StaffJune 14, 2019
CannaCraft had a dilemma as one of California’s largest cannabis producers and distributors.
California is the largest market for cannabis in the U.S. Unfortunately, the flip side is that, with strict child-safety packaging requirements, it also produces the most amount of cannabis waste.
As a company that works towards cannabis advocacy, sustainability, charity work, compliance and safety, CannaCraft felt compelled to take a step back and reimagine its regulatory compliance tactics through the lens of environmental protection.
The company’s strict compliance with state packaging regulations meant that it was contributing significantly to California’s waste problem. Worse, it was afraid that as other states looked to California for guidance, the amount of waste generated would multiply, creating a tidal wave of ongoing waste generated across the country — a major environmental crisis.
Cannacraft first focused on a new packaging strategy for its vape product. The two million vape cartridges produced by CannaCraft annually were being packaged in plastic, child-resistant tubes to comply with cannabis packaging regulations in California. CannaCraft created a new step to the manufacturing process which allows it to simply seal the vape cartridges themselves, making them inherently child-resistant without adding excessive, single-use plastic.
“Public safety is naturally a top concern for CannaCraft, but the excessive plastic waste was also troubling,” says Tiffany Devitt, CannaCraft’s Chief Compliance Officer. “With each plastic tube standing 5.5” tall, 1 years’ worth of CannaCraft’s child-resistant tubes would reach over 900,000 feet if stacked. Or 30 times taller than Mount Everest. That’s a lot of waste that we’ll be eliminating.”
Innovation has been a driving force behind CannaCraft’s success, and, with over one hundred unique products, the company has amassed one of the largest product portfolios in California.
Dennis Hunter, CannaCraft’s co-founder said the company is in the process of reviewing its entire product lineup and production standards to improve sustainability and decrease the carbon footprint of the industry.
As a major producer of plastic waste, the cannabis industry must continue to innovate and demand regulations that take the environment into account. Consumers can also do their part. First, when feasible, support marijuana producers and retailers who are using recyclable or compostable packaging. Second, make an effort to recycle the parts of cannabis packaging that are recyclable, like paper, glass or cardboard. Third, in states that mandate exit packaging, such as California, aim to reuse your exit bag for all your cannabis purchases (just like bringing your own reusable bag to the supermarket!). Finally, advocate at the government level so that regulations are enacted that protect both people and our precious environment.
