The words “cannabis” and “space” might garner thoughts of Tumblr posts dripping with pastels and little aliens flashing peace signs rather than actual scientific research of cannabis grown in microgravity. However farfetched glitter aliens are, our NASA forefathers likely did not think their organization would be growing pot in space, but here we are.
Thanks to a Kentucky-based startup called Space Tango, microgravity is being studied more than ever before and is giving scientists aboard the International Space Station the ability to conduct experiments in controlled environments. Space Tango has conducted eight missions, 88 experiments, and has delivered 53 payloads since 2017.
A Brief History of Space-Based Cannabis Experiments
Currently, Space Tango is developing experiments on cannabis growth in zero gravity environments. While they are not growing cannabis for recreational use, they are trying to cultivate strands of hemp for use in medical compounds.
The startup has two micro laboratories on the International Space Station at the moment, using microwave-sized “clean rooms” as small spaces to conduct experiments. Recently, using the “CubeLab” modules at the ISS, Anheuser-Busch sent barley up into space to observe how the crop would grow in environments approaching zero gravity. The company hopes to now observe cannabis in one of their CubeLab modules.
When growing cannabis, a certain amount of stress is healthy, but it is a delicate balance. Too many stress factors, such as too much light, can also decimate an entire crop. According to Maximum Yield, an online magazine dedicated to the growth of cannabis, it is important to balance the amount of good and bad stress when growing crops. Full Article