{"id":40102,"date":"2025-10-21T13:23:10","date_gmt":"2025-10-21T13:23:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.veriheal.com\/blog\/?p=40102"},"modified":"2026-05-12T06:57:10","modified_gmt":"2026-05-12T10:57:10","slug":"cannabis-climate-change-how-to-be-an-eco-conscious-consumer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.veriheal.com\/blog\/cannabis-climate-change-how-to-be-an-eco-conscious-consumer\/","title":{"rendered":"Cannabis & Climate Change: How To Be An Eco-Conscious Consumer"},"content":{"rendered":"

Cannabis is a green industry, right? After all, it\u2019s really just about plants at its core. What could be a more eco-friendly industry than the cultivation of marijuana?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Unfortunately, the truth is not so simple.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The commercial cannabis industry has exploded over the last two decades, generating thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in revenue as legalization spreads across the country. Countless cannabis businesses have sprung up, selling everything from hemp drinks to highly potent extracts or cheap pre-rolled joints. Dispensaries are abundant in legal states like Colorado and California, and more research is being conducted every year into weed\u2019s ability to help with mental and physical health issues.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

But all of this growth comes at a cost, most significantly to the planet. Indoor cultivation in massive warehouses is incredibly energy-intensive. Laws regarding the sale of cannabis products are quite strict, leading to literal tons of single-use plastic packaging. This, along with high water use, carbon emissions from transportation, and fertilizers, has made cannabis a serious ecological problem.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

So, what do we do about it? How can the average cannabis connoisseur make a difference? Not all hope is lost \u2013 studies have found that <\/span>many cannabis users want greener options<\/span><\/a>. There is a better way forward, although it will require effort from both the industry and consumers to achieve it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Greener Home Growing<\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Before cannabis can be packaged, it must be grown \u2013 and this is where a lot of the sustainability issues come into play. According to research from <\/span>Colorado State University<\/span><\/a>, the industrial production of a single kilogram of dried flower can emit as much as 5.5 tons of carbon into the atmosphere. The impact of a pound of weed is <\/span>larger than a round-trip flight<\/span><\/a> from San Francisco to Tokyo.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s illegal to transport cannabis across state lines, meaning optimal outdoor grow areas like California cannot ship more sustainably-grown products to other areas. As a result, most states must cultivate their product indoors, leading to exorbitant energy usage to maintain proper light, humidity, and temperature levels for the plants.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The most obvious step to a more sustainable cannabis consumption? Growing your own! It\u2019s also typically cheaper in the long run, more fun, and <\/span>better for your health<\/span><\/a> than simply buying weed at the dispensary.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

(<\/span>Note: Please check the laws in your state first to ensure that growing cannabis at home is legally viable<\/span><\/i>.)\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

There are countless methods for <\/span>growing cannabis at home<\/span><\/a>, from <\/span>space buckets<\/span><\/a> for people who live in apartments to more advanced <\/span>hydroponic<\/span><\/a> setups. On average, however, they are all more eco-friendly than turning to industrial growth companies for your product.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"cannabis<\/div>\n

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Cannabis is an easy plant to grow organically. It\u2019s naturally pest-resistant, so you don\u2019t need to use harmful pesticides and herbicides. It\u2019s good for the soil and actually removes toxins from the ground, making it ideal for areas that need a little extra love before cultivating another crop. Turning away from chemical fertilizers in favor of more <\/span>organic growing methods<\/span><\/a> will not only lead to better final results but also help ensure healthier soil in the long run.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

When you\u2019ve harvested your flower at the end, try composting the remaining stalks and leaves to create an even greener grow.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Check out a few of our top resources for home growing cannabis:<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Build Your Own Indoor Home Grow<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

6 Common Nutrient Issues That Occur in Homegrown Cannabis Plants<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Top High-Yield Strains for Cannabis Home Grows<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Best Practices for Growing Autoflower Seeds<\/span><\/a>\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Avoiding Plastic Packaging <\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

If you\u2019re not in a position to grow cannabis at home, don\u2019t fret \u2013 there are ways to make greener choices at the dispensary, too.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

First, look at the packaging. Plastic is still an unfortunate necessity in some states due to legal restrictions, but <\/span>several companies are working to provide greener options<\/span><\/a>. Hemp packaging, which is biodegradable, is becoming increasingly popular. Companies like <\/span>Sana Packaging<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Calyx Containers<\/span><\/a>, and <\/span>420 Packaging<\/span><\/a> are working with retailers to provide bags and containers made from hemp, recycled plastic, and vegetable ink, which have a much lower environmental impact.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

To find companies using these products, look for some of these brands the next time you\u2019re browsing:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n