H2-rich syngas production from gasification of cannabis waste in a downdraft gasifier

The growth of the cannabis industry emphasizes the importance of valorizing renewable waste, which can be used to produce sustainable fuels. Gasification is an effective thermochemical process for converting biomass and waste into synthesis gas, providing a valuable renewable energy source. In this context, this study proposes the valorization of cannabis waste, specifically hemp, through the gasification process, using a downdraft gasifier and a mixture of air and steam as the gasifying agent to produce synthesis gas. The main operating parameters influencing the gasification process (biomass/steam ratio, equivalence ratio, and temperature) were evaluated, as well as the influence of the steam explosion as a pre-treatment of the cannabis waste. The highest H 2 , CO concentrations, and LHV were observed among the evaluated parameters at an S/B ratio of 1 ER = 0.25 and T = 900 °C. With H₂ contents above 40 % vol, the gasification process demonstrated significant potential for energy valorization of cannabis waste compared to other biomass sources. • H 2 -rich syngas has been produced from the gasification of cannabis waste for the first time. • The potential of steam as a gasification agent was presented. • Temperature, equivalence ratio, and steam/biomass ratio were evaluated. • A semi-pilot downdraft gasifier was used to produce H 2 -rich syngas. • Evaluation of the steam explosion as a biomass pretreatment for gasification.