Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) has made a name for himself as a tough, focused, political powerhouse. He has wrangled presidents along with the Senate and House. He has a vision and focused on it no matter who is in the way – political opponents, the president, and even the general public. He is a legend and Mitch McConnell has been a roadblock for marijuana.
McConnell has even embraced his Darth Vader meme and is ok with being a hatchet man. But this week, he startled everyone at the Senate Republicans’ weekly press conference. McConnell abruptly stopped speaking, and was eventually escorted away only to return later to answer questions. In March he fell and sustained a concussion, and some Senators have quietly expressed seen changing in the Minority Leader.
Photo by Samuel Corum/Getty Images)
One thing is clear, McConnell is not swayed by public opinion and is definitely not a fan of cannabis or the industry. He has remained stubborn and pushed for his values no matter what the issue and has been friend and foe to seven presidents. Since taking office as a US Senator, McConnell has gathered a fortune estimated at $34 million.
Advocates and executives are up in arms after opposition from the then Senate GOP Leader resulted in Congress failing to pass SAFE Banking, key cannabis banking bill, dealing a massive blow to the industry.
Mitch McConnell, the senior senator from Kentucky and the Senate Minority Leader, has had a mixed history with marijuana reform. McConnell has been a advocate for the legalization of industrial hemp, a form of cannabis that can be made into a wide variety of products. He pushed to get a provision legalizing hemp into the 2018 Farm Bill, which essentially legalized hemp by removing it from the definition of marijuana under federal drug laws. This, of course, meet jobs for his home state.
Despite his support for hemp, McConnell has been a vocal opponent of medical marijuana. However, his home state of Kentucky recently became the 38th state to legalize medical marijuana, suggesting that his views may be evolving or he didn’t think it was worth the political capital to stop the bill.
He has been a consistent opponent of recreational marijuana, and has panned proposals to add marijuana provisions to defense bills. He has blocked SAFE Banking and it is said marijuana reform will not pass as long as he is a Senate leader.
SAFE Banking is currently being lead by Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) and they have gather 40+ bipartisan Senators, but McConnell remains an unknown. Perhaps if he knew science agrees medical marijuana may help those who have had a stroke who could allow it to pass.
While McConnell’s public statements suggest that he is opposed to marijuana reform, he has also been known to engage with the industry in a more lighthearted way. For example, he was photographed frolicking in a field of cannabis in 2020.
X, Insta, TikTok, all have different takes/values on cannabis…
Twitter becoming X has been big news, the global online chatroom has been stirring the pot since Elon Musk acquired the company for $44 billion. In February of this year, Twitter (now X) updated its advertising policy to allow cannabis ads on the platform in states where cannabis is legal. A huge win for market and makes them a rarity. It seems social media and marijuana, ugh when it comes to growing the industry.
With 90% of the public ok with some form of legal cannabis, you would think social media would be more accepting. But actually, marijuana falls into a similar category as alcohol with some of the largest players.
Photo by OsmanZekiDemirkale/Getty Images
Here is a quick review of the policies.
Meta (Facebook and Instagram)
Meta prohibits the advertising of cannabis, topical CBD, ingestible hemp products, and CBD products such as hemp seeds and ingestible CBD. However, Meta now allows limited CBD and hemp advertising on apps like Facebook and Instagram for educational, advocacy, and public service announcement purposes.
Meta allows alcohol advertising under certain restrictions and with strict guidelines.
TikTok
TikTok prohibits paid advertising for cannabis.
TikTok prohibits ads promoting alcoholic beverages such as wine, beer, spirits, etc. They also prohibit ads for alcohol clubs/subscription services, alcohol making kits, and alcohol-sponsored events
YouTube’s policies prohibit content that endangers the emotional and physical well-being of minors, including promoting products that contain drugs, nicotine, or controlled substances. YouTube’s policies also consider the nature of the upload, such as whether it is educational, documentary, scientific, or artistic in nature.
As of June 2021, YouTube no longer accepts Masthead Ads from certain verticals, including alcohol.
