Illinois state regulators have proposed allowing licensed cannabis companies to grow plants outdoors. This move reverses a previous interpretation that banned outdoor cultivation due to security concerns.
The new proposal allows growing next to existing facilities under specific conditions.
The change follows court victories by at least two cannabis companies. A third company also filed suit to gain similar approval. Curaleaf Holdings initiated the legal battle through its subsidiary Compass Ventures Inc.
The company sought to grow in plastic-covered hoop houses in Litchfield.
State law requires cannabis to be grown in an “enclosed, locked” facility. The agency now proposes that outdoor areas meet this standard with specific fencing. The growing area must be fully enclosed by a continuous chain-link fence.
This fence must be at least 8 feet high and topped with razor wire.
Researchers say outdoor cultivation could save up to 76% of the energy used in indoor cultivation. This reduction helps the state move toward its goal of reducing net carbon emissions. Lower energy costs could also lower prices for consumers.
The Illinois Independent Craft Growers Association founder Scott Redman called the move a “game changer” for small growers.
High startup costs and difficulty getting financing have hindered many operators. Redman told the Tribune that outdoor growing allows a faster and more economical route to expanding.
He noted that projects in design need not spend millions on lighting and HVAC if outside the budget.
Outdoor grown cannabis is only allowed for extraction purposes. This creates concentrates for use in edibles, vapes, and oils. Redman stated this would not result in more flower for smoking.
It should help small-business infusers get more distillate.
Green Thumb Industries and Nature’s Grace and Wellness won court rulings to keep growing in screened houses. Regulators had initially tried to rescind permission for these outdoor screen houses. The proposed rule change is subject to a 45-day public comment period.
A Curaleaf spokesperson said company officials were still reviewing the proposed change. The spokesperson noted that cultivation in enclosed, ambient environment structures is already permitted under existing rules. The Cannabis Business Association of Illinois said it would survey members before commenting.
Executive Director Tiffany Chappell Ingram wrote that outdoor cultivation raises real questions around security and cost.
The Department of Agriculture remains committed to ensuring a safe and equitable industry. The agency is consistently reviewing its policies as the cannabis industry matures. The final rules will depend on feedback during the public comment period.
No final decision has been made yet on the specific implementation details.
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