In recent years, the cannabis industry has experienced significant growth and legalisation across various regions. With this expansion comes a critical responsibility to prioritise sustainability and adopt eco-friendly practices within the cultivation of cannabis. Sustainable cultivation not only benefits the environment but also enhances the overall quality of cannabis products and ensures a long-term, thriving industry.
Cannabis cultivation, like any other agricultural practice, has the potential to exert a significant environmental impact. Large-scale cultivation operations require vast amounts of energy, water, and other resources, leading to increased carbon emissions, water scarcity, and habitat destruction. However, by embracing sustainable practices, growers can mitigate these negative effects and contribute to a greener future.
One of the key aspects of sustainable cannabis cultivation is energy efficiency. Indoor cultivation, often necessitated by legal and logistical factors, is notorious for its high energy demands. Lighting, ventilation, and climate control systems consume substantial amounts of electricity. Growers can implement energy-efficient lighting technologies such as LED lights, which consume less energy and produce less heat compared to traditional high-pressure sodium (HPS) lights. Additionally, optimising the use of artificial lighting by implementing light-emitting diode (LED) fixtures can significantly reduce energy consumption while maintaining optimal growing conditions.
Renewable energy sources play a crucial role in sustainable cannabis cultivation. Utilising solar panels, wind turbines, or other clean energy technologies can help offset the carbon footprint associated with energy consumption. By harnessing the power of the sun or wind, growers can reduce reliance on fossil fuels and contribute to the transition towards a renewable energy future. Water conservation is another vital aspect of sustainable cannabis cultivation. Water scarcity is a global concern, and cannabis cultivation can exacerbate this issue, particularly in arid regions. Adopting water-saving techniques such as drip irrigation, mulching, and moisture monitoring systems can significantly reduce water usage while maintaining optimal plant health. Collecting and reusing rainwater or implementing sophisticated water recirculation systems are other strategies that growers can employ to minimise their water footprint.
Sustainable cannabis cultivation extends beyond the growing process and encompasses packaging and waste management. Utilising recyclable and biodegradable packaging materials can reduce the industry’s contribution to plastic pollution. Implementing waste reduction strategies, such as composting and recycling, helps minimise the environmental impact and promotes a circular economy.
Apart from the environmental benefits, sustainable cultivation practices can also lead to improved product quality and consumer satisfaction. Organic and sustainable cannabis products are increasingly sought after by environmentally conscious consumers who prioritise health and sustainability. By embracing eco-friendly practices, growers can differentiate their products in the market and build a reputation for high-quality, environmentally responsible cannabis.
To foster sustainability in cannabis cultivation, it is essential to invest in research and innovation. Collaboration between growers, scientists, and policymakers can drive the development of sustainable technologies, best practices, and regulatory frameworks. Governments and industry organisations can provide incentives, grants, and support to encourage growers to adopt sustainable practices and invest in eco-friendly infrastructure.
Bassani Medical’s Sustainability Values and Commitment
Our Facility
At Bassani Medical, we are focused on water efficiency and energy efficiency. Our Aeroponics facility is an advanced variation of hydroponics where plants are suspended in the air; the roots dangle down and are periodically misted with water from a timed sprinkler system connected to a main nutrient reservoir. In aeroponics, a specially designed pump and spray system is submerged into the nutrient-water solution and timed to release short mists of water to the plants’ roots throughout the day. Therefore, it uses far less water over time since excess water, not absorbed by the roots, is drained back into the nutrient tank, and the mist allows for higher concentrations of nutrients with less liquid.
An Aeroponics indoor system requires a much higher initial investment and requires highly trained personnel who are all committed to environmental sustainability. The system not only allows for efficient use of scarce water resources, but all the artificial lighting systems (LED lights) are fully efficient. The aeroponics systems only depend on a few hours per day of supplemental artificial lighting, and most of its radiation/sunlight requirements are met with natural sunlight. LED lights convert energy into usable light 40-60% more than conventional lights with a low heat signature, which also saves energy costs on air-conditioning. Read more about our facility here.
Our Commitment
We have built a world-class automated Aeroponics facility in line with the pharmaceutical industry’s requirements and thereby ensuring compliance with this industry’s sustainability and productivity requirements. The facility is designed to use minimal water, zero pollution, and low energy usage and thus produces products that are clean, unadulterated and organic. We employed qualified people, including plant scientists, chemical engineers and a group of well-trained individuals who are committed and trained on sustainability.
Eco-friendly Cultivation
Bassani Medical uses various ways of ensuring eco-friendly solutions like defoliation, which is the process of removing leaves from a cannabis plant. Many cannabis growers believe that defoliation can help stimulate the growth and yield of cannabis plants. Some use it as a means to reduce the chance of powdery mildew developing. Another method is using ScrOG netting and canopy training, also known as the Screen of Green (scrOG) netting which helps form a horizontal and even canopy by bringing the lower branches up and the upper branches down, stretching them across an evenly distributed plane. By placing netting above the grow, our staff can weave the branches of the cannabis plants through the mesh as they grow and develop. Such actions can increase exposure to light and adequate airflow above and below the canopy, reducing the risk of fungal pathogens.
The importance of sustainability in cannabis cultivation cannot be overstated. Mitigating our environmental impact and contributing to a greener future not only protects our planet but also ensures the long-term viability and success of the industry. Embracing eco-friendly growing practices is not only an ethical responsibility but also a strategic decision that benefits growers, consumers, and the environment alike.
Disclaimer
The information presented in this blog post is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider before using THC or CBD for medical purposes.
