What's that smell? Understanding the air quality impacts of cannabis cultivation
Cannabis was legalized in Canada in October 2018, and despite numerous setbacks — supply issues, high prices and reduced store openings due to the COVID-19 pandemic, among others — it remains a growing industry. Yet little is known about the cannabis plant's environmental and community impacts when cultivated on a large scale.
To help fill this knowledge gap, mechanical engineering researchers Naomi Zimmerman and Amanda Giang will use an innovative mobile lab, employ comprehensive data modelling and engage in strategic partnerships with national, provincial and civic organizations to explore how chemical emissions from cannabis plants could affect air quality and public health.
The project is supported by the Government of Canada's New Frontiers in Research Fund and will be conducted in collaboration with the BC Centre for Disease Control, Metro Vancouver and the National Collaborating Centre for Environmental Health.
For more information about the team's work, please see the article "Cannabis, air quality, health and community impact" on the UBC Mechanical Engineering website.
