From Hobbyist to Commerical Cultivation: A Guide to Commercial Cannabis Farming in Shipping Containers

You’ve been growing cannabis for a while, supplying your friends with some buds occasionally and they always have good things to say about your cannabis. They may have even asked you to do this professionally, and it may be time you actually do so.

But growing cannabis on a commercial scale isn’t easy. Fortunately, there is a solution that can help you bridge the gap between your current hobby and future business easily, and that’s container farming. What is that? 

In short, container farming is growing cannabis in shipping containers, but it may not be as easy as it sounds. But don’t worry, we’ve got your back. Here is a short guide on the basics of growing cannabis in a shipping container that should help you take the first steps into the exciting world of commercial cannabis farming. 

What is a Container Farm?

Image Credit - Microlabfarms

Cannabis cultivation has grown in popularity post-legalization, and the industry has evolved quite a bit. Cannabis cultivation has reached new heights in terms of processing and retailing, too, and expert growers are constantly looking for new ways to improve their operations. 

But conventional growing comes with its own challenges that lie beyond just legal troubles that used to plague growers in the past. Growers wanting to scale operations face major challenges including space constraints, unpredictable climate, plant diseases, and shorter growing seasons.

To overcome some of these challenges, many commercial growers are now resorting to a new method of cultivation, i.e., container farms. This is exactly what it sounds like — growing cannabis in a shipping container. And the cannabis industry isn’t the only one utilizing this, you must’ve seen many AirBnBs and cafes popping up that are set up in reclaimed shipping containers. 

A shipping container makes for an excellent grow room, allowing you to precisely control the environmental conditions like air and humidity, CO2 levels, and ventilation. And since they are enclosed, they keep the plants safe from environmental hazards like pests or unpredictable weather, and in some cases, help you grow cannabis discreetly. 

Container farming is an ingenious cultivation method and if you are trying to scale your cannabis cultivation beyond a basic grow room in your attic, this may be the next best step in your cannabis cultivation journey. 

Benefits of Growing Cannabis in Shipping Containers 

Growing cannabis in shipping containers is an excellent approach for new commercial growers as container farming offers various benefits over other conventional approaches like greenhouses, grow rooms or outdoor farming. Here are some of the best benefits. 

1. Better Production Capacity 

Shipping containers have the perfect structure to house an elaborate hydroponic setup, making it easy for you to grow multiple plants in a confined space. This can help you increase your farm’s yield significantly. Don’t believe us? Take a look at what Delta 9 claims with their shipping container-based grow pods. 

Delta 9 is a listed company in Canada that manufactures what they call grow pods, which are refurbished shipping containers outfitted with a hydroponic system. According to the company, you can produce over 30 kilograms of cannabis per year, which can retail for over $300,000 a year!

2. Lower Chances of Crop Failure 

Shipping containers have a much more controlled, fine-tuned environment that’s much healthier for your cannabis plant. This drastically reduces the chances of mold, pests, and other plant diseases from plaguing your plants. 

Additionally, shipping containers are not as big as greenhouses. So, if one part of your operation is compromised, it can be isolated and the plants can be discarded without risking the entire setup — something that’s not possible with a greenhouse. 

3. Flexibility

One of the reasons shipping containers have become so popular in the housing industry is for their flexibility, and a similar benefit translates to cannabis cultivation too. Shipping containers are portable and compatible with each other. 

The biggest advantage here is that you can relocate shipping containers so easily — all you need is to hire a flatbed and you can essentially move from Toronto to New York with your grow room following you. Plus, you can easily expand the operation by adding more containers — it’s modular in that respect. 

4. Eco-Friendly 

One of the highlights of growing cannabis in a shipping container is that it is highly environmentally conscious. A shipping container farm primarily uses hydroponic setups, which recycle water and consume 90% less water than conventional soil-based setups. 

Plus, a shipping container farm can be set up anywhere as long as the local laws and space allow it, so the transportation costs also come down significantly. This is relevant when compared to a dedicated facility that would usually need to be set up way beyond the urban jungle. 

5. Accessible and Easier Cannabis Farming 

The above number may make you think it should only be reserved for commercial growers who want to extract that bottom line each year, but shipping containers are versatile and can even come in handy for budding growers. They are suited for new cannabis facility owners, too, since the setup is quick and easy. 