Photo by Vanessa Nunes/Getty Images
A study demonstrates the ways in which cannabis is promoted on social media apps, and how this has opened up the market to include people who don’t fit the typical stoner stereotype.
The study, published in Crime, Media, Culture: An International Journal, found that women have slowly introduced themselves into the equation, disrupting what’s traditionally thought of as a cannabis consumer. These women promote cannabis in different ways, incorporating it into their daily lives and activities.
Researchers used Instagram as their social media platform of choice, analyzing illegal sellers in Switzerland with “cannabis influencers” in the U.S., and spotting their differences. Researchers found that cannabis influencers were challenging what has long been considered appealing to cannabis markets, something that could have a global impact.
“Our findings show that cannabis influencers on Instagram are changing the stereotypical characteristics of illegal cannabis culture as being almost entirely dominated by men, to one where cannabis is represented as a desirable accessory in certain feminine lifestyles,” write the study’s researchers. These influencers painted cannabis as an activity that can be pursued by mothers, people who are invested in their physical and mental health, and more.
Study authors recognize how cannabis influencers have had to get creative on platforms like Instagram considering how the app prevents its sale and censors its content. In their posts, influencers make it clear that they’re not selling cannabis and are simply endorsing it, tying it to appealing images and to a lifestyle that other people are interested in replicating.
“When cannabis is marketed by legal influencers rather than illegal dealers, we find a shift in the use of symbols related to amateurism versus professionalism, intimacy and lifestyle and argue that these changes are bound up with how the influencers do gender differently than sellers,” explain the researchers
Marijuana use has evolved over the years, becoming less of a taboo topic and something that can be discussed and consumed openly. In places where the drug is legal, it makes sense social media always promotion as something that’s just another activity to partake in.
African nation Niger loves some weed, it is ranked the among the world’s highest consumer of cannabis. But this week, marijuana loving Niger had a coup d’etat and it may be good news for their president, citizens, Africa, or the world. Soldiers stormed the capital and members of the Presidential Guard detained President Mohamed Bazoum inside his palace in the capital Niamey.
Niger, officially Republic of Niger, French République du Niger, is a western African landlocked country. It is bounded on the northwest by Algeria, on the northeast by Libya, on the east by Chad, on the south by Nigeria and Benin, and on the west by Burkina Faso and Mali. In 1960, Niger left the French Community, which started with it being a colony, and acquired full independence. It is one of the poorest countries in the world.
Cannabis really entered Niger in the 20th century. During the early 1970s soldiers consumed it in order to suppress timidity. Afterwards, it became popular among youths between 1980s. and 1990s. It is illegal and if they decide to catch you, it is punishable by a minimum sentence of 12 years in prison.
For both Paris and Washington, Niger is a strategic country in the fight against Islamist terrorism. Viewed as “one of the most reliable U.S. allies” against al Qaeda, Islamic State and Boko Haram, it’s also one of the last Sahel nations that hasn’t deepened cooperation with Russia to the West’s detriment. The EU, US and UK have said they stand behind President Mohamed Bazoum and are working toward a solution.
The Wagner Group, a Russian mercenary outfit led by Yevgeny Prigozhin (which almost started a coup in Russia a few weeks ago) is active in Africa, claimed credit for the coup.“What happened is the struggle of the people of Niger against the colonialists,” Prigozhin said in a voice message posted in a Wagner-branded Telegram channel. “This is actually gaining independence and getting rid of the colonialists.”
Regionally, they love marijuana so much they have their own nicknames for it including kaya, wee-wee, igbo, oja, gbana, blau, kpoli and abana. In a video communique, a man identified as Colonel-Major Amadou Abdramane for the rebels and flanked by several apparent soldiers, announced, “We have decided to put an end to the regime that you know.” We hope that does not mean citizens will lose access to oja, especially medical marijuana.
Everyone is seems is consuming, millennials and Gen Z are slowly turning away from alcohol and cannabis. It is recreationally legal 23 states, medically in 40. It has been become generally socially acceptable and popping a gummy is now “a thing”. But is it time for a marijuana break personally? Just like Dry January, there is a consensus people need to take a break from some activities, alcohol, meat, sugar, etc. Lent used to the time you gave up what you love – be it chocolate or red wine. But how do you know it is time for a marijuana break and how does it look?
