There are even progressive cannabis farms going the extra mile in growing cannabis sustainably. And despite the global evaluation of cannabis, this is no easy feat.

Growing cannabis requires a lot of water and it contributes to air, land, and water pollution as well as soil damage. Indoor operations can be a serious drain on energy resources. And the sheer amount of plastic that goes into packaging is horrifying. So how are they doing it?

Stone Road in Nevada – Growing Cannabis Sustainably

Stone Road cannabis farm is one of the best examples of being able to grow cannabis in a sustainable way. This off-grid and biodynamic farm in Nevada City, California was opened in 2016 by 30-year-old CEO Lex Corwin.

Understanding the considerable environmental footprint of cannabis, Corwin is among a small group of farmers who are facing the challenges of incorporating more sustainable (yet still profitable) practices. And through innovative thinking, he’s been successful.

Here’s how.

Underground Aquifer

Cannabis plants are thirsty creatures. They consume nearly twice the amount of water each day that other commodity crops do. And California is notoriously lacking when it comes to water. This didn’t stop Corwin though.

The farm’s outdoor plants that grow over a sprawling 57 acres are fed by two wells that draw from an underground aquifer. That means Stone Road doesn’t have to rely on municipal or stream water and it always has ample supply – even during a drought.

Furthermore, through this sort of thoughtful and water-conscious method of irrigation, there is little to no overwatering. The flow of runoff is also stemmed which, given the chemicals used in conventional cannabis operations, can disrupt both aquatic and land habitats nearby.

In the case of Stone Road, there are no chemicals. Corwin finds that predator mites and ladybugs eat and deter pests while beneficial fungi stave off mold. All of these ensure clean water.

Swapping Out for LEDs… and Then Some

Many grow facilities want to speed up their turnaround and get the highest number of harvests possible from their plants. They’ve traditionally used high-pressure sodium lights in inefficient fixtures and climate control measures to do this. It works. But at a huge cost of massive greenhouse gas emissions.

LED lighting has been a godsend for facilities looking to bring down their energy usage. LEDs don’t require as much energy, emit less heat, and actually provide more light. They do still take energy to run though.

For Corwin, the focus is less on energy saving and more on generation. Rather than relying on the grid to power his LEDs, he installed on-site solar panels that provide enough energy to run the greenhouses’ lighting. And because the sides of the greenhouse can be manually opened, this eliminates the need for HVAC or dehumidifying measures.

The Pot and Plastic Legacy

Walk through a dispensary and you’re going to see plastic. A lot of plastic. Tons of it. And much of it is single use plastic that takes hundreds of years to decompose while releasing harmful gasses into the environment.

It’s not cool.

But it’s cheaper than the environmentally friendly options. And for those trying to run a business, making the best financial choice is part of the game. Especially with the industry struggling – as it currently is.

It’s an expense that Corwin is willing to make though. As a surfer, he’s bummed out by the notion of plastic filling the ocean. So Stone Road has opted for packaging made from 100% post-consumer recycled materials. They plan to move to100% plastic-free soon.

But it’s also a gamble he’s willing to take. Because the vast majority of the industry is still choosing plastic. And without financial incentives in place to promote eco-friendly practices, that doesn’t seem to be changing any time soon.

It seems the cannabis industry has a (long) ways to go toward achieving sustainability. Hopefully, the current pioneers such as Corwin can eventually guide them.

Are You a Responsible Cannabis Business Owner?

Even if growing cannabis sustainably is not a possibility for you at this juncture, that doesn’t mean your business shouldn’t thrive.

So contact us today to find out how we can put your cannabis business in the spotlight and propel you forward toward success.

The post Forward-Thinking Farms Are Growing Cannabis Sustainably appeared first on GROW Cannabis Marketing.

That’s currently what’s happening in Michigan’s marijuana industry. With over a 1,000 dispensaries in the state and new permits approved each week to open more, competition is fierce.

Prices are at an all time low – even in the midst of inflation. Sure, it’s great news for consumers. But these low cannabis prices hurt small businesses. And not just growers and dispensaries, but everyone along the cannabis food chain.

