CBD and CBG made using biotechnology and synthetic chemistry are more sustainable than versions obtained via traditional agriculture, according to a new white paper.
The ‘Production of Cannabinoids Using Biotechnology and Synthetic Chemistry as a Path to Sustainability’ paper from UK wellness company Cellular Goods compared lab-based cannabinoid production with that of plant-based cannabinoids, the most popular industry method.
By using biotechnology and synthetic chemistry, it is possible to create cannabinoids that have a significantly lower environmental impact than plant-derived cannabinoids, the paper’s author, Istok Nahtigal, Cellular Goods’ Head of Process and Applied Sciences, found.
To produce 1,000kg of cannabigerol (CBG), a rare cannabinoid, field-based production requires 208% more time, and requires 40 acres of land, whereas lab-based production requires less than one acre.
When it comes to outdoor CBD production, meanwhile, CO2 emissions are 44 times higher than lab-made CBD and require 333 times more water.
“The publication of today’s white paper illustrates our continued commitment to creating environmentally conscious, efficacy-led products,” commented Anna Chokina, Cellular Goods’ CEO.
“Cellular Goods exclusively uses lab-produced cannabinoids in its products, and this decision is fully vindicated by this white paper.
“Not only is the production process more sustainable, requiring less land, water and producing greatly decreased biomass waste and carbon emissions than agricultural production, but lab production gives the opportunity to increase production without suffering systemic and biological restraints.
“Use of lab production provides a greater ability to respond to any increases in demand in the cannabinoid space, as consumers become increasingly conscious of the effective skin care and wellness applications of cannabinoids.”