THC, the part of marijuana that give you the high, is similar to one of the body’s natural cannabinoids, Anandamide, and works as an agonist (stimulator) on the CB1 and CB2 receptors. Because THC acts directly on those receptors, too much THC can overwhelm the receptors and cause their functioning to be reduced. This is a reason to take a break to allow the “system” to reset.
Of course, if you are on medical marijuana, you will want to consult with a medical professional for their opinion. If you are a recreational user, here is some direction.
If you feel foggy, unmotivated when smoking, chance are you’re smoking too much. Cannabis can help take the edge off, but it’s not meant to be a permanent state of being. Another reason why you may want to quit smoking is because of guilt. This rings true for those who have to hide their use because of the fear of other people’s perception.
What does it look like to take a break? The good thing is you are in control. People like Dry January because it gives them a set framework to not drink. You could try do an “Off August” where you go off cannabis and see how it makes you feel. It takes approximately 3 weeks for THC to leave your system. So your cannabis tolerance break should be at least 21 days long. After 3-4 days your body should be responding to the change in routine.
When it comes to consuming anything, whether we’re talking about food, drugs, or working out, it’s always good to do it in moderation. If you feel like you need to take a break from weed then give it a try. It is always good to be able to freely walk away from something.
With CBD shampoo, you can have an effective, gentle product which repairs hair and revives your skin follicles.
Our hair reflects who we are. Coiffed, blue, blown out, parted, mullet, big, or simply hanging loss, it help define our look. But for many, it is a daily challenge, especially for those with thinning hair. The American Academy of Dermatology reports that 30 million women in the United States suffer from hereditary hair loss, compared with 50 million men. In 2022 people spent $3.9 billion to combat thinning hair. So, can CBD help with hair loss or more?
What causes thinning hair and hair loss?
As people age, they experience a natural change with their hair that leads to hair loss. While some lose hair at a slower pace, others lose hair much faster (this happens for different reasons).
Hair loss can be hereditary, if older members of a family also lose hair, there is a greater chance it will be passed on to younger generals. Hormonal deficiencies are also major causes of hair loss in men and women. It can be caused by changes due to pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, and aging. Stress, medications and cancer treatments are also causes. If you haven’t experienced hair loss, you should actively think about how to prevent it from happening.
While there are numerous solutions for hair loss, CBD is becoming more common with Amazon, Walmart and more selling to their vast number of customers.
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a natural compound in the hemp plant. It is a safe, non-addictive substance with numerous potential health benefits. CBD is officially approved for medical use as an anti-seizure medication, and is also used to treat health conditions ranging from chronic pain, inflammation and anxiety to neurological disorders and autoimmune diseases. Many people find CBD to be effective at supporting overall wellness, improving mental health, and enhancing recovery after exercise.
Unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD doesn’t cause a person to feel “high” or “stoned”. CBD is widely available in a variety of forms, such as oils, capsules and topical products. It is legal throughout the United States and in many countries because it is derived from the hemp plant, which contains only trace amounts of THC.
A properly researched shampoo could help. Cannabidiol (CBD), a phytocannabinoid, may cause hair growth, several other phytocannabinoids may lead to hair loss. Additionally, the effect of CBD on hair growth may be concentration-dependent. CBD may cause hair loss at high concentrations. Therefore, the concentration of CBD needs to be adjusted so that it is optimal for hair growth.
CBD contains different amino and fatty acids which are crucial nutrients for hair protection. With the shampoo made from CBD you will also get other minerals in large quantities that keep your hair healthy, lush and strong. Remember shampoo products are not meant to be used on a one-off basis as it is important your hair feeds on CBD regularly. You want the hair to get used to the CBD nutrients and want to use just enough to ensure there are no subsequent breakages which will lead to hair loss again.
CBD shampoo also contains anti-inflammatory properties that protects the base of your hair from hair loss.
