The complex intersection between cannabis and our environment offers a unique opportunity for this industry to make a positive impact. In the same way a service or product is influenced throughout each step of its chain of custody, the surrounding environment and ecosystem that hosts these products offer a similar impact overall.
As cannabis legalization makes its way across the country, each state is enforcing its own unique and individual framework that structures regulations and laws protecting the environment.
In this blog, we explore the many different ways to be environmentally conscious - no matter what aspect of cannabis you and your company are involved in.
Cannabis & the Environment: What We Know
While still awaiting federal legalization, each state remains responsible for its own legal cannabis market. This involves regulations, requirements, laws, and modifications regarding any aspect of growing, selling, and distributing the plant.
Due to this, environmental laws and regulations are often constructed based on the surrounding environment in these locations where cannabis is cultivated.
For instance, New Jersey has put strict waste disposal and removal procedures in place in order to protect the water and land near cannabis farms and facilities. For the state of New Jersey, the Cannabis Regulatory Commission has stated:
“Any marijuana based waste – whether it is stale or unsold pot, discarded stems and seeds, etc. – will likely need to be controlled in a manner not too different from how hazardous waste, asbestos waste, and other selected wastes are presently disposed of, as a condition of cannabis legalization in New Jersey.”
The use of pesticides and harmful chemicals has also been banned from use on the cannabis crop, as well as the diversion of water from rivers and streams. New Jersey, including other legal states, have also urged cultivators and farmers to limit water intensive actions in operations and consider ways to reuse or recycle waste water.
Many of these legal cannabis states are intertwining other federal environmental acts and laws to enforce this protection. When it comes to the cannabis industry, it is the responsibility of companies to be aware and compliant to these environmental laws.
Violations of these regulations set in place can cause a hefty fee, as well as the potential of permanent damage and impact to the surrounding ecosystem.
Generally, environmental law violation penalties can accumulate at a maximum of $50,000 per day of violation if violating the Clean Water Act.
Environmental Considerations for an Expanding Industry
Whether you're caring for the plant each step of the life cycle, or actively extracting or infusing the purest cannabinoids for products - there are plenty of helpful considerations and tips to help elevate your carbon footprint in the industry.
Cannabis Cultivation & Growing
Depending on the type of cultivation method being used, there are many chemicals and pollutants that act as concern to the environment if not disposed of properly. Cultivators should consider the following:
Control chemical, nutrient, and biocide applications and uses. Alter doses to minimize chemical waste.
Be mindful of sewer drains and sumps in places that cannot withstand moisture.
Store all chemicals and nutrients not in use in areas of secondary containment.
Cannabinoid Extraction
The extraction of plant material has quickly become a modern way to create cannabis products for all audiences. For cannabinoid extractions, consider the following:
Carbon dioxide, propane, butane, or other solvents used in these extraction processes must not be introduced into wastewater.
Some liquid solvents, such as hexane and alcohol, can be potentially flammable before biodegrading into the water source.
Food and Edible Manufacturing
Like cannabinoid extractions, the manufacturing of food and edibles infused with cannabis also has a thorough solvent element of its process. For cannabis edibles, consider the following environmental factors:
Fats, oils, and greases used in cannabis edibles can block sewers and create backups and overflows.
Concentrations of cannabis oil and cannabinoid extracts may risk polluting and harming fish and wildlife within the surrounding environment.
Continually maintain grease removal and residue formed from this type of manufacturing
Cannabis Dispensaries
There are plenty of cannabis dispensaries throughout the country that carry various types of brands and products. With that, comes the abundance of unnecessary plastic and packaging.
While cannabis brands and retailers are exploring ways to conserve waste and promote recycled, eco-friendly packaging, here are a few simple steps dispensary retailers can take:
Promote packaging and plastic recycling with customer loyalty programs and reward offerings.
Choose vendors and brands who promote sustainability and environmentally conscious decisions that benefit the planet and align with your company beliefs.
Reducing Wastewater and Improving Water Containment with Geomat
For the cannabis industry in general, it’s crucial for companies and brands to give extreme effort and care into the environment, considering the factors that may make negative impacts.
Geomat’s water recovery and containment systems allow cannabis companies the opportunity to efficiently reduce waste into the environment. With its Patented filtration technology, this closed loop system reduces, reuses and recycles all wastewater captured in these cannabis operations - no matter the facet of the industry you’re involved in.
Regardless of the field of work in this industry, cannabis is in a unique opportunity to create a shift of change for our ecosystem as a whole.
Learn how Geomat can help your operation reach environmental compliance through our website. Check out more blogs for more information on compliance. Ask about our free eBook, “Increase Your LEED Score with Geomat” to learn more!