on the Ronaldsway industrial estate, with Grow Lab Organics saying it intends to use renewable energy when it comes online.
Quizzed by Speaker Juan Watterson, Clare Barber said DEFA is “very mindful of the power system, emissions and environmental
implications of potential cannabis development in the Isle of Man”.
She added: “New energy intensive industries have an impact on the Island’s emissions as they can increase the amount of power consumed, which is a challenge whilst our electricity supply is dependent on fossil fuels as emissions could rise significantly.”
Intensive
The cannabis industry, particularly where the plants need to be grown indoors, is typically very energy and water intensive.
Mrs Barber said: “In that form, it is difficult to see how it can be balanced against our climate goals.
“However, it may be possible for alternative approaches to this challenge (for example access to renewable electricity) to be developed to enable cannabis cultivation facilities to sustainably meet their own energy and water needs without negatively impacting the wider island community or environment.
“Before the island’s electricity supply is decarbonised in 2030, and even after this point, it is important for the developing cannabis industry to consider a low emission, sustainable solution that is consistent with the Island’s climate change obligations – and incumbent upon government to protect our ability to reach our climate goals.”
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