Another reason it could help CDB’s anti-anxiety properties. You will learn to relax your mind and body thus reducing stress that can cause hair loss. This may be taking in a pill, oils, or others.
Aside from thinning hair, another way of is promoting sebum (natural oil) production, CBD has the potential to improve your hair and scalp health. And that means thicker, healthier and glossier hair!
Eat extra protein. You may not be getting enough each day which can affect hair growth.
Consider the Mediterranean diet
Discuss with your physician prescription or over-the-counter medication
So CBD may be able to help with your hair and with thinning hair with some research. Managing your hair is tough, talk to professionally and do your research. Also, be careful about damaging your hair. Remember, sometimes good hair makes you feel like you can rule the world.
Marijuana has become mainstream, 23 states have recreational and 40 have medical marijuana. A whooping 90% believe it should be legal in some form and even Fox News covers it during business segments. But with legalization, comes a whole bunch of rules, policies and guidelines for use. We have gone through this before with smoking and alcohol, and now it is starting with cannabis. Should marijuana be like alcohol in public use? Would it make things much easier all the way around.
Tobacco use is harmful, but the industry put up a good fight about where you could light up. Up until the 1970s you could smoke anywhere, planes, hospitals, restaurants, schools, church, etc. Looking back it seems crazy to think about it. Pressure for an inflight plane smoking ban came from the public, Ralph Nader and the flight attendants’ unions, such as the Association of Flight Attendants. United Airlines was the first to create a nonsmoking section in 1971. Literally, at the time, you could be one row behind the smoking session and it was considered ok. It wasn’t until 1993 that you couldn’t smoke in a hospital. Today’s generation takes it for granted all the smoke free air.
Alcohol, on the other hand, has been wiser and it is smells way less. First, the United States went for a crazy, failed experiment called Prohibition, that outlawed all alcohol. The lesson taught everyone how to break the law and not feel bad about it.
Photo by MichaelGaida via Pixabay
Between 1975 and 1990, cities and states slowly started to impose different versions of open container laws as a response to the decriminalization of public drunkenness and homelessness. Public spaces, especially those family friendly, became less accepting of alcohol. The two big exceptions are New Orleans and the Las Vegas Strip. During Covid and post-Covid exceptions were made due to limited indoor restaurant and bar space.
Unlike cigarettes, alcohol is not banned, rather you aren’t supposed to have it in an open container as it is easier to drink some alcohol without noticeable smells.
In Duluth, Minnesota, the City Council took more than an hour of public testimony from concerned citizens as the state’s fifth largest municipality considers whether it should prohibit people from smoking marijuana in its public parks. Other cities in the state are considering similar rules. Currently you can walk streets in most major cities and have a whiff of cannabis. And that is rubbing some people the wrong way for a variety of reasons.
Open container laws don’t outlaw drinking, rather it builds guidelines for a larger population. As how we consume marijuana changes, it makes sense to adapt to some laws which the public accepts and provide legal pathways for consumers.
You have heard them and they are #fakenews. Today, some of the GOP actually confirmed one was just a myth!
How they get started is one thing, but why they continue is another. Fake News has become a cry in the last few years, but some myths just continue to live in, even before teh digital world. No swimming for an hour, cracking your knocks, 24 for a missing person, etc…all out there…all long dismissed. Now, here are 3 marijuana myths which have been debunked.
Photo by Sarah Pender/Getty Images
Marijuana Is The Gateway To Addiction
According to science, the majority of people who use marijuana do not go on to use other, “harder” substances. Alcohol and nicotine prime the brain for a heightened response to other drugs and are, like marijuana, also typically used before a person progresses to other, more harmful substances.
Studies conducted by the federal government find that marijuana is actually no more addictive than caffeine. In fact, cananbis has a rate of addiction significantly less than alcohol and tobacco.
As for whether cannabis users will eventually go on to shoot heroin in the bathroom of a truck stop somewhere – that’s not likely either. Other studies have shown that alcohol and prescription painkillers are the real gateway drugs. Former U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch says so. “When you look at someone that, for example, has a heroin problem, it very often started with a prescription drug problem. Something totally legal. Something in every medicine cabinet. Something you can have prescribed to you in good faith by a doctor,” she said back in 2016.
