Is Eco-Friendly Hemp Farming Profitable? This Company Proves It Is And Now Leads A Revolution In Cannabis Cultivation

"It's no longer enough for companies to be aware of issues. Businesses must be at the forefront of instituting practices that address environmental and climate issues, not add to them," said Stefanie Reiser, CEO of Acknowledge, a pioneering cannabis farm in Maryland. In the green expanse of their fields, the story of Acknowledge is not just about producing premium CBD products but also about a deep-rooted commitment to sustainable agriculture.

Revolutionizing Cannabis Cultivation With Living Soil

Echoing this commitment, findings from a recent Columbia University study highlight the benefits of regenerative farming and living soil in cannabis cultivation. The study shows that living soil – a dynamic blend of microorganisms and organic matter – enhances the quality of cannabis products by enriching them with a diverse array of cannabinoids and terpenes and substantially minimizes the environmental impact of cultivation.

Building on these insights, Acknowledge has been at the forefront of integrating these eco-friendly methods into its hemp farming practices. “The current state of cannabis cultivation often overlooks the environmental benefits this plant can offer. Moving to outdoors, living soil methods not only improve product quality but also bring significant ecological advantages,” Reiser told Benzinga. This approach represents a significant shift from the traditional energy-intensive indoor cultivation to a more sustainable practice that harnesses the power of living soil and the sun's natural energy.

Certified Organic: Elevating Hemp Quality At Acknowledge

As a USDA-Certified Organic and Regenerative Organic Alliance Certified farm, Acknowledge places immense value on nurturing soil health. "Our regeneratively grown, organic hemp strains, selected for their unique properties, interact with our Maryland micro-climate, and are harvested by hand," Reiser explained. This meticulous approach has led to robust healthier plants and products enriched with a wide range of beneficial compounds, setting Acknowledge's offerings apart in a competitive market.

Overcoming Challenges: The Journey To Sustainable Cannabis Cultivation

Despite these advances, the journey to sustainable cultivation was not straightforward for Acknowledge. The farm, previously dormant for over 20 years, faced substantial challenges in restoring soil health. Reiser talked about the crucial steps they undertook, such as reducing soil compaction and fostering a healthy soil microbiome, all of which are essential in living soil cultivation. 

Through innovative strategies like no-till cover crop practices and collaboration with neighboring farmers, Acknowledge successfully navigated these challenges. “Our initial focus was on revitalizing the soil. We introduced compost layers and utilized tilling radishes as a natural tillage system. These practices not only improved soil health but also boosted water infiltration and microbial activity,” she said.

A Profitable Reward For Those Adopting Eco-Friendly Farming Practices

While embracing these challenges, Reiser asserts that regenerative farming is more profitable in the long run, cutting down on excess nutrients, inputs and pesticides. “Research shows that regenerative practices are 78% more profitable than conventional methods. This is due to lower input costs and the premium consumers are willing to pay for sustainable products,” she said, referencing a study by the Ecdysis Foundation.

Pushing A New Paradigm In The Cannabis Industry

Under Reiser’s leadership, Acknowledge not only thrives in sustainable practices but also stands out as a beacon for woman-led enterprises in the cannabis industry. Her approach embodies a broad, cooperative mindset, bringing balance and a focus on the collective good. "Women leaders are ushering in systemic shifts in business," she said, seizing the opportunity to shape the cannabis industry on the East Coast during its early stages.

Acknowledge's story is a compelling narrative of innovation, environmental responsibility and visionary leadership. It extends beyond the realm of agriculture and producing high-quality CBD products as it symbolizes a shift towards more responsible and forward-thinking business practices in one of the world's fastest-growing industries.