The demand for cannabis is growing at a steady pace. Currently, small-scale growers are working around the clock to prevent supply from dropping, which is helping consumers by keeping prices low and affordable.

At the rate that the sector is developing, is there room for large corporations and brands (Big Marijuana) to mass produce cannabis on a much bigger scale?

Demand for Legal Weed

With many people anticipating new medical and recreational laws by the end of the year (November is a huge month for the industry), the demand for legal weed will only continue to increase in the future. Meeting the market’s insatiable demand is no easy task, leaving some growers questioning the traditional practice of small-scale cannabis farming. At the moment, there is a huge chance that the variety of buds being sold in your favorite, local dispensary was part of a small growing operation, possibly in a warehouse or outdoors on a limited plot of land.

“There are obvious differences between, say, a Super Silver Haze that is cultivated at a 700ft elevation and a Super Silver Haze that is cultivated at a 2,200ft elevation in Humboldt County,” explained Kristin Nevedal, a marijuana activist and former grower.

Supplying “Big Marijuana”

Some individuals believe that Big Marijuana could be the future of the industry. When prohibition is removed on a federal level, many large businesses will likely be more willing to enter the sector, because risks surrounding production, banking and taxing will decrease. So far, a number of big brands, such as Microsoft and Miracle Grow, with deep financial resources have already positioned themselves to profit from legal cannabis. Competing with such establishments would be incredibly difficult for small-scale canna-businesses.

Local weed cultivators are not alone in the (possibly inevitable) fight against Big Marijuana growing operations. Recommendations from California’s Blue Ribbon Commission on Marijuana Policy warns people about large corporations taking over the industry: “the goal should be to prevent the growth of a large, corporate marijuana industry dominated by a small number of players.”

In a move to protect local growers, the state of California has established laws that favor small-scale farmers. For example, the maximum canopy size allowed for a local growing operation in the state is one acre. This would prevent a single or handful of companies from taking over and shutting down small-scale cultivators.

Cannabis Appellations

Another solution to the issue comes from a well-regulated sector that is known for preserving small-scale production: the wine industry. Appellations, or the distinct labeling of products, would offer a new level of transparency and protection for local cannabis growers.

“Appellations provide a legally protected designation of origin, differentiating local products from generic products. That helps protect local farmers and farming communities from the threat of cheap marijuana flooding the market, because the products are no longer the same,” said Ryan Stoa from SF Gate.