Marijuana Legalization Won’t Stop Drug Cartels
With 23 recreational and 40 medical states plus all of Canada, marijuana is a profit center for drug cartels. Cannabis trafficking is on the decline, according to a report from the Washington Post. To compensate, drug gangs are now slinging fentanyl, heroin and meth.
In fact, the GOP is clear it does stop drug cartels, This week four anti-marijuana legalization Republican senators admitted the policy change disrupts illegal sales by cartels. Writing to FDA Commissioner Robert Califf on Monday, Sens. Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Ted Budd (R-NC) and Bill Hagerty (R-TN) made the case for the legalization and regulation of controlled substances.
They point out in a letter urging the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to reconsider plans to ban menthol cigarettes and set nicotine content limits, arguing that the prohibition and strict regulations could benefit illicit trafficking operations. The main point is to express concern FDA’s proposed menthol cigarette ban, which the senators said could “empower” transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) to “exploit black market opportunities that such policies could create.”
Interestingly, some reports show that American weed is now being shipped into Mexico. It seems the tides have turned, but there is still some illegal marijuana activity happening in the United States. However, these criminal acts stem only from a fluctuation in laws from state-to-state. The moment the federal government ends marijuana prohibition, the criminal organizations responsible will be stopped. After all, no one is out there these days turning a profit on bootleg beer.
Photo by Jan Baborák via Unsplash
Stoned Driving Is No Different Than Driving Drunk
There is no doubt that drinking and driving is detriment to public safety. Alcohol is responsible for killing around over 14,000 people annually in Canada and the US. Researchers from the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, who are working to create a self-assessment tool for people on the fence about whether they’re too high to drive, have been trying to find out how weed might hinder an individual’s performance. But the group is having some difficult pinpointing the affect the herb on “vigilance and judgment.” It seems the test subjects are “generally aware” of just how wrecked on reefer they are.
There is also evidence that longtime cannabis users are typically less impaired behind the wheel than those with a lower tolerance. It is the differences between alcohol and marijuana impairment that has made it so difficult for science to develop an effective testing device to gauge stoned driving. To this day, no device functions well..
Israel has become an international giant in the cannabis country. That is especially unique considering the region.
Israel is a global leader in cannabis, But currently the country is being rocked with protests as citizens feel the country is moving to an unhealthy form of government. Long a beacon of democracy, it is has been a steadfast partner of the United States and has developed a robust technology industry. Benjamin Netanyahu, who is again the country’s leader after some bruising elections has been forcing changes on the government structure which would give more authority to the prime minister. This would come at the expense of the Supreme Court and a check on everyone’s power. Continued protest could destabilize the country.
Israel has been a tech and medical tech innovator and been conducting extensive research on medical cannabis. A key focus is on adherence, safety, and effectiveness of medical cannabis, as well as the epidemiological characteristics of the patient population. In addition, there has been research on the impact of cannabis consumption during immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) immunotherapy.
Photo by CasarsaGuru/Getty
One of the most prominent figures in cannabis research is Raphael Mechoulam, a pioneering Israeli chemist who identified the structure and function of the key compounds of cannabis. Mechoulam and his team at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot, Israel, began to break down the chemical structures of THC, the psychoactive compound in marijuana, to assess how it did what it did — namely, make users high. He continued this research for decades at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
The cannabis research in Israel has been conducted in collaboration with various institutions, including the Clinical Research Center Faculty of Health Sciences Soroka University Medical Center, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be’er Sheva, Israel Research Department Tikun Olam -Cannbit Pharmaceuticals Tel Aviv, Israel, and the Raphael Mechoulam Institute for Drug Research Medical Faculty Hebrew University Jerusalem, Israel.
Israel has also become a global investor in the cannabis market. They see a global market that will be profitable. Recently, tobacco giant Philip Morris bought an Israeli cannabis firm for up to $650M. Investment firms in the country has been making bets in the US, Canada and Europe for starts up believing in the long term growth and profits of cannabis.
