SCIENCE
M A I N E ’ S PAC K AG I N G A N D C O M P L I A N C E C O N U N D RU M BY DOMINIC D
P H OTO G R A P H Y C O U R T E S Y O F K N O T PL A S T I C
This isn’t going away anytime soon… That’s a bold statement, but so true in today’s booming Maine cannabis scene…the demand doesn’t seem to be going away, and the supply is doing its best to gain ground. That being said, there’s a whole lot of herb to wrap. We’ve come a long way from the roll and lick baggie days, friends. With the increasing regulation of state government and its complex requirements, along with the growing competition requiring more marketing, there are only more layers to come—such are the demands of creating and maintaining a high-quality and caliber of flower, concentrates, edibles, and more. That’s a big pile we’re starting to create here. Sure, we are looking at livelihoods for the hard-working people of our fair state, alongside friends from beyond. But at what cost to the Earth, our home and provider for the plants? What can we do to assure that the plant we all admire, respect, and learn from will not create the next mountains of trash from Babylon? This plant, along with its expansive healing properties, teaches us to respect nature and its beings and not to create a waste stream that rivals big beer and tobacco. Canna-trash blowing down the side of roadways…like fast food wrappers leaving trails of cheap consumption and excess in their wake… Are there any options to counter that surge? As we increase our foothold in the mainstream wellness industry, will cannabis be an innovative leader and continue to pioneer forward against all odds? Many believe it can. There are caregivers in Maine taking all of this into account and are each, in their own ways, standing behind their beliefs and contributing to conservation and sustainability. Companies such as Kind & Co. prefer glass jars both for displaying and retaining the quality of the bud through an extended cure and for the reusability/ recyclability of the packaging. Some manufacturers are expanding their horizons (or foundations) into the realm of bio-friendly packaging, like remotely based design agency Scarlet Fire. Good for your dome and good for your home. So far, there is only one in-state manufacturer that we know of, Knot Plastic, based in Saco, which will soon be introducing child-resistant, pre-roll tubes and 19-dram
K NOT PL A S T IC P OP TOP PR E - ROL L JOI N T T U B E
pop-top containers. Their containers are made of their Knot Plastic,™plant-based alternative products that are 100% biodegradable and 100% compostable. You can check them out at knotplastic.com. For the time being, you will need to seek solutions from other cannabis-friendly hotspots around the country. Here’s a short list of our favorite producers and distributors, utilizing a variety of eco-minded approaches to the challenges that lie ahead for this growing industry. These great folks can help you find your way. calyxcontainers.com Calyx Containers: They create protective packaging as purposeful, sustainable, and beautiful as that found in nature. Premium-quality recycled/recyclable concentrate and flower containers, pre-roll tubes, and inventory systems. Based in Massachusetts. MAINECANNABISCHRONICLE.COM
25 23
