The Hidden Environmental Cost of CBD Production: New Research Reveals Surprising Facts

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A single cannabis plant consumes approximately 23 litres of water each day during its growing season – but is this typical for agricultural crops? The environmental footprint of CBD production is coming under closer examination as consumer demand continues to grow.

With an estimated 30 million Americans using cannabis products at least occasionally, the ecological implications of production are worth considering. Research suggests that cannabis cultivation requires nearly twice as much water as conventional crops like maize, soybean, and wheat. Indoor production appears particularly resource-intensive, with one kilogram of processed cannabis generating around 4,600 kg of CO2 emissions – roughly equivalent to the annual emissions from a passenger vehicle.

However, hemp (the cannabis variety used for CBD) may offer some environmental advantages. Evidence indicates that hemp acts as an effective carbon sink, absorbing more CO2 per hectare than many alternative crops. It also appears to require less water compared to crops like cotton, which could make it suitable for regions facing water scarcity. Some CBD producers are now adopting organic farming methods and more sustainable extraction processes.

What does current research tell us about the environmental realities of CBD production, and how is the industry addressing concerns about ecological responsibility? We take a closer look at the complex relationship between CBD cultivation and environmental impact.

Environmental footprint of CBD from seed to shelf

The environmental impact of CBD production extends through multiple stages, from initial cultivation to final consumer packaging. Each phase contributes to the overall ecological footprint of this popular plant extract.

Water consumption compared to other crops

Cannabis cultivation requires substantially more water than conventional agriculture. Research shows that cannabis needs nearly twice the water consumption of crops like maize, soybean, and wheat. Indoor cultivation presents particular challenges, with water use approximately three orders of magnitude higher than outdoor growing—250 m³ compared to just 0.3 m³ of water equivalent.

Despite claims about hemp’s drought resistance, studies indicate that cannabis plants consume approximately 5.5 gallons per day per plant in outdoor conditions and 2.5 gallons indoors during peak growing months. Water management becomes increasingly important as the legal market continues to expand.

Carbon sequestration potential of hemp

Hemp demonstrates notable carbon sequestration capabilities that contrast with its water requirements. Hemp can absorb between 8-15 tonnes of CO2 per hectare, significantly outperforming forests which typically capture only 2-6 tonnes. For every tonne of hemp harvested, approximately 1.63 tonnes of carbon is removed from the atmosphere.

The carbon footprint varies considerably depending on cultivation methods. Conventional outdoor cultivation generates about 1.2 kg of CO2 per kg of grain, whilst indoor production creates a substantial 374 kg. However, hemp’s ability to store carbon in soil can potentially offset emissions from outdoor cultivation methods.

Waste from extraction and packaging processes

CBD extraction generates considerable waste, particularly when using solvent-based methods. Extraction processes using ethanol, butane, or propane create hazardous waste requiring specialised disposal. CO2 extraction, whilst less toxic, remains energy-intensive, consuming 200-400 kWh per kilogramme of finished product.

Packaging creates additional environmental challenges. Regulatory requirements for labelling and child-resistant packaging often result in excessive material use. A single gramme of cannabis sold in Canada can generate nearly 100 grammes of packaging waste. The industry faces mounting pressure to address these inefficiencies as production scales increase.

How are CBD producers adopting sustainable methods?

CBD producers are increasingly implementing environmentally conscious cultivation and processing methods as the industry develops. These approaches target specific ecological concerns across different stages of production.

Organic and regenerative hemp cultivation

Organic hemp cultivation avoids synthetic pesticides and fertilisers, instead relying on natural methods to maintain soil health. This approach uses crop rotation, companion planting, and natural composting to preserve fertility. Regenerative farming takes this further by actively improving soil conditions through practices that enhance soil structure and capture carbon.

Hemp appears well-suited to organic cultivation because it naturally requires fewer pesticides than conventional crops. The plant’s deep root system helps replenish soil nutrients, creating conditions that improve over time. Some farmers use hügelkultur—an ancient German technique involving layered organic materials to create nutrient-rich growing mounds—whilst others plant companion crops alongside hemp to manage pests naturally.

