Most marijuana canopy space ‘underutilized’ in Washington state, report says

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washington state marijuana

Washington state’s recreational cannabis cultivators are using less than half their allotted licensed canopy, according to a report conducted by the state’s Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB), which could open the door for the state to step down their licenses to a lower tier.

“Licensees were generally concerned that the (LCB) may decrease their canopy due to under use,” the report notes.

Current rules state that licensees must produce 50% of their licensed canopy or the LCB may reduce the licensed tier. The survey found that many businesses wouldn’t reach the 50% mark.

According to the report, however, “enforcing this … would be difficult due to the prevalence of underutilization of canopy and likely produce unintended effects on the market.”

The Year One Canopy Report consisted of 792 surveys – 778 staff surveys and 14 drone surveys – that found, “on average, both indoor and outdoor canopy space is underutilized.”

Indoor and outdoor Tier 3 producers represent roughly 70% of allotted canopy in the state. These producers were utilizing on average 38% of their licensed space, the report shows.

Tier 2 producers accounted for 28% of canopy and appeared to be using 42% of their licensed space.

Tier 1 producers constituted 3% of total canopy and occupied 41% of their licensed space.

Licensees gave the following explanations for the underused grow space:

Bart Schaneman can be reached at barts@mjbizdaily.com