Since the surge of cannabis legalization and legal changes in October 2018 many Canadians have seized the given opportunity and started cultivating their own marijuana plants at home. Even though the number of plants per home is limited, indoor cannabis cultivation created increased need for odour removal services and special precautions for maintaining air quality. If you are a homeowner that is considering growing cannabis, or if you want to purchase/sell a home that previously had a grow-op, there are some risks that need to be addressed beforehand.
Proper Air Circulation
Because cannabis plants require a significant amount of moisture, high air humidity and constant, warm temperatures for proper development, they can be quite tricky to grow in indoor environments. Considering that mold also thrives in such conditions, it is no wonder why these pests are one of the biggest problems in cannabis cultivation. Aside from the issues with humidity and mold, odours are also very problematic when it comes to growing cannabis indoors. Cannabis plants produce and emit considerable amounts of terpenes, which are volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that give cannabis its distinctive smell. This process is especially prominent during the flowering and drying periods.
All these factors combined can significantly decrease indoor air quality, which can adversely affect both residents and plants. If you don’t want to jeopardize the air quality in your home, it is crucial to ensure good air circulation, especially in the growing room. Good ventilation helps to control the growing conditions and prevents mold development. Depending on the size of the growing operation, this can be achieved with natural air circulation (windows, vents) or with fans, extraction ducts, and similar. A dehumidifier can also be a very helpful tool for controlling humidity levels and preventing damage that might occur due to excess moisture.
HEPA & Other Air Filters
Air filtration is also a very powerful method for preventing odours and mold. The two most common air filters used for indoor cannabis cultivation are HEPA and Carbon filters. Even though these two are often placed in the same category, their purposes are different – HEPA filters are used for capturing air pollutants, while Carbon filters are used for catching odours. There are some air filtration systems that include both, but they are rare and usually too big for a small growing operation.
Both HEPA and Carbon filters need to be changed in a timely manner, minimum yearly; if there is a lot of dust, they need to be replaced more often. Carbon filters can be especially problematic when it comes to this, because when they get too exhausted and clogged, they’ll release everything they absorbed back into the air.
Air Quality Testing For Your Safety
Considering that most home growers don’t have the resources to buy cutting-edge air cleaning equipment, most houses with small indoor cannabis gardens have some kind of problem with odours and decreased air quality. For this reason, it is advised to perform an air quality test before planting and a professional odour removing service after the harvest.
If you are looking for a trusted home remediation company to do this for you, reach out to Inch By Inch Inspections. Inch By Inch Inspections offers the knowledge and practical expertise of its friendly staff in Toronto and the GTA. Contact Inch By Inch Inspections today for a detailed air quality assessment and solutions to improve your home’s air quality while living with your very own cannabis plants.