6. Overall Space And Facility Cost Savings

Growing cannabis requires a lot of space, and acquiring such a big parcel of land can be super expensive, and maintaining the same land costs more money. And even if you can afford the land, many owners will be hesitant to rent out their space for cannabis cultivation. 

This is where shipping containers come into play as they are comparatively cheaper and you can even stack a couple of them on top of each other to maximize space utilization. And you don’t have to worry about maintaining the land; only maintain the hydroponic system, which will be cheaper in the long run. 

7. Safety of Your Plants

One of the fundamental aspects you need to take care of when growing cannabis is safety. Of course, you have to protect your plants from environmental risks, but you also need to protect the plant from vandals or thieves, adhere to security standards, and keep onlookers away from the crops. 

Here, shipping containers offer one of the best solutions. The reinforced steel and heavy construction are difficult to get through, offering excellent physical security against thieves. 

Drawbacks of Growing Cannabis in Shipping Containers 

That doesn't mean shipping containers are the Holy Grail of growing cannabis; if that were the case, we’d all be stacking containers in our backyards. Here are some of the drawbacks of using shipping containers for growing cannabis that you must keep in mind. 

1. High Upfront Costs

While container farming cannabis is recommended for new commercial growers, it may not always be a good idea because of the costs involved. If you plan to DIY your container farm for growing cannabis, you can get away for cheap, but it will still cost upwards of a few thousand dollars. 

On the other hand, if you want a prebuilt module, you should be ready to spend over ten thousand dollars. These things are not cheap. And let’s not forget, bringing them over to your location will require heavy equipment and a few working hands — that can also get expensive really fast. More on this later. 

2. The Space is Limited 

No matter how flexible or modular shipping containers can be, the basic structure is still limited. For a small-scale commercial setup, a shipping container or two can be enough, but for a large-scale unit, you need to invest in multiple containers. 

The limited size also restricts the growing method; you can only use hydroponic setups that are compact. Anything big will take up too much space, reducing the number of plants you can grow in them. 

3. Still Needs Electricity 

A unique challenge shipping containers face is temperature regulation — when it's cold, the temperatures can get cold within, and too much sunlight can heat the containers. Yes, you will need to insulate them, but it still may not be enough. 

You will need to invest in a proper HVAC system to regulate the temperature at all times, depending on your local climate. And this system will suck a lot of electricity; this and the grow lights will rake up your energy bills over time. 

How Much Does a Container Farm for Cannabis Cost?

When it comes to the economics of setting up and maintaining a container farm, things can get a little confusing. So, let’s break down the major aspects of it and address them individually. 

The first thing you need to factor in is the capital expense — the upfront cost of getting the entire thing started. The cost varies entirely on how you plan to start it. If you have some time and patience, you can DIY your container farm, which can be relatively cheap but still thousands of dollars. On the other hand, a prebuilt container farm can cost you upwards of ten thousand dollars. 

So, the first important investment is obtaining shipping containers. You will need to consider factors, like size, condition, and any modifications you may need to make to fit your style of cultivation. 

If you want to start a full-scale setup, multiply the base cost by how many containers you would need for your operation. In this case, it’s better to acquire a container farm, which can cost you a hundred thousand dollars but will save you a lot of time and headaches. 

The container isn’t the end of it. You’ll spend some more money. A crucial investment for cannabis cultivation is a climate control system, which includes HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems that regulate temperature and humidity levels to maintain the ideal environment for plant growth. This is especially important as you need to ensure that your plants don’t get mold. 

Also, investing in high-quality lighting systems like LED or HID grow lights is critical to getting good yields. Then, there will be expenses for fitment, insulation (very important), hydroponic setup, etc. Yes, the capital expense of starting a cannabis container is high, so it may not make sense for all growers. But if you can afford it, it’s worth a shot. 

Next comes the running or operation cost. In most cases, this should be similar to an indoor grow room of a similar size. Pay the energy bills, get the right nutrients, and spend money maintaining it — that’s it. But remember, heating and cooling will eat up most of the energy, so account for that if you live in a region that either gets too cold or too hot. 

