Old Solutions, New Problem: Hemp BioDiesel

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With the looming threat of exploding energy prices choking Europe, the cannabis conversation becomes even more relevant. While medical and recreational cannabis continues to spread through the world, the industrial use of the plant, particularly that of BioDiesel, woefully lags.

DON’T WASTE FOOD USE CANNABIS WASTE FOR FUEL

One of the trickiest aspects of sourcing biofuel is that many suitable options, such as tallow, soy, and wheat, are staple food products. Due to this, many countries are slow to pursue these fuel options as it requires sacrificing food. While fuel is essential, sustenance is arguably more so. Yet cannabis, a largely inedible plant, offers an excellent opportunity to produce biofuels without threatening the caloric intake of a population.

Since at least 2010, there have been studies published on the effectiveness of cannabis as a source of biofuel. UConn converted 97% of a hemp oil sample into biodiesel that year. The stalk, leaves, and other above-ground parts can be harvested for sugar yields and then fermented into ethanol. Yet, progression in the field has stalled, apparently due to a lack of demand.

As it takes cannabis only a few weeks to grow, the issue isn’t supply. Even if there is not enough cannabis waste to convert into biofuel, the industry can quickly produce it. Proper processing centers may be more difficult to find, but with enough ingenuity, a region such as Europe could likely muster up the needed equipment and space.

Considering the coming winter season now is the time to invest in alternative fuel sources, whether nuclear or a green energy solution such as cannabis-sourced fuels.

The issue holding back this field is the same issue holding back cannabis manufacturing unilaterally, namely, the aforementioned lack of processing plants. Both innovative and nationalized solutions, or as is more likely, private innovation in the field, could address this bottleneck. Once someone seizes this opportunity, the use of cannabis fuels could be made mainstream. It is of note that this idea was one shared by Henry Ford.