Agriculturists specializing in Cannabis have to go through many obstacles while nurturing the plants. One of the major challenges has been the slightly strong odor the plant spreads. Quite like other aromatic plants, cannabis develops terpenes to attract pollinators and prevent predators through odor.
Terpenes are found in most types of plants and herbs which can produce essential oil. Terpenes and terpenoids are important mediators of ecological interactions in plants. They play a role in plant defense against herbivory, disease resistance, attraction of mutualists such as pollinators, as well as potential plant-plant communication.
Terpenes are majorly responsible for the specific odor, which some may find a bit unpleasant. However, there are other external factors that contribute to the odor such as fertilizer and extraction processes (butane, propane).
Generally organic fertilizers produce different combinations of gas emissions and require targeted treatment due to the small size of the gas compounds that may be present. These other odor sources are also commonly associated with more mainstream plant cultivation.
While many enjoy the smell, cannabis odors can be challenging for cultivators, farmers, and neighboring communities and have been identified as a factor contributing to rising pollution.
While cannabis terpenes aren’t pollution, they are classified as VOCs because they evaporate easily and release molecules into the atmosphere.
Cannabis terpenes are one of many VOCs where molecules released can play a role in the production of ozone smog if not properly controlled. This situation has put the farmers or cultivators in a spot where they have to practice some odor-controlling process. Failing to control the odor of Cannabis terpenes might cause them to shut their business or face serious lawsuits.
As legalized cannabis cultivation and usage are introduced into communities across North America, there are state, provincial, and local regulations being established to control cannabis odors through permits, property use, and nuisance control.
Odor mitigation plans have become mandatory to apply for a license according to the legislation. Commercial grow facilities are being sued and even shut down due to violations, environmental concerns, and neighbor complaints.
Cannabis nurturers in many areas have been targeted by neighbors for cannabis odor-related issues under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act in the USA.
How to tackle and eradicate the odor?
The Bipolar ionization solution
This method is almost always on the supply side of the ventilation system. A unit, like EB Air Sterionizer, is positioned to deliver ions into space so they can neutralize the odors by using the building as the reaction chamber.
Carbon Filters
Traditional use of carbon filters is common however they are expensive and must be replaced on a regular basis. They cause pressure drops so additional or larger fans are required.
If there are significant odors and nearby neighbors who are very sensitive, we could deploy both. Ionization on the supply air side and carbon filters on the exhaust. With this plan, the EB Air Sterionizer would knock down the odors to a significant extent, the carbon filter life would be extended.
Additionally, by supplying ions from EB Air Sterionizer into the grow room, it will significantly reduce bacteria and mold growth on the plants and, it has been proven that such application adds to the yield of each plant without changing any other parameters.
Most cannabis producers are having tremendous problems with their operations in terms of maintaining proper ventilation, mold growth, odor, and breakdown of AHU/MAU thereby exacerbating their day-to-day running of cannabis facilities most often they are having problems with their carbon filters and EB Air Sterionizer could be a perfect solution.
