People across the globe are now finally appreciating the benefits of cannabis. More and more nations nowadays are permitting the legal consumption of cannabis products for both medical and recreational use. As a result, the cannabis industry is growing exponentially at a rapid pace.
With that said, the biggest challenge right now is the potential environmental impacts associated with the trade of cannabis products such as premium THCa pre rolls. The production and transportation of cannabis mainly play a huge role in the consumption of natural resources.
Top Ways to Achieve a More Sustainable Cannabis Industry
Below is a rundown of the top ways to make the cannabis industry more sustainable.
#1. Water Conservation
The cannabis industry’s water consumption is undoubtedly one of the biggest environmental challenges it faces. In fact, one cannabis plant consumes up to six gallons of water daily.
As a solution, more and more companies are switching to aeroponics in an effort to cut back on their water usage. Aeroponics involves growing and cultivating plants in the open air in a misted environment. This allows the plant to absorb high nutrient levels without requiring ample use of water.
#2. Energy Consumption Reduction
In order to boost the cannabis plant’s quality, most farms need to use generous amounts of energy, mainly to power indoor lamps. These lamps allow cannabis plants to grow and flourish well in an indoor environment. As a result, indoor grow farms consume a lot of power.
On the other hand, the best available solution to reduce energy consumption among cannabis farms is through the use of solar energy or of LED grow lamps.
LED lamps provide more efficient lighting without consuming a ton of energy. In addition, LED lamps typically last longer than conventional cultivation lamps.
#3. Utilization of Sustainable Transportation
Transportation heavily relies on fuel which is produced through fossil energy. Fuel-powered transportation is one of today’s biggest industries that negatively impact the environment.
In order to make the cannabis sector more sustainable is to have traders switch to a more viable transportation means. Instead of transporting products through conventional fuel-powered vehicles, companies can use electric automobiles which are typically more energy efficient.
#4. Efficient Waste Management
Despite all the goodness the cannabis plant offers, after extracting the necessary cannabinoids such as THC and THCA, there remains waste. This includes leaves, stamps, and packaging materials, among others.
In an effort to reduce waste in the cannabis trade sector, a number of big companies are now adopting more efficient waste disposal practices. Additionally, many companies are now compliant with sustainable waste management programs such as the Compliant Cannabis Disposal Program.
#5. Reduced Packaging
Switching to sustainable packaging is one of the easiest yet impactful efforts companies can do to make the cannabis sector more environmentally friendly. Companies are now utilizing more eco-friendly packaging in an effort to reduce waste that ends up in landfills.
Cannabis product manufacturers should utilize single-use plastic alternatives such as recycled ocean plastic, recycled glass, or even better, hemp plastic.
The advantages the cannabis industry offers should not be outweighed by the sector’s plausible adverse environmental impacts. Thus, cannabis growers, manufacturers, and traders should make relentless efforts to make the industry more sustainable.