Cannabis Cultivation Facilities: A Review of Their Air Quality Impacts from the Occupational to Community Scale

This review addresses knowledge gaps in cannabis cultivation facility (CCF) air emissions by synthesizing the peer-reviewed and gray literature. Focus areas include compounds emitted, air quality indoors and outdoors, odor assessment, and the potential health effects of emitted compounds. Studies suggest that beta-myrcene is a tracer candidate for CCF biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs). Furthermore, beta-myrcene, D-limonene, terpinolene, and a-pinene are often reported in air samples collected in and around CCF facilities. The BVOC emission strength per dry weight of plant is higher than most conventional agriculture crops. Nevertheless, reported total CCF BVOC emissions are lower compared with VOCs from other industries. Common descriptors of odors coming from CCFs include skunky, herbal, and pungent. However, there are few peer-reviewed studies addressing the odor impacts of CCFs outdoors. Atmospheric modeling has been limited to back trajectory models of tracers and ozone impact assessment. Health effects of CCFs are mostly related to odor annoyance or occupational hazards. We identify 16 opportunities for future studies, including an emissions database by strain and stage of life (growing cycle) and odor-related setback guidelines. Exploration and implementation of key suggestions presented in this work may help regulators and the industry reduce the environmental footprint of CCF facilities.

Automated summary

This review synthesizes the knowledge gaps in cannabis cultivation facility (CCF) air emissions, including compounds emitted, air quality, odor assessment, and potential health effects. Studies have identified beta-myrcene as a tracer for CCF biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs), and other compounds like D-limonene, terpinolene, and a-pinene are commonly found in air samples. BVOC emissions per plant dry weight are higher in CCFs compared to conventional crops, but total emissions are lower than other industries. Common odor descriptors include skunky, herbal, and pungent, but outdoor odor impacts have received less research attention. Health effects of CCFs primarily relate to odor annoyance and occupational hazards. Future research opportunities include creating an emissions database and odor-related setback guidelines. Exploring and implementing the suggestions presented in this review can help reduce the environmental footprint of CCF facilities for regulators and the industry.