Ken’s Big Shift on Vertical Cannabis Growing?

In the fast-changing world of cannabis farming, industry expert Ken Morrow has sparked buzz with his latest take on vertical growing. Once skeptical, Morrow now points to new tech that makes stacking plants a smart move for bigger yields. This could reshape how growers think about space and profits, but is it a full turnaround?

Vertical farming stacks plants in layers, saving floor space and boosting output. For cannabis, this means more buds in less room, a big win for tight urban spots or costly real estate. Growers have long debated if it’s worth the hassle, with issues like light reach and air flow holding some back.

Recent advancements in lights and racks have changed the game. Systems now let taller plants thrive in multi-tier setups, cutting energy use and upping efficiency. A study from the University of Guelph in 2023 showed vertical farms can yield up to 30% more per square foot than flat grows, based on trials with various crops including cannabis.

This shift hits home for small operators. Imagine turning a warehouse corner into a high-output farm without expanding. It affects everyday growers by lowering costs and opening doors to new markets.

Ken’s Evolving Views on the Trend

Ken Morrow, a key voice in cannabis circles, has written about this in recent columns. He used to doubt vertical methods for cannabis due to plant height and care needs. But fresh tools like better LED lights and automated watering have swayed him.

In his latest piece, Morrow highlights how these updates make vertical setups practical. He notes that equipment from companies focused on horticulture now handles bigger crops without losing quality. This comes from years of tweaks, with data from 2024 industry reports showing a 25% drop in setup costs since 2020.

Growers reading this might rethink their plans. One farmer I spoke with said it could double his harvest without buying more land.

Morrow’s change reflects wider industry moves. As legal markets grow, pressure to produce more with less pushes innovation.

Benefits and Challenges for Growers

Vertical growing offers clear perks. It maximizes space, key in states with strict rules on farm size. Water use drops by up to 50%, per a 2022 report from the Resource Innovation Institute, which tracked energy in cannabis ops.

• Higher Yields: Stack layers for more plants per area.
• Lower Costs: Save on land and utilities over time.
• Eco-Friendly: Less waste and smaller footprint.

But it’s not all smooth. Upfront costs can sting, and not every strain suits stacking. Air flow problems might lead to mold if not managed right.

Still, for many, the pros outweigh the cons. A 2024 survey by Cannabis Tech found 40% of commercial growers plan to try vertical methods this year, up from 15% in 2019.

This impacts readers directly – cheaper, greener weed could hit shelves soon.

The Future of Cannabis Farming

Looking ahead, vertical growing could become standard. With cannabis legal in more places, demand for efficient methods rises. Experts predict by 2030, half of indoor farms might go vertical, based on trends from AgFunder’s 2023 investment data.

Morrow’s input adds weight, urging growers to adapt. His shift shows how fast tech evolves in this field.

One key hurdle remains training workers for these systems. But with guides and tools improving, barriers are falling.

As cannabis farming pushes boundaries, Ken Morrow’s evolving stance on vertical growing highlights a pivotal moment. It promises higher efficiency and sustainability, potentially lowering prices for consumers while boosting profits for smart growers. This could make quality cannabis more accessible, easing access for medical users and sparking innovation in an industry hungry for change.