The cannabis sector has soared in popularity in the last decade, especially in the past three years. In 2020, the economic effect of the marijuana industry rose by 30%, and localities permitting recreational marijuana have gained hundreds of millions of dollars from cannabis sales. This trend of growth is anticipated to carry on for many years.
Individuals with an interest in the cannabis industry should seriously contemplate entering the sector immediately! As commercial cannabis cultivation is a relatively fresh industry, there is considerable potential for development and ingenuity.
Here at Vulcan Squad, we collaborate with some of the industry’s most captivating growers and horticulture professionals to design and construct top-notch custom cultivation centers. In this tutorial, we will be discussing all of the most crucial components of an indoor cannabis grow facility, from the simple layout and design to comprehensive fertigation automation.
Vertical vs. Horizontal Grow Rooms: Design Flexibility
Maximizing the use of space in an indoor grow facility is of utmost importance, as any unused space is essentially a lost opportunity for higher yield. While many of the earliest indoor grow set-ups tried to replicate outdoor growing, the accepted norm nowadays often involves alternative configurations, such as vertical cultivation.
By using the vertical growing model. Vertical growing is a method where growers exploit the vertical space to get more out of their yields, sometimes even tripling the output. This is done by taking advantage of racking and wall-mounted systems to ensure that the plants get the necessary light and air. This form of cultivation utilizes space very efficiently, saving money, resources, and room.
No matter the system selected, it should be adjustable in order to adapt to alterations as the business sector grows and new technology is created.
Material Selection & Design Process
When it comes to setting up cultivation facilities, you can’t just pick any spot. Certain places may not be suitable for cannabis cultivation due to environmental conditions. The materials used for construction must be carefully chosen in order to meet the unique requirements for cannabis growers, as the wrong selection or failure to upgrade an existing space can lead to contamination/health problems, structural issues, and more.
Metal Framing
If you can build a cultivation facility from the ground up and have the opportunity to choose framing materials, consider metal framing. Using wood for framing has been the traditional approach, yet it doesn’t hold up as well as metal when exposed to environmental factors like moisture, loads, flames, and pests. In cannabis cultivation, these characteristics are highly sought-after, as they aid in forming a more productive growing atmosphere.
Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP)
Once the frame of your building is created, you will need to decide on the finishing touches. Fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) is an excellent choice for flooring or wall and ceiling paneling since it is highly resistant to corrosion, simple to clean, and lightweight in comparison to similar materials. Plus, FRP is very customizable and is available in numerous panel sizes, colors, and textures.
HVAC
Vulcan Squad helps your cannabis crops stay happy and healthy, keeping plants at the perfect temperature, balancing humidity, and controlling airborne contaminants with air filtration systems.Traditional HVAC systems lack the capability to monitor or regulate humidity levels, thus typically making the environment inside cannabis cultivation centers too arid.
The cultivation of cannabis necessitates the employment of an integrated HVAC system, which not only monitors temperature, but also controls humidity. Installation of integrated HVAC systems should always be left to the professionals, as these delicate systems must be customized and installed according to the specifications of the cultivation facility.
Dry Rooms
Outfitting a cannabis cultivation facility with the right HVAC system can be quite challenging since there are several kinds of environmental conditions that must be taken into consideration. For example, grow rooms require a constant level of humidity while dry rooms must be as dry as possible to ensure a successful curing process. This is why professional help should be sought out in order to create a custom HVAC system that is tailored to the specific needs of the facility.
Lighting
We work with cultivation experts using sophisticated custom lighting systems. Since the inception of indoor cannabis cultivation, the development of lighting technology has drastically improved. Currently, most cultivators are taking advantage of LED lighting. Through the utilization of vertical growing and custom LED systems, cannabis production can be carried out on a large scale without wasting resources.
Fertigation
Fertigation is one of the most important advancements in cannabis cultivation. Fertigation is the process of delivering fertilizer to plants using an automated delivery system. Most often (and most successfully) in the cannabis industry, fertigation is used in combination with hydroponic systems, which provide an even distribution of nutrients.
Firstly, fertigation minimizes the time your team needs to spend measuring, mixing, and distributing fertilizer. Second, fertigation systems allow fertilizer to be distributed with the greatest accuracy, reducing the possibility of employee error. In combination with an irrigation system, fertigation can seriously increase output and sucess.
Meeting Design Standards & Local Construction Regulations
Before starting any new construction project or designing a cannabis cultivation facility, it is crucial to meet industry and local standards. Even if this is not your first time cultivating, an experienced construction company can aid in keeping the project running without a hitch. It is essential to keep in mind that the layout of your facility must abide by local licensure requirements and building codes and should be optimized for both efficiency and a maximum harvest.
Getting Help From Cannabis Construction Professionals
Constructing a cannabis cultivation plant involves a lot of effort. The process, from the initial plans to the final touches, requires close monitoring, meticulous organization and verification in order to secure the best quality service. Instead of recruiting multiple subcontractors and constructing your indoor grow facility in a piecemeal fashion, you may want to think about utilizing the services of a full-service cannabis construction company.
At Vulcan Squad, we have extensive knowledge in the field of constructing high-end cannabis grow facilities, dispensaries, and more. Our team can help you achieve your goal of constructing the ideal cultivation facility. Additionally, we can connect you with top-notch service providers, vendors, and professionals to obtain discounted prices and insider advice.
Summing It Up…
To succeed in the US cannabis industry, you’ll need to be prepared to keep up with the industry leaders. Every piece of the designing and building process must be explored and planned to maximize productivity and crop production while remaining flexible for innovation. From the framing of your space to custom lighting and irrigation/fertigation systems, trust a professional construction company like Squad/
Reach out to us and begin the process of designing your ideal cultivation facility right away! The Vulcan Squad crew is prepared and eager to discuss your objectives with you.