Supporting Mom and Pop Growers

One way that some independent dispensaries are fighting the fight is by continuing to support small growers. It’s a solidarity thing. Jerry Millen, owner of the Greenhouse in Walled Lake, is doing just that.

Millen doesn’t want to see any of the smaller dispensaries or growers go out of business. “I’m paying some of them more than I can get from other places,” he says of small growers. “The big guys are trying to crush the little guy. They have the money to do it. What happens when the little guys are pushed out? Do the prices go back up?”

It’s an important consideration.

Millen, who has been involved in the cannabis industry for over a decade, stays competitive by keeping his customers happy. The Greenhouse believes in being a positive and active member of their local community. They adopt families during the holidays, host community events, offer plenty of specials and giveaways, and have been leading the effort to restore a local landmark in Walled Lake.

“You have to find a niche and find a way to keep customers happy,” he says. “I want to be the Samuel Adams of cannabis. I don’t want to be the Budweiser.”

The Trouble With Corporate Weed

Part of the problem is the presence of corporate weed. In March of 2021, small growers were able to get $2,800 per pound from dispensaries. These days, it’s less than $1,000. This barely covers production costs.

Just like the big box producers, small growers have overhead. They have to pay for license fees, taxes, infrastructure and power. But with such high supply and low demand, the large growers are running down the price.

Large cultivators aim to simply push out as much product as they can. The focus isn’t on quality, but rather on quantity. Meanwhile, the small growers – such as those supported by Millen – go above and beyond to ensure the highest quality product.

Many smaller growers see cultivation as a labor of love. And that caring is imparted onto the plant. They rely on small dispensaries who appreciate that quality to keep them afloat. But right now, they’re getting hammered.

Low Cannabis Prices Hurt Small Businesses

It’s not just retailers and cultivators feeling the pain. Manufacturing and processing are taking a hit too. Just as with the dispensaries and growers, they’re incorporating ways to be unique in order to stand out.

Edibles are a hot commodity right now. With such a wealth of them to choose from, it’s difficult for consumers to sort through them all. That’s why a company called Ripple knew they needed to create a one-of-a-kind product.

They now produce edibles that are water-soluble – allowing THC to enter the bloodstream within 10 minutes rather than the usual 30 minutes to two hours it takes from fat-soluble products. When they opened their 8,000-square-foot manufacturing and processing facility near Lansing back in March, they were excited.

Because of their unique approach, they’re managing to stay competitive. But even they’ve had to drop their prices by a third since they opened. If prices go any lower, it’s going to be dicey.

So for now, they’ll continue to boost their cannabis marketing efforts and hope that consumers will make the effort to support small businesses whenever they can.

It makes such a huge difference.

Could Your Small Cannabis Business Use a Boost?

Seeing how low cannabis prices hurt small businesses is disheartening. But if you have a cannabis business that’s struggling, you don’t need to throw in the towel.

As cannabis marketing and public relations experts, we can help you stand out. So contact us today. And start getting the attention you deserve.

The post Low Cannabis Prices Hurt Small Businesses appeared first on GROW Cannabis Marketing.

But that’s not the case.

Black market cannabis thrived during the early days of legalization when there were shortages, varying prices, and quality control that wasn’t so clear cut. Those days are gone though.

Yet even with the legal cannabis industry now exploding and strict quality control, there is still a surprisingly viable black market.

What Is Considered Black Market Cannabis?

In states where marijuana is legal, black market cannabis is considered anything that operates outside the regulated and legal framework set up by these individual states. This could be in the form of illegal online sources or unlicensed brick and mortar dispensaries. But more often than not, it’s old-school street dealers.

The fact is, local street dealers can still sell bud at lower prices than those growing and selling legally. They’re not required to pay the tax per ounce of flower they sell. Furthermore, their consumers aren’t subject to the excise fee when purchasing their product.

So yeah. The cannabis black market in the United States is anything but dead. In fact, in some states like California, it’s more alive than it has been in years. And this poses a serious health risk to those who opt for the black market route.

The Beauty of Testing

Before cannabis can be sold at a dispensary, it must be rigorously tested by a third party and meet a high set of standards. All licensed producers are required to produce a certificate of quality assurance by an accredited lab. This ensures that the cannabis adheres to the strict health standards set by each state’s governing body on cannabis.

