In the burgeoning marijuana industry, a new generation of growers are challenging the norms and identifying innovative methods to cultivate cannabis. While the term ‘organic’ is not legally accessible to marijuana cultivators due to federal restrictions, alternative approaches are gaining traction, offering growers a path to distinguish their conscientiously-raised crops in an increasingly competitive field.
Certified Kind: Breaking Free from Traditional Concepets
One such alternative is ‘Certified Kind’, a certification that aims to mirror the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) organic certification standards, yet provides a specific solution for marijuana cultivators. Created by Andrew Black, a former USDA employee and now owner of a company called Certified Kind, this certification establishes rigorous criteria for the sustainable cultivation of marijuana, including biodiversity conservation, energy conservation, fair treatment of employees and more.
Lessons from the Organic Food Revolution
Black’s endeavor reflects a similar trajectory taken by the organic food industry a few decades ago. Before USDA organic certification came into force, the organic food industry relied on a multitude of independent certification bodies. It is likely that the marijuana industry will tread a similar path until federal laws change.
The Green Path to Quality
For growers looking to distinguish their crop quality and highlight their commitment to sustainable growing practices, third-party certifications like Certified Kind offer a credible alternative. They provide much sought-after transparency and assurance to consumers in the medical marijuana community who place significant importance on the growth method of their chosen product.
Certification Benefits
- Increased Marketability: For cultivators, gaining such a certification can enhance their marketability within the MMJ (medical marijuana) industry, enabling them to appeal to more discerning consumers.
- Quality Assurance: For consumers, these labels serve as a marker of quality, ensuring the product they consume is grown using sustainable methods and is free from harmful chemicals.
- Support Sustainable Practices: For the environment, every grower who switches to these eco-friendly practices contributes to the preservation of our ecosystem.
Local Moves defining the Future
As the marijuana industry continues to evolve, individual states are making their own moves to certify organic-like marijuana. In 2020, Colorado passed a bill that will create a state-wide certification program for marijuana growers who use organic methods. Although the program is still under development, it demonstrates the growing demand for accredited sustainable marijuana products.
This drive towards “organics” within the marijuana industry isn’t just about the bottom line. It’s about meeting the needs and demands of a shifting customer landscape. As consumer preferences evolve towards a desire for clean, sustainable, and high-quality goods, marijuana growers can pivot effectively to meet these demands, gaining a competitive edge in the process.
Through sites like MMJ.com, patients and growers alike can navigate the nuances of sustainable and high-quality medical marijuana. MMJ.com helps provide access to medical marijuana cards in the USA, both for new patients and renewals, guiding individuals through the medical marijuana journey from start to finish.
A Bright Future Ahead
No matter the federal laws, marijuana growers are charting forward on an uncompromising path towards sustainability and enhanced quality. By freeing themselves from the constraints of the ‘organic’ label, they are paving the way for a new era of conscientious and effective marijuana cultivation. The path being forged today is setting the stage for a brighter, greener future for the marijuana industry.
