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 β-myrcene is a tracer candidate for CCF
biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs). Furthermore, β-myrcene, d-limonene, terpinolene, and α-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.
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