UK Firm Grows Cannabis with Sustainability in Mind
The Challenge: Energy-Intensive Indoor Cannabis Production
Indoor cannabis cultivation has a significant environmental footprint. The industry relies heavily on artificial lighting, water, and climate control systems, leading to high energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
Glass Pharms: Pioneering Carbon-Neutral Cannabis
U.K.-based Glass Pharms aims to revolutionise the industry with its sustainable approach. They claim to be the world's first company to cultivate cannabis indoors in a carbon-neutral, or even carbon-negative, way – without relying on carbon offsets.
Harnessing Waste, Powering Growth
The secret lies in their innovative greenhouse facility. Instead of traditional energy sources, Glass Pharms utilises an anaerobic digestion plant. This plant breaks down food waste that would otherwise end up in landfills, generating biogas in the process. Biogas is converted into electricity to power the greenhouse, while waste heat provides heating and cooling.
Beyond Efficiency: Sustainable Practices Throughout
Glass Pharms prioritises sustainability beyond energy use. The facility employs vertical air circulation instead of horizontal fans, minimising energy consumption and preventing mould growth. Additionally, they harvest and treat rainwater for irrigation, eliminating reliance on the municipal water supply.
A Greener Future for Cannabis
These practices position Glass Pharms as a leader in sustainable cannabis production. Duckenfield, the CEO, highlights the industry's typical energy intensity and the environmental benefits of their approach. Studies show that conventional indoor cultivation requires vast amounts of energy and water, contributing significantly to carbon emissions.
The UK Cannabis Landscape: Progress and Challenges
Duckenfield expresses his passion for environmental responsibility and his desire to build a business aligned with his values. Glass Pharms was established in 2020 and received the first U.K. license to supply high-THC cannabis flower to pharmaceutical companies in 2021.
Medical cannabis use became legal in the UK in 2018, allowing doctors to prescribe unlicensed cannabis-based medicinal products (CBPMs). However, most CBPMs remain unlicensed and require further research to establish their safety and efficacy. While private prescriptions for unlicensed CBPMs are increasing, NHS prescriptions remain limited due to concerns about evidence supporting their use.
A Call for a More Supportive Environment
Duckenfield believes the UK lags behind other countries in integrating cannabis into mainstream medicine, despite being the birthplace of a leading pharmaceutical cannabis company, GW Pharmaceuticals. He emphasizes the need for government support to foster the growth of a responsible and sustainable medical cannabis industry in the UK.
Sustainable Cannabis and Beyond
Glass Pharms demonstrates the potential of sustainable cannabis cultivation. Their innovative approach addresses environmental concerns and offers a glimpse into a future where cannabis production aligns with environmental responsibility. With further research and broader acceptance, medical cannabis could become a more accessible treatment option in the UK.
