More topics

Environmental management for the cannabis industry

Last updated on February 25, 2021

Cannabis producers and processors are required to follow B.C. and federal regulatory requirements. There are many resources available to assist you in meeting these requirements, while developing sustainable practices to reduce your impact on the environment.

Waste management

Cannabis operations must responsibly manage their waste and not cause pollution, as required by the B.C. Environmental Management Act (EMA). There are many options to properly manage your waste that will meet the Federal Cannabis Act and Regulations for destruction while protecting the environment.  

Please review the Cannabis Waste Management Factsheet (PDF, 110.4KB) for more information on managing your waste, including best practices for composting, wastewater management, disposal of solvents, recycling and more.

Integrated pest management

Integrated pest management (IPM) is a decision-making process for managing pests in an effective, economical, and environmentally sound way. Guidance documents are available for:

Water licences and approvals

Cannabis operations that propose to divert and use water from a stream or an aquifer in B.C. must first obtain a water authorization (licence or use approval). Please visit the Water licences and approvals webpage for more information.

Greenhouse gas reporting and incentives

B.C. facilities that emit 10,000 tonnes or more of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) per year must report their greenhouse gas emissions annually. Facilities may be eligible for funding or incentives under the CleanBC Program for Industry. Please visit the Reporting industrial greenhouse gas emissions webpage and the CleanBC program for industry webpage for more information.