Research institutions work closed with government agencies and law enforcement to secure product. Despite the amazing amount of research and investment in cannabis, marijuana is still illegal in Israel, and researchers have had to develop contacts within law enforcement to procure a supply for their studies. It is decriminalized in Israel, so smoking pot in Tel Aviv and other places will not get you in trouble. Officers aren’t very strict when it comes to cannabis consumption, especially if you’re not causing any harm to the community. Being Israel, they have premium product available from black market dealers.
As more time passes, the medical benefits of both CBD and THC are slowly becoming apparent.
You’re probably familiar with the words CBD and THC, but what they are and how they can affect your health? Cannabidiol (CBD) and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are two compounds found in members of the cannabis plant genus. They’re just two of many compounds called cannabinoids found in the plant.
While they both come from the same plant, they have vastly different effects and benefits. Knowing the differences between the two and learning as much as possible about the two compounds prior to use can help you see the potential health benefits and risks of each. Start by knowing what they are, followed by their risks, side effects and potential healthy uses.
Per an in-depth report by the National Institute of Drug Abuse, the combination of all the changes in your system creates the high and causes it to differ from person to person.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol, colloquially known as CBD, is another cannabinoid that comes from the cannabis plant. It tends to reduce or neutralize effects of THC, based on the amount of each one a consumer uses. Mostly consumed oil form, it’s readily accessible to those interested in using it for its health benefits.
Perhaps the most significant difference between CBD and THC is that CBF does not have any psychoactive properties. CBD is ideal for taking advantage of the plant’s healthy benefits without getting high or experiencing any psychoactive effects.
Photo by Evopure CBD via Unsplash
Risks and side effects
There are a few risks and side effects associated with both compounds.
Per Harvard Medical School, CBD can cause nausea, fatigue, irritability or potentially increase the level of a blood thinner called coumadin within your bloodstream. Knowing the proper dosages to use is also not exact, as CBD is more often sold as supplement (which the FDA does not regulate) rather than a medication. Studies show it may be effective for treating epilepsy and inflammation, but using the compound may make you tired, decrease your appetite or experience some gastrointestinal issues within the first few weeks of use. There is also some concern via the FDA that taking unapproved CBD with other medicines could affect your body and they warn taking it with alcohol could cause some damage.
As more time passes, anecdotal evidence from users is assessed and studies on their effects are conducted, the medical benefits of both CBD and THC are slowly becoming apparent.
CBD is used to help mitigate and alleviate some medical conditions including inflammation/pain, bowel disease, seizures, depression and anxiety (among others). It may also help a person fall (and stay) asleep. CBD has a strong legacy of helping ease these conditions and more studies are conducted each year to further explore its benefits and medicinal uses.
THC on the other hand is typically used more for pain, glaucoma, muscle issues, insomnia, nausea and a lower than normal appetite.
Additional learning resources
Education is always the best route to understanding and you can learn more by exploring a number of additional resources both online and at your local library if possible. The FDA, WHO and CDC are good sources of information.
The challenges of growing marijuana sustainably are real, and becoming increasingly challenging as powerful companies buy up growing operations.
Cannabis grew on its own, without the help of mankind or fossil fuels, for thousands of years. Just as the plant is generally eco-friendly, cannabis consumers are often environmentally savvy consumer. You can see glimpses of this in the often-recycled or zero-waste packaging some cannabis brands. But how to shrink marijuana carbon footprint while supporting a booming customer base?
Currently, the carbon footprint of cannabis high, and keeps growing as the industry continues to expand in states and in product sold. The answer to this question lies in the way marijuana is grown.
Photo by Kirill Vasikev / EyeEm/Getty Images
We asked Heather Dunbar, the Director of Marketing and Communications for the non-profit Sun+Earth Certified, some questions about the current state of marijuana’s carbon footprint, and what needs to change in order to make it smaller. Sun+Earth Certified growers, according to the organization’s website, are all holistically, responsibly and restoratively grown. In other words, the goal is to give back to the environment, rather than diminishing it..
