Over the past decade, state-level legislation has opened the door for many farmers to delve into the world of growing cannabis. This historically criminal crop is now a legitimate, bustling industry with a legal pipeline to profits for farmers who are willing to put in the work. Like many other farming operations, at scale, growing cannabis can be an expensive process when you factor in electricity costs. This is just one of the many challenges budding cannabis farmers face. At Sun Farmer’s Group, we have a unique approach to how we help farmers save money on their energy bills. In this article, we will discuss things you should consider before becoming a cannabis farmer and some ways you can potentially boost your profits by setting up a solar cannabis operation.
What Is Cannabis Farming?
Cannabis farming is the process of growing cannabis or “marijuana” plants with the intent to sell the harvested crops to distributors and licensed retailers for either recreational or medicinal use. The plant can be grown both indoors and outdoors, depending on the location and the preference of the farmer. For the purposes of this article, we will not be including people or operations where the growing is intended for personal use as these at-home kits and growers do not experience the same volume and strain on utilities as commercial growers.
How to Become a Cannabis Farmer in 6 Steps
Maybe that sounds a little too easy. The truth is, becoming a cannabis farmer can be a labor-intensive process that requires a lot of work. Nonetheless, if you’re still interested in becoming a cannabis farmer, here are six things you should consider before getting your operation up and running.
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- Research. Research. Research. Although growing cannabis is legal in many states in the US, it doesn’t mean you can just plant a bunch of seeds and start growing. It’s incumbent upon the farmer to extensively research all of the state and local laws as they pertain to growing cannabis for commercial use. This can be everything from regulations, licensing, and even potential zoning laws. It’s also important to do your own market research to determine whether or not there is a enough demand in your region.
- Educate yourself. If you’re reading this article, it’s possible that you’ve never grown cannabis. That’s fine! However, as any new farmer, you will need to familiarize yourself with how cannabis is grown. Take a course. See what your local university or college offers online so that you can brush up on as much knowledge as possible before you get the ball rolling. You can even lean on other farmers in your area for tips and extra resources.
- Start small and experiment. The last thing you want to do is set up a major operation and make a mistake, wasting a ton of time and money in the process. Try a run of small grows until you get the hang of it. Making mistakes on a smaller operation isn’t nearly as costly and it’s far easier to manage and learn.
- Choose a location and setup. It’s decision time! The two primary methods for growing cannabis are outdoors or using an indoor hydroponic setup. If you decide to farm cannabis outdoors, you will need to choose a location that is favorable for the plant, including high heat, dry air, and a 12/12 daytime and nighttime cycle for optimal growth and flowering. The advantage of an indoor operation is that the farmer has total control over lighting, temperature, and other environmental factors.
- Purchase equipment and seeds. This is especially critical if you plan on doing an indoor operation. You will need to put together an equipment list and get everything set up, including seeds. This is also an opportunity for you to pick the strain you want to grow and learn more about how each different type grows and the customer demand in both the medical and recreational industries.
- Put together your marketing and business strategy. There are many avenues you can take to get into the cannabis business. You can sell directly to consumers. Sell wholesale to licensed businesses. You can even start your own brand and business to sell to the public. Whatever you choose, you need to make sure you have a strong business and marketing plan in place to start moving your product. This includes setting financial goals, calculating operating costs, forecasting, market research, and more. It’s a business just like any other, and you have to make profits if you want to stay in it.
How Solar Energy Can Make Cannabis Farming More Profitable
Regardless of whether you choose indoor or outdoor farming for your cannabis operation, you’re going to need a significant amount of energy to keep it running properly. Installing solar energy on your farm or grow operation can significantly reduce and eventually eliminate your power bill altogether. Cannabis farmers can use this money to reinvest back into their farm or enjoy the increased profit margins without the looming electricity bill waiting in the mail every month. Even better, farmers who use solar energy can add a sustainability component to their packaging and marketing. Having a product that is grown sustainability through solar energy is a potentially appealing bullet point for eco-conscious consumers when looking to set yourself apart in a crowded market. Either way you slice it, solar energy is an undeniable win for cannabis farmers.
Final Thoughts on How to Become a Cannabis Farmer
Becoming a cannabis farmer is a lot of hard work. It can also require jumping through a lot of legal and legislative hurdles to get up and running. Even once you’re operational, staying compliant and within the legal boundaries is a never ending process. However, the cannabis industry is booming, and there’s plenty of opportunity for farmers to make money. There’s even more money to be made if you make your cannabis operation solar-charged. Happy farming, and good luck with your future endeavors!
How Sun Farmer’s Group Can Help
Sun Farmer’s Group is the first true turnkey solution for agricultural solar energy. Our proprietary program has brought all of the in-house expertise to the table in grant writing, financing, tax credit monetization, installation, and so much more. Unlike other companies, Sun Farmer’s Group empowers farmers with a no-money down solution that greatly reduces and eventually eliminates your power bill altogether. The future is as bright as the sun, and we’ll help you turn it into power!
Get in Touch
If you’re ready to learn more about how Sun Farmer’s Group can help you put more money in your pocket, call 877-417-3222 today!
Disclaimer: This article should not be used as legal advice. You are responsible for knowing the laws surrounding cannabis growing and distribution in your state. Sun Farmer’s Group assumes no responsibility for anyone attempting to engage in any illicit activity.