Cannabis: a natural carbon capturer and climate ally

Amidst the debates and ongoing research on climate change, there is perhaps an unexpected ally emerging from the plant kingdom: cannabis. Often discussed for its recreational or medicinal benefits, cannabis's role in combating the growing levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂) is gaining momentum. But how does this work, and what implications does it hold for the broader climate change battle?

To understand the carbon-capturing abilities of cannabis, it's essential to revisit photosynthesis—the process through which plants, including cannabis, convert CO₂ into glucose to fuel their growth. In turn, they release oxygen, a process vital for human and animal survival. Cannabis, thanks to its rapid growth rate and dense foliage, has an above-average appetite for CO₂. This voracious consumption of carbon makes it an effective tool in drawing down the excessive amounts of CO₂ that contribute to the greenhouse effect, warming our planet.

However, the capacity of cannabis doesn’t stop there, because cannabis doesn't just absorb CO₂; it also locks it away. As the plant grows, the captured carbon becomes an integral part of its biomass. This biomass, particularly from the hemp variety of cannabis, has myriad uses—ranging from fibers for textiles to materials for building, like hempcrete. When we utilize cannabis for these purposes, we essentially trap the carbon, preventing it from re-entering the atmosphere for extended periods. This long-term storage can play a significant role in reducing the net carbon levels in our environment.

One of the standout features of cannabis, especially hemp, is its relatively low ecological footprint. It's a resilient plant (we know this because we grow it!), often requiring less water and fewer pesticides than many traditional crops. This sustainable cultivation further enhances its positive impact on the environment. By growing cannabis, not only are we actively reducing CO₂, but we're also minimising the introduction of other potential pollutants.

While cannabis alone won't be the silver bullet for climate change, its cultivation can be a piece of the larger puzzle. As countries and industries search for strategies to reduce carbon emissions and offset their carbon footprints, sustainable agriculture and carbon capture via plants like cannabis can be an integral part of the solution.

Cannabis's role in the world has evolved over the years. From a plant revered for its medicinal properties to a controversial recreational substance, its identity has been multifaceted. Today, as we grapple with the existential threat of climate change, cannabis stands poised to add another title to its repertoire: a green ally in the fight against a warming planet.

Our young hemp plants in their vegitative stage - at this stage they are growing ferociously, often doubling in size in as little as a week! All this vigorous growth captures carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.