CO2 extraction versus solvent-based methods

The extraction process presents important environmental considerations. Supercritical CO2 extraction is considered the most sustainable option for CBD processing. This method offers several advantages over solvent-based alternatives:

• Leaves no toxic residues in the final product
• Can be recycled through closed-loop systems
• Preserves more beneficial compounds like terpenes and cannabinoids

Ethanol extraction provides a middle ground between sustainability and cost-effectiveness. As a natural solvent, ethanol is environmentally friendly and can be reused for subsequent extractions. However, ethanol may extract unwanted compounds such as chlorophyll, requiring additional purification steps.

Water conservation through drip irrigation and rainwater collection

Water management remains crucial for sustainable CBD production. Drip irrigation delivers water directly to plant roots at a controlled rate, reducing consumption by up to 60% compared to conventional watering methods. This technique maintains optimal soil moisture whilst minimising water runoff and weed growth.

Rainwater harvesting offers additional sustainability benefits. Research in South Africa shows that rural homestead gardens cover approximately 200,000 hectares—twice the area under smallholder irrigation—indicating significant potential for expanded rainwater collection. Household rainwater collection reduces dependence on municipal water supplies, which often contain chemicals that can harm beneficial soil microorganisms.

What happens after CBD production?

The environmental story of CBD doesn’t end with cultivation and processing. Packaging choices and distribution methods significantly influence the overall ecological impact of CBD products reaching consumers.

Sustainable packaging options for CBD products

Packaging waste presents a persistent challenge for the CBD industry. However, several companies are now exploring more sustainable alternatives.

Biodegradable packaging options include hemp-based plastics that naturally break down over time, reducing the burden on landfills. Glass containers offer complete recyclability and can be reused indefinitely, making them an attractive option for environmentally conscious brands.

FSC-certified materials are becoming more common in CBD packaging, ensuring that cardboard comes from responsibly managed forests and remains fully recyclable. Some manufacturers use kraft paper with plant-based inks to create compostable labels. For products requiring child-resistant packaging, water-based PE-coated pouches can provide safety compliance whilst maintaining recyclability.

Container reuse and refill schemes

Some CBD companies are introducing refill programmes to address packaging waste. One UK company claims to be “the first CBD brand in the world offering a refill option”. This approach can reduce packaging waste whilst decreasing transport weight and frequency.

Stainless steel containers provide durability and ease of cleaning, allowing for multiple uses. High-quality plastic containers may be repurposed by consumers for household storage. Additionally, some dispensaries operate take-back programmes, accepting empty containers to ensure proper recycling.

Transport and distribution considerations

The carbon footprint of CBD distribution remains significant. Road transport accounts for over half of all trade-related freight emissions due to its high emission intensity per tonne-kilometre. Maritime shipping contributes approximately 2-3% of global CO2 emissions annually, whilst air freight, although handling a small fraction of total freight, is particularly carbon-intensive.

Research suggests that global freight transport emissions could increase almost fourfold by 2050 if current trends continue. The domestic portion of global supply chains accounts for just 10% of international trade-related freight but generates around 30% of total trade-related CO2 emissions.

If you’re considering the environmental impact of CBD products, packaging and sourcing information may help you make more informed choices about which brands to support.

What are the social and ethical considerations in CBD production?

The environmental impact of CBD production represents only part of the sustainability picture. Social responsibility and ethical business practices throughout the supply chain are equally important considerations for consumers and industry alike.

Labour conditions in hemp farming

Hemp cultivation remains a labour-intensive process, particularly in developing regions where much of the world’s hemp is produced. Workers in these areas often face exploitation through low wages, excessive working hours, and inadequate safety standards. Child labour presents a serious concern in some hemp-growing regions, alongside gender disparities that disproportionately affect women, who constitute the majority of textile industry workers.

Many hemp growers lack unionisation or labour protections, making them particularly vulnerable to exploitation, especially in countries with weak regulatory frameworks. As demand for CBD products continues to grow, the risk of worker exploitation increases accordingly, making fair wages and safe working conditions essential considerations for truly sustainable production.

Supply chain transparency

The complexity of hemp supply chains creates significant obstacles for ethical oversight. CBD products typically pass through multiple intermediaries from farm to final product, making origin tracing exceptionally difficult. This lack of transparency can inadvertently support various forms of exploitation, including bonded labour or environmentally harmful agricultural practices.

