Despite the massive investment by some in the industry, outdoor grows are the healthier, cleaner option

Like fruits and vegetables, outdoor floors yield the richest flavor and the least expensive products. The same can be said about cannabis, outdoor marijuana grows are better all the way around. When the industry started becoming legal, hundreds of millions were invested in indoor grow with the assumption cost per pound would stay high. Companies like Tilray built massive indoor grows, but over time they have caused expensive upkeep, high consumer prices, and upset neighbors. And do they produce the best cannabis? By leveraging natural resources like sunlight and soil, this method reduces environmental impact, enhances product quality, and fosters community harmony.

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Outdoor cannabis cultivation drastically lowers greenhouse gas emissions compared to indoor growing. Research shows outdoor farming can emit up to 50 times less carbon dioxide than indoor production, which relies heavily on artificial lighting, air conditioning, and dehumidifiers. Additionally, outdoor grows eliminate the need for energy-intensive equipment, reducing electricity consumption and promoting sustainability. Water conservation is another key advantage; outdoor farms often use natural rainwater or precision watering techniques, minimizing waste. Furthermore, the absence of chemical fertilizers in many outdoor setups helps protect local ecosystems from pollution.

Outdoor growing is more cost-effective for both producers and consumers. It eliminates expenses associated with indoor cultivation—such as high electricity bills and specialized equipment—making cannabis more affordable. For home growers, cultivating outdoors fosters a connection with nature while empowering individuals to produce their own medicine sustainably.

Sun-grown cannabis benefits from exposure to full-spectrum natural light, enhancing its terpene profiles and cannabinoid production. This results in richer flavors, aromas, and potency that indoor setups struggle to replicate. Outdoor cultivation also allows plants to grow larger and healthier due to unrestricted space and access to diverse soil nutrients. This translates to higher yields and better-quality products for consumers. Additionally, outdoor-grown cannabis often develops unique characteristics influenced by the local terroir, offering a diverse range of experiences akin to wine production.

Outdoor marijuana farms are less disruptive to neighborhoods compared to indoor facilities. Indoor grows often require extensive infrastructure upgrades, leading to increased energy demand and noise pollution from machinery. There has been an uprising by some local governments about the grows.

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It will take more than Irish luck to help the cannabis industry win over the DEA.

Million of consumers are fans of cannabis, not only to chill out but for medical reasons. In fact, it has become a replacement for alcohol and spanned a movement call California sober. Aside from the thousands of mom and pop small business owners, cannabis employees over 440,000 people. Even the staid AARP has agreed it has health benefits. Over 80% of the country believe it should be legal in some form, but the cannabis industry needs luck with the DEA to move forward. Rescheduling cannabis means changing its classification under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), moving it from a more restrictive schedule (like Schedule I) to a less restrictive one (like Schedule III), acknowledging its potential medical uses while still maintaining regulatory controls. 

The delay stems from allegations of improper communications between DEA officials and anti-rescheduling witnesses. While Judge Mulrooney rejected some key arguments from rescheduling proponents, he granted a request for leave to file an interlocutory appeal, effectively putting the entire process on hold.

The transition to the current administration has further complicated matters. On February 11, 2025, Terrance C. Cole was nominated for DEA administrator, an individual known for his opposition to cannabis reform. This nomination signals a potential shift in the DEA’s approach to marijuana policy, which could further impede rescheduling efforts.

Even if rescheduling were to move forward, it would face significant regulatory challenges. Critics argue that as a Schedule III drug, marijuana would remain under DEA regulation, requiring the approximately 15,000 cannabis dispensaries in the U.S. to register with the DEA and fulfill strict reporting requirements.

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The cannabis industry eagerly awaits rescheduling, as it would bring significant benefits, including the ability to claim federal tax deductions and credits currently prohibited under 26 U.S.C. § 280E. However, the ongoing delays and potential policy shifts under the new administration have created uncertainty in the market.