This review highlights the different types of sustainable treatment methods that are available for medicinal cannabis processing. There are challenges that occur throughout processing, mainly the legislative issues that issues from handling the waste. Several methods are discussed within this article on correctly treating medicinal cannabis waste in a way that is in-line with legislation.

Abstract

With the increased acceptance, research, and production in the medicinal Cannabis sativa industry, the natural follow-on effect has amplified the amount of cannabis waste generated. This magnification of biomass weight leads to an opportunity coupled with the legislative challenges regarding Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content present in the waste that must be destroyed or rendered unusable. It is necessary to find appropriate waste valorization methods to prevent this waste from inhabiting landfills. This study analyzes the waste generated through the production of medicinal cannabis and compares it with the current and potential waste management institutions that are appropriate to handle said waste. Valorization opportunities are discussed for each waste processing method. It has been determined that landfilling is the most unsustainable of cannabis waste management and is limited in generating resource recovery. Current waste management systems can be sustainable for biomass waste but must be embraced by cultivators and industry alike. Novel management methods allow for promising results of waste valorization, but more research is required to determine cannabis suitability.