US: Marijuana growers transition to greenhouse tomatoes
According to sources, the first illegal tomato growers have left their basements and are applying for a license. But more noteworthy things are happening; California marijuana growers are showing significant interest in a transition to tomatoes. "We have been growing legal marijuana for quite a while now, but the prices really got under pressure since the market got fully saturated. If tomatoes will be legalized, we will definitely make a transition", said cannabis grower Michael Apriluno from Bongzilla Bay Greenhouses. "I have heard that tomatoes are a perfect crop to grow in greenhouses, you don't even need an expensive black-out screen system, or any of those snake oil fertilizers".
Apriluno said that he is inspired by the tomato growers in Holland. "They have the best knowledge and technology available, they even manage to grow them year-round on hydroponics. Did you know that it is legal for adults there to carry up to 5 tomatoes, and that you can even eat them in public in Amsterdam?"
Also ganja greenhouse grower Yob de Sijn says he is interested in the new 'red green'. "Growing marijuana is not interesting anymore, everyone is doing it these days. We will seriously consider a transition to so-called 'high wire' tomato crops, as there is a huge market for it. You can not believe how much money there is available in this new industry. I still have some doubts about the ethics, but hey, now is the time to get on board. Before you know, it will become legal to grow tomatoes for the recreational market in Colorado too, you do not want to miss out on this opportunity."
De Sijn is thinking about other products than just tomatoes for die-hard consumption. "Think about tomato juice, tomato paste pizza toppings, tomato lollies. We are even experimenting with a special tomato sauce and are looking for a partnership with restaurant chain McBongalds to offer our so-called 'Catch-Up' sauce as a condiment. We not only target the die-hard tomato user, but also Jane Doe who likes to use if for lycopain relief."
We'll keep you posted as this situation develops and hope to get back to you with an official statement later on April 1.