A Brief Review of the Impacts of Medical Cannabis Production

Abstract

Helena Freitas

Introduction: Cannabis has recently gained a medical status in several countries in the world. Its production for medical purposes should be analysed based on the three pillars of sustainability, taking into account the country in which it is located.
Methods: literary research was conducted through scientific databases and grey literature, such as institutional websites.
Results: Studies from the United States of America and Australia on the socio-economic and environmental impacts of medical cannabis production were consulted, showing that this crop can be socially and economically beneficial in the place where it is executed but, in environmental terms, there is still a long way to go to understand the impacts on the consumption of energy, water, pesticides, fertilizers and waste waters compliance.
Conclusions: The introduction of new non-autochthonous species should be accompanied by studies assessing their impact on the production site. The production of medical cannabis has been increasing and it is imperative to study its impacts in order to be able to implement measures to mitigate potential negative effects.

PDF