How Composting Breaks Down THC in Cannabis
Proper disposal of cannabis waste is a key requirement for licensed cannabis facilities. Composting has emerged as the responsible choice for its environmental benefits and ability to break down Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). This article delves into a 2019 study that showed how microbial activity in composting effectively degrades THC, making it an effective and compliant waste management strategy.
Study Overview
Between September 20, 2019, and November 13, 2019, a series of composting trials were conducted at Rainbow Valley Farm in Sidney, Maine. The goal was to develop a best practice guide for cannabis waste management that was cost-effective, environmentally sound, and protective of public health.
Composting Transforms Cannabis Waste
In composting, organic ingredients are consumed through microbial activity and transformed into complex compounds that resist breaking down. These compounds have low biological activity and are resistant to leaching. A proper mix of carbon, nitrogen, water, and unrestricted airflow is used to help initiate and sustain the composting process.
To the researchers’ advantage, the Rainbow Valley Farm site was already composting and had numerous available feedstocks in abundance, including horse manure, dairy manure, and corn and hay silage.
Temperature and Physical Changes
Approximately 700 pounds of marijuana were equally distributed over the three test piles.
Throughout the eight-week study, compost pile temperatures consistently stayed within optimal ranges of 131°F to 150°F. The piles also dramatically changed in size and shape, shrinking to half of their original size by the end of the study.
Pile Sampling and Conclusions of the Study
Lab analysis recorded the starting marijuana sample had 5.21% THC. With the lab detection limit set to 0.1%, all sampling events after the September 20 sampling failed to detect any remnant THC levels. This demonstrated that composting effectively degraded the THC levels in marijuana to well below the regulatory target level of 0.3% THC.
The results support composting as an effective method for managing marijuana products and processing waste.
Missouri’s Cannabis Waste Regulations
The success of composting as a cannabis waste management strategy extends beyond Maine, providing a viable solution in Missouri as well. Licensed cannabis facilities in Missouri must follow regulations set by the Department of Health & Senior Services (DHSS). Below are just a couple.
According to 19 CSR 100-1.150, marijuana product waste that does not qualify as hazardous waste must be rendered unusable prior to leaving a facility. Marijuana product waste that has been rendered unusable may be disposed of at a permitted solid waste facility for final disposition.
Compost Cannabis Waste in Missouri With Monarch
When you partner with Monarch Waste Co., Missouri’s first cannabis waste service provider, you’re guaranteed compliance with Missouri waste management regulations and ensured that waste is managed in an environmentally responsible manner.
Our step-by-step process handles cannabis waste responsibilities, allowing facilities with cultivation, manufacturing, testing, and dispensary licensing to focus on other vital business operations. Contact us today for a tailored waste management solution that meets your needs!