6 Tips to Become a Commercial Cannabis Grower

Growing cannabis can be a wonderful venture but just like any other business, it has its fair share of challenges. You will have to deal with growing competition, regulations, as well as daily hurdles like weather fluctuations, equipment failure, and pest issues just to mention a few. With all the possible obstacles, you may be wondering how to hack life as a cannabis grower. Well, you are in the right place! Here are a few tips for success as a commercial cannabis grower:

Acquaint yourself with the state laws

For starters, you should keep in mind that the rules and regulations governing cannabis farming differ from state to state. You have to ensure total compliance with the codes in your state to thrive in the industry. Be aware of all the laws and stay updated with the current trends and guidelines so that you are not on the wrong side of the law. The state can make a few tweaks to the rules, and you do not want to break new rules accidentally. Staying vigilant makes it easier to avoid any trouble.

Prioritize safety

Legality is not the only thing you need to worry about as a cannabis grower. Safety has to be at the top of your priority list too. You can not afford to have your team getting sick in your facility. Be sure to comply with all the OSHA regulations and create a conducive hygienic environment in your facility. Neglecting safety could bring issues with the authorities. Also, employee turnover will likely take a hit if you have an unsafe working environment.

Proper inventory management

Inventory management is mandatory for success in sales regardless of the industry. It is thus a crucial component for any cannabis grower. Staying on top of all inventory tracking and audits will help you spot any discrepancies and be compliant at all times. Consider investing in seed-to-sale tracking software and cutting-edge technology from parsl that will make it possible to assess every stage at every plant in real-time. It will be easier to manage all the processes and stages, from flowering, harvesting, curing, storing, and testing. It will be easier to provide records when the law calls for them if you employ proper inventory management.

Take note of the lighting

Contrary to popular belief, more light does not always translate to more trichome production and better yields. Numerous cannabis strains thrive without needing that much light. Furthermore, when there is too much light, plants fail to finish as fast as you may have thought because of light stress. They may also not be as dense as you’d have preferred. Guess what? You do not need a thousand-watts light to get excellent yield.

It is also possible to ease your plants into natural light. Most growers start their plants in greenhouses or indoors to grant them light all day and night long. However, the plants may sometimes fail to pick up in natural light. To avoid that, opt for a gradual transition. Reduce lighting for a few minutes in the day inside until they learn to thrive in the light levels outside. Alternatively, you could place them in the shade for a few hours so that they get indirect UV rays. That way, it will be easier when you take them outside full time.

Invest in a pump

There is little efficiency in spending hours a day using hoses to fill the tanks with water. A pump will do a neat job feeding the holding tanks feeding into the irrigation systems. It may seem like a substantial upfront investment, but the results will be worth every penny in the long run. The amount of time you spend watering your plants will be reduced significantly. Ensure that the flow is as fast as possible.

Prioritize crop health

You need to maintain excellent crop health to enjoy longevity in the industry. Your customers will be happy to come back for more if they know they are getting a good product. Furthermore, your business will seldom have compliance issues when you ensure good crop health. Execute best practices when growing your crops. Engage reputable suppliers and be prompt with crop maintenance, testing, and pest management. That is the surest way to stay ahead of the competition.

Wrapping up

Cannabis growing calls for numerous resources; soil, water, fertilizers, and equipment. But even with all of these resources, success may be a challenge if you do not employ sustainable practices. Sustainability forms a significant aspect of compliance. Furthermore, it plays an integral role in reducing your carbon footprint. Simple things like opting for LED lighting, hydroponic growing methods, and using natural fertilizers go a long way. They ensure sustainable cannabis growth.