# Amazing Ways To Make The Cannabis Industry More Sustainable

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2021/10/amazing-ways-to-make-the-cannabis-industry-more-sustainable/
- Published: 2021-10-04T12:00:36-04:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

The cannabis industry has grown tremendously over the years, thanks to the legalization
of cannabis and related products worldwide. However, as the industry continues to
expand, competition may also creep in. How do you ensure that the cannabis industry
becomes more sustainable? Below are exciting and practical ways that players and
industry stakeholders can contribute to the industry’s growth and expansion in a
sustainable manner. Find out what remedies can be applied to make the industry more
lucrative for users. 

![](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/unnamed-8.png?
resize=512%2C455&quality=50&ssl=1)

## **Water Conservation Should be Prioritized **

Many people may not know that growing [exotic weed](https://www.exoticseed.eu/) 
or any other type of cannabis requires a lot of water. It is safe to consider cannabis
as one of the thirstiest plants around. It consumes about 6 gallons per plant per
day, which is undoubtedly a high water intake. This is a requirement for the healthy
growth of cannabis, not to mention higher yields. Seeing that water is an inevitable
need, growers must have plenty of supply of it or find ways to grow the crop without
using too much water.  

As such, growers are getting creative and trying different ways of [growing cannabis](https://greenlivingguy.com/2021/02/expert-tips-for-modern-green-living/).
Some look to the possibilities of aeroponics as one of the easiest ways to minimize
water consumption. Aeroponics is a technique that encourages plants to use water
from humid air since there is no soil. 

Consequently, it can consume its nutrients from the misted air. Some people believe
that this is a more efficient way for the plants to consume the water they need.
Those who have tried it say that aeroponics allows plants to use up the water by
95%, thus minimizing wastage and reducing the need to water the plants. This is 
a more sustainable way of growing the plants versus in soil.  

Plants have a better ability to consume water when produced aeroponically compared
to when they are grown in soil. It seems as though this will soon become a growing
technique that cannabis growers will be looking into if proven to be an achievable
strategy, especially since it can quadruple the yield. Sometimes when the effort
is worth it, growers will be willing to explore it no matter how cumbersome it may
seem. 

![](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/unnamed-6.jpg?
resize=420%2C280&quality=52&ssl=1)

## **Find Means to Minimize Energy Consumption  **

Much of the cannabis industry grows cannabis indoors. Consequently, there is a lot
of manipulation of natural conditions such as water and lighting. One of the most
common imitations has to do with lighting, where growers use grow lights to support
the growth of their crops. These lights are not cheap, and neither are they free
to run. They need electricity or other power sources to use.   

Technology must support the use of affordable energy to power such lights to grow
[cannabis](https://greenlivingguy.com/2026/04/india-gw-wind-energy-milestone-for-sustainability/)
crops sustainably. When the production cost is manageable, the chances are that 
cannabis will be grown more sustainably over the years. The opposite is true when
the cost of production hits the roof.   

One of the best [lights](https://greenlivingguy.com/2014/01/adata-launches-innovative-led-desk-lamp/)
to use today is the LED lights. These not only convert energy better, but they also
last longer. That means you don’t have to replace them so often which in turn minimizes
the cost of production. All energy conservation efforts in this industry should 
be geared towards attaining a reasonable production price to enable the long-term
growth of cannabis plants, which helps boost the [industry’s](https://greenlivingguy.com/2005/07/rising-demand-puts-pressure-on-proven-reserves-which-have-not-seen-a-significant-boost-in-30-years/)
growth without putting unnecessary pressure on all players. 

![](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/unnamed-7.jpg?
resize=420%2C280&quality=52&ssl=1)

## **Boost Sustainable and Regenerative Farming  **

This refers to a farming approach that is holistic more than it is quick-fixing.
It means that everything from the growth of crops to preventive and curative measures
taken on the product needs to support each other. In most cases, it discourages 
the use of chemicals that may interfere with the soil structure and destroy natural
agents.  

Instead, it promotes measures that help enhance and better the soil without compromising
the quality of the crop. This is where biodiversity comes to a full extent. Once
cannabis growers manage to grow crops without affecting the natural order of things,
growing the cannabis industry will be more sustainable. 

## **Manage Waste Disposal **

All industries have to manage waste that results from activities occurring within
the sector. The cannabis industry is no different. They must properly dispose of
everything from farm waste to manufacturing waste to avoid polluting the environment
and causing deterioration.  

How well the cannabis industry manages to handle waste disposal within the sector
may affect its sustainability. Waste mismanagement contributes significantly towards
pollution, which harms the earth. Cannabis companies need to be compliant with laid-
down [cannabis waste disposal](https://greenlivingguy.com/2021/08/what-do-you-mean-by-cannabis-bio-waste-and-recycling-of-hemp/)
rules as this may affect their sustainability in the long term. 

## **Sustainable Packaging**

This is a big deal for most industries. The cannabis world can be different by insisting
on environmentally friendly packaging that boosts the earth’s health. Using plastic
and other non-degradable materials has a severe negative impact on the earth. It
interferes with the conducive [environment for the growth of the cannabis](https://greenlivingguy.com/2014/01/local-treatment-plant-site-for-contaminated-groundwater/)
plant, which means an effect on the availability of raw materials. 

Rather than becoming part of the industries responsible for the problems, it is 
best if the cannabis industry is the desired change. There should be policies guiding
the packaging material used in this industry. That means pushing for biodegradable
materials. If this is not possible, there should be a law that insists on using 
recyclable material as a package. Refillable packaging is best in such instances
since less waste will find its [way to the environment](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/10/u-s-epa-fines-tucson-facility-30000-for-hazardous-waste-violations/).
It is essential to take care of the environment as you expand the industry. 

![](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/unnamed-5.png?
resize=420%2C280&quality=50&ssl=1)

## **Final Thoughts  **

There is great potential in the cannabis industry. However, it takes a lot to realize
the potential and even more [effort to ensure sustainability](https://greenlivingguy.com/2015/02/keurig-sustainability-efforts-in-water-stewardship/).
The good news is that the [cannabis](https://greenlivingguy.com/2021/11/how-to-germinate-marijuana-plants/)
industry can be here for the longest time with exemplary efforts. Everything from
supporting better growth and yields to ensuring excellent use of resources and managing
waste properly will all contribute to the suitability of the cannabis industry. 
Every stakeholder needs to play their part well and ensure that everything is done
right. Read some more CBD articles here.

**_Author bio: _**_Emma Wilson is a content specialist with a focus on health and
wellness. _