Protecting the environment is super important for the sake of future generations. Our environment is being destroyed every second. Humans are now breathing microplastics, which emerge from all sorts of packaging. Likewise, cannabis packaging is also one of the biggest hazards that’s causing harm to the environment. The microplastics emanating from the cannabis packaging are turning into dust, thus making the air around us unhealthy and toxic.
As per research, 4 percent of the air that we are breathing right now comprises these microplastics. Not only to the environment but it’s also harmful to humans. Environmentalists around the world are right now trying to find the solution to this pressing problem. What are the harmful effects of cannabis packaging when it comes to the environment? What amendments can we make to fix the environmental disaster from happening? In this article, we shall discuss issues around cannabis packing and its effects on nature.
Let’s dive in!
A little bit of history about cannabis
Cannabis plants are extremely effective against several health complications is no secret. But the rise in its popularity across the United States, Europe, Mexico and Canada has also posed concerns over its wide-effects and hazards. Recent studies have found both the strong benefits and drawbacks of cannabis. For example, cannabis is quite effective against ailments such as chronic pain, certain cancer types, seizures, and multiple sclerosis, while it also poses respiratory challenges on smoking overuse.
Cannabis became a popular drug for recreational purposes in the 1900s. It was first introduced as recreational medicine in the United States by Mexican immigrants. The Mexican Revolution led to its immense popularity. But, its popularity dwindled soon during the Great Depression in the 1930s, when massive unemployment led to fear among the masses that it’s an “evil drug.” Politics and racial factors forced authorities in 29 states of the United States to ban cannabis, thereby dealing a massive blow to its proponents. This led to the passing of the Marijuana Tax Act in 1937. The law criminalized marijuana throughout the United States. The US state of California was the first state to pave the way for legalizing marijuana after over 25 years in 1996.
The evolution of cannabis packaging
We all have heard the line before — packaging matters. Cannabis packaging has evolved to a whole new level now, with companies investing a significant amount of money to make packaging look appealing. There are primarily two major functions of packing — the safety of the product and to attract more and more customers. From a safety point of view, packing should protect from any physical or environmental damage, and the product seal should be placed in such a way that children can’t break it.
While keeping the product safe may be an easier job, the real task is to market the product engagingly. From the choice of the glass container to the colour of the graphics and the space available on the side of a flexible pouch — all details are considered while packing a cannabis-based product. Packaging a cannabis product has always been challenging for marketers but modern techniques are making it easy to package the cannabis product uniquely. All sorts of cannabis products — dried hemp leaves, concentrated CBD cream, oil, tinctures, edible products or medications — require different and engaging packaging to make it stand out in the market.
Cannabis packaging’s impact on the environment
As the world starts to open up for cannabis, its contribution to environmental pollution is also growing rapidly. As per an estimate, the collective waste produced by the cannabis industry and cannabis communities stands at about 150 million tonnes per year. Experts are calling for eco-friendly packing solutions to reverse this cycle. As per the Medicinal and Adult-Use Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act (MAUCRSA), the companies have to ensure that packaging is “child-resistant and tamper-evident”. They also have to make sure it’s resealable. Though there are claims that cannabis companies are required to produce single-use plastics, experts disagree, saying sustainable solutions are also being provided by various eco-friendly companies. However, those choosing cheaper and faster ways to produce products generally go for the packaging that’s harming both humans as well as ecology. Various eco-friendly solutions are also being provided by packaging providers these days.
Can bioplastics provide a solution to the problem?
The experts suggest bioplastics can be a strong alternative against single-use plastic as it’s eco-friendly and made from natural material. Bioplastics are not fully biodegradable but they are made from plant-based polymers like sugarcane or cassava, cornstarch, and hemp. Bioplastic can be made compostable via industrial-grade composters. The single-use plastic always remains in the environment, flowing into rivers and seas, which is further eaten by fishes and other sea creatures, causing irreparable damage to our ecology. Nonetheless, bioplastics, especially corn-based ones, seem like a good alternative against plastics.
Companies that are leading the way
Environmentally conscious cannabis companies are leading the way in making sure packing fits well with our ecology. Companies like Mendocino Grasslands are doing their best to produce packing that goes in sync with the environment. “We’ve set a standard, and it’s high. We’re not boastful about it, but we are prideful. We believe true quality is where humble heritage meets artful expression. And that’s what we want to bring to you,” says the company, which boasts of producing sun-grown organic cannabis. They expertise in everything from pre-rolls to flower, resin, and extracts. And their packaging comprises glass, recyclable materials, and plastics collected from the ocean. It’s the company’s motto to cut the carbon footprint. Even its energy requirement comes from solar panels.
The conclusion
The bottom line is companies must do better. Not only cannabis firms but the entire world community must think about environmental damage on a serious note if we want to save this planet for our future generations. Since the legal cannabis industry is still at the nascent stage, it’s the right time for manufacturers to think about eco-friendly ways to avoid contributing to environmental damage. Cannabis comes from the earth and should not be packaged in material that hurts its existence.
