What will more regulation mean for MMJ growers?

Right now, cannabis in the United States is a hotly debated topic. Many people are anti-prohibition citing medicinal uses, economic growth, job-creation and removing its incentive from underworld criminals as reasons for creating a legitimate, regulated cannabis industry. Others see negative impacts of legalization, believing that cannabis is harmful and prohibition only keeps citizens safe. But more and more, the consensus is moving toward the former with a new poll suggesting 93% of voters support medical marijuana and 59% support full legalization. Elections in November highlighted this trend as four states adopted medical and another four voted in favor of adult-use programs. Now a record 60% of the United States’ population live in a state that has legalized in some form.

One argument for legalization is that marijuana will continue to be around and that a regulated market is a safer market. Regulation would allow federal organizations and research groups to study the plant, determine its benefits and risks and make recommendations on how to cultivate and consume it in a healthy and safe way. This includes everything from safe cultivating practices, to improved technology on how to test for impaired drivers, to energy consumption. Which then begs the question: What will more regulation mean for cultivators?

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