Jaclynn Pehota assists cannabis producers and retailers in navigating licensing, zoning and regulatory requirements. (Submitted photo/Jaclynn Pehota)

By Jennifer Olson

producers

Land use expert advocates for sustainability in cannabis production

Dec 12, 2023 | 1:18 PM

Upon legalization, during the creation of cannabis production regulations, considerations for sustainable cannabis farming practices were potentially overlooked.

Jaclynn Pehota is the executive director of the Retail Cannabis Council of British Columbia.

Among her numerous contributions to the cannabis sector, as a land use expert she assists cannabis producers and retailers in navigating licensing, zoning and regulatory requirements.

Pehota explained there are certain regulatory limitations that prevent cannabis production sustainability.

“It’s unfortunate that the federal licence classes limit opportunities [to minimise carbon footprint],” she said.

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“There is a significant number of people in B.C. who are looking at that micro licence class. Because of the 250 square-metre limitation for flowering space, it really limits the opportunities that people have to reduce their carbon footprint because they have to maximise that space as a business priority.”

Currently, cannabis producers are not permitted to repurpose their organic waste materials.

“I think that’s a real failing and lack of consideration on the government’s part,” Pehota expressed.

“Growing cannabis outdoors is a great way to minimize impact. It can also create a carbon sink if farmers are harvesting and then ploughing the [leftover] stalks and leaves back into the ground.”

Hydroelectricity, solar and wind power are also examples of how cannabis companies can minimize their carbon footprint.

“There are opportunities. There are many areas in B.C., like Texada and the Pemberton Valley, that have big microclimates, but there’s just no business case to do it,” Pehota stated.

“I do know of producers who have taken a really innovative approach, even with the current limitations. There is a company that is doing aquaculture; they are doing both salmon farming and producing cannabis at the same time. They’re innovating and their business is sustainable on both sides, so both the fish production and the cannabis production have proven really viable. And I think that is inspiring. It also takes that whole conversation around farmed salmon being detrimental to the wild fish stocks, and removes that as an issue because the salmon is being farmed in an enclosed environment.”

This approach and other sustainable farming methods not only benefit the planet, but also contribute to marketing campaigns and business development.

“I think there is a demand and a niche opportunity, especially on the smaller scale, to start to tout sustainability as part of your business growth program.”

Pehota advocates for reform and points out opportunities for reducing the carbon footprint of cannabis farming. The conversation around sustainable cannabis is crucial as the industry continues to evolve.

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