AQUAPONICS: EXPLORING THE FUTURE OF SUSTAINABLE CANNABIS CULTIVATION WITH NEWGROVE PHARMACY

Priding ourselves on dispensing the highest quality medicinal cannabis and as we’ve discussed previously in our Cannabis Cultivation blog, there are several innovative techniques for growing cannabis.

Today, we delve into one such method: aquaponic fertilisation. This unique approach is gaining recognition as a superior way of cultivating cannabis, producing healthier plants and a more sustainable growing environment.

WHAT IS AQUAPONICS?

Aquaponics is an ecosystem-based method that combines aquaculture (raising fish) and hydroponics (growing plants without soil). In this closed-loop system, the fish produce waste, which contains valuable nutrients including ammonia. Beneficial bacteria then convert the ammonia into nitrates, a form of nitrogen that cannabis plants can absorb. As the plants absorb these nutrients, they purify the water, which is then recirculated back to the fish tanks.

This harmonious relationship creates an efficient, sustainable system, providing both the fish and plants with what they need to thrive. The result? A cleaner, greener and more organic cannabis cultivation process.

THE BENEFITS OF AQUAPONIC FERTILISATION

Aquaponics is not just about growing plants—it’s about creating a balanced ecosystem. Here are some of the reasons why many industry insiders consider it superior:

• Sustainability: with aquaponics, water is recirculated, reducing waste and the need for fresh water. This makes it an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional farming.
• Nutrient-Rich: fish waste provides a natural, organic source of nutrients that cannabis plants need to grow. This eliminates the need for synthetic fertilisers, making the end product cleaner and healthier.
• Better Terpene Expression: preliminary research suggests that using organic living soil and aquaponics may enhance terpene expression in cannabis plants, leading to richer, more potent aromas and flavours.

AQUALITAS’ INNOVATIVE APPROACH: DUAL LIVING SYSTEM

While aquaponics is a highly effective growing technique, some companies, like Aqualitas, go one step further using two innovative approaches to sustainable agriculture. Creating a dual living system to produce organic craft products, Aqualitas has raised and managed 3,000 Koi Carp fish to produce nutrient-rich waste which is then used to cultivate cannabis in organic living soil. This ‘living soil’ is another innovative approach to sustainable agriculture. This mimics the natural process of microbially-supported plant cultivation, allowing crops to reach their full potential without wasting nutrient resources or generating harmful waste products. It focuses on maintaining a biologically active soil ecosystem by:

1. Adding organic matter such as compost, which provides food for soil organisms.

2. Supporting microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi, which decompose the organic matter and make nutrients available to plants.

3. Reducing the need for synthetic fertilisers, as nutrients are recycled within the soil.

4. Improving soil structure, which promotes water infiltration and aids plant growth.

Together, these methods offer a sustainable alternative to conventional farming, while producing high-quality, organic cannabis products.

AQUALITAS’ STORY

Aqualitas embarked on their journey with the vision of producing clean cannabis by closely mimicking natural processes. They believe that an organic, natural, and clean approach benefits both fish and plants. ‘Early research indicated that this method yields a superior end product’. Recognizing that consumers desire choice, Aqualitas, based in Canada ‘aimed to offer a product that not only meets exceptional quality standards but also aligns with the sustainability values and goals of their customers’.

THE PASSION BEHIND THE PROCESS

For many master growers, cannabis cultivation is more than just a job—it’s a passion. These experts carefully manage every aspect of plant growth, ensuring the plants receive all the nutrients and water they need. In an aquaponics system, plants are not force-fed; instead, they absorb nutrients naturally, which allows for better control over the cultivation process.

Small stressors can be applied to the plants to promote trichome development, leading to more potent cannabis with enhanced medicinal properties. This meticulous attention to detail sets aquaponic cultivation apart from other methods.

A GREENER FUTURE

Aquaponics and organic living soil offer sustainable, innovative alternatives to traditional cannabis cultivation methods. By reducing waste, improving nutrient absorption and enhancing the overall quality of the cannabis, these methods are paving the way for a greener future in medicinal cannabis production.

Newgrove Pharmacy is committed to embracing these cutting-edge techniques to provide our patients with the highest quality medicinal cannabis products. We believe that by supporting sustainable farming practices, we can benefit the environment and improve the quality of products available to patients