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The realm of cannabis legality can be a confusing one. Many states have passed legislation that makes it legal for people to use marijuana medically. However, state laws do not supersede Federal laws that consider the drug to be an illegal offense. In addition, state laws vary significantly regarding both criteria and implementation of the guidelines. As the laws change and evolve, marijuana farms are coming into existence to enable farmers to produce this controversial crop. How the Industry is Changing Legalization of cannabis is resulting in a rapidly expanding industry. As popular as the organic food industry has become, the marijuana farm industry has the potential to eclipse it. Researchers claim that the market for legal hemp increased 74 percent in 2014, rising from $1.5 billion in 2013 to $2.7 billion in 2014. Researchers predict that this industry will continue to expand over the next five years as more states legalize either recreational or medical use of the drug. Considering Economics As the United States grapples with legalization issues, casting an eye northward can be an illuminating experience. The Canadian federal government recently passed legislation that made it illegal for individual people and small farmers to cultivate medical hemp. The result of this legislation makes it legal only for huge, corporate producers to cultivate pot legally in Canada. The country claims the purpose of the law is to prevent a wide-scale free-for-all from occurring as smaller growers participate in the industry. The bottom line of the legislation is largely economic, however. By banning small-scale growers, the law snuffs out small business and denies these companies the chance to participate in the industry. Limiting competition results in fewer choices for consumers and elevated prices of products. While governments often veil this type of legislation as being protective in nature, these laws tend to be the result of large-scale lobbying that occurs from the huge corporations. Limiting small business competition in this industry benefits the big growers significantly and harms the small ones. Small Vs. Large Companies The methods of operating a marijuana farm often vary from large to small growers. Big organizations often utilize unhealthy chemicals to fertilize crops and kill pests. These businesses also tend to pursue the monoculture model that does not rotate crops cultivated year after year in the soil. In contrast, smaller companies usually utilize healthier methods of cultivation, which involve fewer chemicals and crop rotation. Utilizing practical solutions to solve common issues can be empowering for smaller businesses. Farming Issues Crop management can be an ongoing challenge for growers managing a marijuana farm. Growers must continually monitor for indications of insect infestation. Spider mites are a common nuisance, resulting in wide-spread damage to crops. Mildew is another typical problem for farms. For minor issues, growers might resolve the problem by simply isolating plants. When the problems are significant, it may be necessary to destroy an entire field and plant again. As the industry continues to evolve, growers must change and adapt to adhere with legislation and local practices. If you're looking for a local marijuana farm, visit Eco Firma Farms. Learn more about our services at http://ecofirmafarms.com/home.php.
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