We wanted to know how to curb, or even reverse the current issues with marijuana cultivation and its use of fossil fuels. But as marijuana continues to grow into a major player in business and industry, is it possible to change the tide and return to a climate conscious method of pot growing? Or is it destined to continue to morph into a major consumer of fossil fuels.
Use the Sun — It’s There and It’s Free
Perhaps the most fundamental reason for this major shift in fossil fuel energy use within cannabis farming is how each plant gets its light. Since the dawn of the plant, cannabis has relied on the sun to get its much needed rays of light. Now, however, outdoor cultivation occurs in a small minority of marijuana growing operations. “Nationally, 80% of cannabis is cultivated indoors with sophisticated lighting and environmental controls designed to maximize the plant’s yield,” according to Politico.
So instead of getting natural light, companies are using indoor farms to reduce the number of variables, which helps create a stronger yield of potent bud, but at a financial and environmental cost. This is why Sun+Earth Certified aims to use sunlight to feed to plants, rather than electricity. “These methods are good not only for the environment, but for the bank account too,” said Dunbar. “Regenerative methods use natural sunlight and avoid the high cost of expensive energy bills that come from using high-intensity lights.” After all, as important as environmental concerns are, knowing there is potential money savings is a great way to encourage change.
But it is not easy to sway the big growers who have built major indoor facilities that run like clockwork to churn out harvest after harvest of reliable buds. But this methodical consistency comes at a cost. “Large indoor grows require a massive amount of energy with high-intensity lights and HVAC systems that run 24/7, which has a major environmental impact and huge carbon footprint,” Dunbar said.
Use Environmentally Pesticides and Materials
Not only can unregulated and man-made pesticides be dangerous to our bodies, as we have previouslyreported, but these toxic pesticides are also bad for the environment. “Synthetic petroleum-based pesticides and fertilizers have a major negative impact,” said Dunbar. “By reducing, or ideally eliminating, the use of these products, one’s carbon footprint is drastically reduced.”
Fertilizers are also an area of opportunity for marijuana growers to reduce their footprint. Composting and creating one’s own fertilizer is not only cheaper, but it means you don’t need to purchase fertilizer that has traveled on a truck for hundreds or thousands of miles. Some of the fertilizers available for purchase might even have some damaging effects on the environment and climate change as well. As Dunbar explains, “Petrochemical pesticides and fertilizers not only disturb the soil biology negatively, but also use large quantities of fossil fuels.” This is why her company encourages making one’s own fertilizer. It helps save money, and the environment.
Small and Sustainable Farms Are a Great Way to Lower Carbon Footprint
Dunbar and Sun+Earth Certified work closely with many smaller growing operations, and it is these smaller operations where there is some hope for environmental stability. The concept is that these farms work together, as a collective. “Farmers share best practices, join collective forces, work together to bridge the gap from farmer to consumer, amplify the message of regenerative cannabis cultivation, and strengthen communities,” Dunbar said. She explains that the goal is that this low-waste, regenerative way of farming will spread to other growing operations who want to do the right thing but just don’t know how.
While this seems like a noble and optimistic plan, it is clear that there is a limited time to make these changes happen, especially as small cannabis farms continue to struggle. “The farmers who have been doing right for generations are having an incredibly hard time making ends meet. Currently there is no profit margin and some farmers are closing up shop,” Dunbar said.
Dunbar looks at her own state of California, where the power grids are already becoming very stressed and overwhelmed. “If large industrial grows continue to produce record amounts of cannabis using an enormous amount of energy, this will continue to strain the grid,” she said.
The challenges of growing marijuana sustainably are very real, and becoming increasingly challenging as powerful companies buy up growing operations. The industry using vast amounts of water and power. With federal legalization, outdoor grows will significantly reduce the carbon footprint.
Still, for such a vast carbon footprint problem, the solution is rather simple in the end. As Dunbar said, “It is time to grow it in a way that is aligned with nature and what makes sense for a sustainable and regenerative future: growing under the sun and in the soil.”