Unlike other agricultural products such as organic cotton or fair trade coffee, hemp currently lacks standardised certifications across supply chains to guarantee ethical practices. However, certifications such as Green Business Network’s CBD standard are emerging, addressing social and environmental issues by requiring businesses to demonstrate fair employment practices and sustainable manufacturing processes.

Community impact and economic development

CBD production offers considerable potential for local economic development, particularly in rural areas. As one UK parliamentarian noted, the medicinal cannabis industry can have a “transformational impact on local communities” by creating diverse horticultural, administrative, and logistical jobs that help retain young people in rural areas.

Hemp cultivation represents a form of farm diversification—building on existing local strengths and skills. Ethical CBD companies actively engage with local communities, fostering positive relationships and contributing to community development through social responsibility initiatives. If regulatory frameworks were aligned with global standards, the UK’s medical cannabis sector alone could potentially create up to 100,000 high-quality jobs.

If you’re considering CBD products, it may be worth researching the brand’s approach to ethical sourcing and community engagement to ensure your purchase supports responsible practices.

Now read:

The environmental impact of CBD production presents a complex picture that resists simple answers. Water consumption remains a genuine concern, with cannabis plants requiring significantly more water than many conventional crops. Indoor cultivation particularly presents challenges, generating substantial carbon emissions per kilogram of processed product.

However, hemp’s potential as a carbon sink may offer environmental benefits when cultivation is managed appropriately. Research suggests that hemp can absorb considerable amounts of CO2 per hectare, potentially outperforming many other crops. Sustainable practices such as organic farming methods and water conservation techniques demonstrate that more environmentally conscious production is possible.

The choice of extraction method appears to matter considerably for environmental impact. CO2 extraction, whilst energy-intensive, avoids toxic residues and can be recycled in closed-loop systems. Ethanol extraction offers another approach, though each method presents distinct environmental trade-offs that producers must weigh carefully.

Packaging and distribution present ongoing challenges that the industry is beginning to address. Some companies are exploring biodegradable materials, refill programmes, and more sustainable packaging options, though transport emissions from global supply chains require continued attention.

It’s worth noting that the environmental and social implications of CBD production are still being studied, and more research is needed to fully understand the long-term impacts.

The social dimension of sustainability – including fair labour practices and community engagement – appears equally important for truly responsible CBD production. These considerations extend beyond environmental concerns to encompass the welfare of workers and communities involved in the supply chain.

Botanical Garden CBD products, prioritise sustainable practices and transparency in their production methods. However, as with any supplement or health product, it’s advisable to speak to your healthcare professional before use.

This article is provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for professional environmental or agricultural advice.

Have you considered the environmental impact when choosing CBD products? What factors do you think are most important for sustainable production? Let us know in the comments below.

FAQs

Q1. How much water does CBD production require compared to other crops? CBD production requires significantly more water than conventional crops. Cannabis plants can consume up to 22.7 litres (6 gallons) of water daily during the growing season, which is nearly twice the amount needed for crops like maize, soybean, and wheat.

Q2. What are the environmental benefits of hemp cultivation for CBD? Hemp, used for CBD production, offers notable environmental benefits. It acts as a powerful carbon sink, absorbing 8-15 tonnes of CO2 per hectare, which is more than many other crops. Additionally, hemp requires less water compared to crops like cotton, making it potentially suitable for water-scarce regions.

Q3. Are there sustainable extraction methods for CBD? Yes, there are sustainable extraction methods for CBD. Supercritical CO2 extraction is considered the gold standard for sustainability. It leaves no toxic residues, can be recycled in closed-loop systems, and preserves more beneficial compounds. Ethanol extraction is another environmentally friendly alternative that can be reused for future extractions.

Q4. How is the CBD industry addressing packaging waste? The CBD industry is addressing packaging waste through various initiatives. Some companies are adopting biodegradable packaging options, such as hemp-based plastics. Others are using recyclable materials like glass containers and FSC-certified cardboard. Additionally, refill programmes and reusable containers are being introduced to reduce overall packaging waste.

Q5. What social and ethical considerations are important in CBD production? Important social and ethical considerations in CBD production include fair labour practises in hemp farming, transparency in supply chains, and community engagement. Ensuring fair wages, safe working conditions, and avoiding child labour are crucial. Additionally, supporting local economic development and fostering positive relationships with communities where CBD is produced are key aspects of ethical production.