Should You Buy a Container for Growing Cannabis?

There are two ways you can go about growing cannabis in a shipping container — DIY it or purchase a prebuilt one. Let’s focus on the latter first, which is what many growers will and should resort to by working with experienced suppliers. 

Remember, the container will not be new — most containers used for container farming are those that have been decommissioned by the shipping companies, so they are old and sometimes rusty since they spend their life at sea. So, you need to purchase a container from the right supplier to refurbish them properly. 

Many suppliers will help you with this and even outfit the container with all the necessary components and equipment you’ll need for your farm. These containers come with electrical panels, outlets, water connections with valve shut-off, drains, vents, and even insulation. It’s an easy and effective although somewhat expensive solution. 

The container farming niche has come a long way in the last few years and purchasing a pre-built one is very easy. You can even order one online, but it’s always better to check your location, do thorough research, talk to the supplier, and purchase a unit that suits your needs perfectly. 

How to Build a Container Grow Room for Cannabis?

The cheapest way to get into container farming is to set up your container on your own. Plus, the project will be a lot of fun, and while it may take some time, you will save thousands of dollars and be rest assured that it fits your requirements. Here are the steps involved in a DIY container farm for cannabis. 

1. Know Your Local Laws 

This is the first place to start when it comes to building your own container farm. Some areas may require you to have a license to set it up, whereas, in other areas, you may need to be aware of the zoning laws. 

Typically, containers have a small footprint and can be placed anywhere, sometimes even in your backyard. But that doesn’t mean you stack up containers in your neighborhood — that can not only disturb the space but also annoy others. And many residential zoning restrictions may not allow that. 

2. Research the Growing Method

Once you’re clear of the law, the next thing to do is think of how you want to grow cannabis in a container. Typically, you want to use a hydroponic setup since a container is more suited for that kind of cultivation compared to a soil-based one. 

Some of the excellent options for growing cannabis in a shipping container include aquaponics, deep water culture, wicking, ebb and flow, or aeroponics. If you are a beginner, the best method is the nutrient film technique as it’s quite easy to set up and maintain. 

3. Purchasing the Container

Now starts the exciting part. Once you have all things in place, you can place an order for a container. Ideally, you should use a refrigerated shipping container since container farming is a part of controlled environment agriculture. 

Most growers can start with a 40-foot reefer container that is relatively cheap and good enough. These are also insulated and come with an R-30 valve and temperature controls. You will still need to add heating and lighting, but it’s a good starting point. 

You can always purchase a new container, but it’s not worth the money. It’s better to pick an old decommissioned container that will save you thousands of dollars. Remember, a used container will not be in perfect condition and may come with a few leaks, but it’s still cheaper to fix the damage than to get a new one. 

4. Get the Logistics Right

Before you order your shipping container, you need to figure out a few logistical challenges that may become a nightmare if you underestimate them. The first of which is the location. As mentioned above, you need to find the right spot for your containers with enough free room around them, get the local permits, and ensure that the ground is level and has easy access to water and electricity. 

Ideally, you want to place your container on land you already own since it will save you a lot of rental fees and you won’t have to explain to the owners what you are doing with a shipping container on their land. 

Next, you need to figure out how you are going to get the container to the location. You’ll need to hire a flatbed and a crane to lift and place the container, and you’ll also need to hire some contractors to help you with the process. 

Depending on the type of container you are building, you may also need more contractors to turn the container into a farm; this could include adding insulation, wiring the entire system with outlets, or adding plumbing to the container. This is what will cost you money, so plan it meticulously. 

5. Setting Up the Container

Once the container is fit for farming use, you need to start fitting all the gardening components within. Start with the layout first, and the internet is your best friend here. Instead of trial and error, take inspiration from someone else who has perfected the layout of the container. 

Depending on the hydroponic system you use, you can even build a vertical farm inside to optimize space further. But remember, the space is finite, so you need to be a little creative with how you lay everything out in your shipping container. 

Next, you need to start installing the lights, fans, air conditioning, humidifier/dehumidifier, etc. according to the plan and your growing setup. 