The black market, on the other hand, has no such regulations. There are no safeguards in place to protect users from the very real dangers that black market cannabis can pose to their health.

Health Hazards of Black Market Cannabis

Without the rigors of lab testing, black market cannabis could be tainted with unhealthy levels of mold, fungus, and/or pesticides.

Consuming cannabis contaminated with mold and/or fungus can cause difficulty breathing, itchy eyes and skin, wheezing and a stuffy nose. While this may not seem like a big deal, it can be far more dangerous for folks with allergies to mold or a condition such as asthma. And those with lung disease or other chronic respiratory diseases are especially vulnerable to mold and fungus contamination.

Then there are the pesticides, which can be highly carcinogenic.

Buying from a legally licensed cannabis producer and retailer delivers peace of mind that you aren’t putting your health at risk. They are required to operate like any other businesses and therefore follow all of the protocols and laws to avoid facing legal action.

Buying Black Market Cannabis Doesn’t Make Sense

With so many reputable dispensaries and producers now available, there’s simply no reason to put your health at risk with black market cannabis. But it doesn’t look like it’s going anywhere soon.

In the meantime, you can continue to support the industry by purchasing only legal and SAFE marijuana.

And for more stories pertaining to the cannabis industry in Southeast Michigan and beyond, keep checking back with our blog!

The post Think Black Market Cannabis Is Disappearing? appeared first on GROW Cannabis Marketing.

But one of the biggest signs is the return of all things pumpkin and apple.

Inspired by the flavors of fall, the good folks over at UBaked in Burton, Michigan, have developed some amazing seasonal cannabis treats you can enjoy all through the autumn.

What Is UBaked?

UBaked is a state-of-the-art cannabis cultivation and production facility whose quality products can be found in 75% of the provisioning centers throughout Michigan. This top tier facility provides a wide array of cannabis products including flower, concentrates, edibles and so much more.

Pretty impressive for a business that launched a mere two years ago in 2019. Especially given all of the challenges with scaling a cannabis business.

A big reason for their popularity is that consumers across the state and country know that marijuana from UBaked is a cut above the rest. The facility prides itself on meeting the highest standards for safety and purity. Their products deliver on quality and delicious flavors. Plus, they just really love the plant – in every way, shape, and form. All of this results in really amazing cannabis products across the board.

Add to that the new twist on seasonal flavors this year and a solid marketing campaign, and UBaked is establishing itself as a true leader.

What Are Their Latest Seasonal Cannabis Treats?

We say “latest” because the creative team is already busy formulating and implementing their special winter flavors that will hit the shelves soon.

But for now, if you have a hankering for pumpkin spice, skip the latté and try the pumpkin-spiced chocolate bars from UBaked instead. The gluten free delicacy is sure to make your day.

Then again, if apple cider is more your thing, you’ll be thrilled with their spiced apple cider gummies. These gluten free gummies are made with all natural ingredients. There are no added color dyes and they’re completely vegan (meaning there’s no gelatin).

The Spiced Apple Cider Gummies and Pumpkin Spiced Chocolate Bars from UBaked won’t show up at provisioning centers until Friday, September 17th. But once you find them, grab them. Because they’re only available for a limited time.

And keep in mind the benefits of consuming grow house marijuana like that from UBaked. Not only is it safe and pure, It’s properly labeled so you always know what you’re getting. And because of the size of their facility, they’re able to produce more product with less overhead. That means lower prices for consumers.

Finally, their products are consistent. So once you fall in love with that pumpkin spiced chocolate bar or delicious cider gummies, you can rely on each package giving you exactly what you need time and time again.

Enjoy Seasonal Cannabis Treats from Ubaked!

Tis the season… to partake in seasonal cannabis treats. You can find UBaked products by clicking here. So go ahead and indulge! Winter will be here soon enough.

And in the meantime, keep checking back with our blog to stay on top of all the cool things happening in the cannabis world.

The post Celebrate Fall With Seasonal Cannabis Treats! appeared first on GROW Cannabis Marketing.