Plant Count vs Canopy Size Cap
When home grower rights are actually included in policy reforms, they often have plant counts attached. The intention of having plant counts is to attempt to keep homes from becoming small cannabis farms that feed the “illicit” market. The reality is this: First, although a small amount of cannabis in the so called “illicit” market may originate in residential grow operations, the % is very small. In the USA, the vast majority of “illicit” cannabis is produced in large, organized operations. Some are totally clandestine, some are woven within both the hemp and high-THC industries. Even if every ounce of cannabis produced by home growers that does make it to underground markets were to be halted today, tomorrow would see that tiny void filled with reserve from the organized criminal operations. Second, if I want to produce as much cannabis as I can with the intent to sell the excess, and I still want to remain compliant to a plant count of say 2, I would just put separate 100 gallon beds in 2 bedrooms, only grow feminized seeds, veg the plants for 6 months, until they are pretty much trees, then flower them. Even though I would be compliant with a 2 plant limit, I would produce a tremendous excess annually.
However, if a reasonable overall canopy size limit is used instead, both the intent of having restrictions, as well as the creative freedom of the home grower or breeder can be realized. Overall annual yield is much more accurately forecast via canopy size, making yield cap targets quantifiable and therefore more realistic than those arrived at via plant counts. In addition, often the objectives of home growers/breeders can be better met with flexibility in their plant numbers. This allows the grower to keep a variety of strains, to make crosses of those strains, and to do side by side experiments/comparisons of a variety of things. Not only is this freedom a benefit to the grower, these are the foundations of robust plant preservation societies that are crucial components of adaptive agriculture. It is for these reasons that we find, if limits are to be placed on home growers, canopy limits are better suited to meet the needs of all the stakeholders. Sincerely, Blaine Mitchell, founder, CHC (Cannabis Home Growers Coalition)
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