Here are a few tips to keep in mind when setting up your cannabis container farm:

• Since lighting is key, make sure you get the right set of grow lights for your cannabis plant, ideally LED
• Install devices that will help you fine-tune the environment, including an AC, fans, smart thermostats, humidifier/dehumidifier, VPD sensors, CO2 sensors generator, etc.
• Generally, an extractor fan rated between 3000 to 6000 CFM should be enough 
• It’s not necessary but always a good idea to install active vents in the grow room to keep the air fresh and cool 
• If you are setting it up in a residential area, make sure the extractor fan is paired with a carbon scrubber 

Lastly, don’t hesitate to get as much help as you can, whether it is from contractors, technicians, or your friends. While this is a DIY project, it’s still not easy or quick; it involves a lot of time and dedication, and sometimes, an extra pair of professional hands is always worth it. 

Controlling Pests and Diseases in Container Farms

You may face challenges with pests and diseases even when the environment is controlled. Thus, you must stay vigilant for pests that can harm your plants. Some typical pests found in cannabis cultivation are:

• Spider Mites: These small pests can quickly infest cannabis plants sucking out nutrients and leaving behind visible damage like stippling and webbing.
• Aphids: These tiny insects feed on plant sap, and reproduce rapidly causing damage such as stunted growth and distorted leaves.
• Whiteflies: These insects gather on the undersides of leaves feeding on sap and transmitting plant viruses.
• Thrips: Slender bugs that feed on plant tissues resulting in discoloration and leaf deformities.
• Fungus Gnats: Flying insects that feed on plant roots. They have the potential to cause root damage and nutrient deficiencies.

Here are a few things you could do, starting with taking preventative measures to avoid pests. 

Preventive Measures

• Make sure your new plants are free from pests and diseases before introducing them to your other plants. 
• Regularly check your plants for any signs of infestations, such as changes in color, wilting, or unusual spots.
• Ensure that staff are trained to recognize pests, symptoms, and diseases. Detecting issues early is crucial for pest management.
• Maintain cleanliness by removing any plant material. This helps prevent the accumulation of pests and diseases. Make sure to disinfect your tools and equipment to avoid the spread of pathogens.
• Consider introducing predators like ladybugs, or beneficial nematodes to help control pest populations. This biological approach provides a long-term solution for pest management.
• Try and prevent overcrowding, which can create optimal conditions for pest infestations. Proper spacing allows for air circulation and the pests will find it challenging to spread. 
• Maintain proper temperature and humidity levels that discourage the growth of pests. 
• Install barriers like mesh screens or row covers to prevent pests from reaching the plants. This method is especially useful for pests such as whiteflies and aphids. 
• Use sticky traps to capture flying insects to reduce pest populations without resorting to chemical interventions.

Chemical Controls

• When chemical control becomes necessary, try and use pesticides that aren’t harmful to the live organisms in the soil, and are more environmentally friendly. For instance, using biodegradable pesticides is a great way to minimize the ecological footprint associated with pest control. They naturally break down which helps minimize any long-term effects, on plants and the environment around them.

Summary: From Hobbyist to Commerical Cultivation: A Guide to Commercial Cannabis Farming in Shipping Containers

Switching from a hobby grower to a commercial farmer may seem daunting at first, but container farming is here to offer a promising solution. This guide helps you understand the pathway to growing cannabis in shipping containers, which represents a pivotal evolution in the industry. 

Growing cannabis in a shipping container is an excellent solution as it helps you overcome space limitations, unpredictable weather, and common cannabis problems from the environment. Plus, they can significantly boost your yield while being eco-friendly and safe for your plants. 

What else could you ask for? Of course, affordability, but that’s something you may not get with shipping container farming. This is an expensive solution that will set you back at least ten thousand dollars even if you live in the right environment and take the most basic approach. 

But, the cost is totally worth it. As mentioned earlier, the right type of container farm can help you earn tenfold in yield within a year if you play your cards right. So, if you can handle it, go for it. You won’t regret it. 

Remember to always purchase the containers from a reputable supplier who is honest about the damage on the containers — they usually are damaged — and if you can, get a brand new one. And be careful of the local residential and zoning laws regarding the use of shipping containers. 

To know more about becoming a better grower, stay tuned to our blog.