Overview and Future Perspectives on the Potential of Post-harvest Cannabis Waste as Agricultural Amendments: Biomass Conversion Processes

Utilizing organic waste to improve soil fertility is a highly ecological strategy for waste management within the framework of a circular economy. This literature review thoroughly examined the potential of post-harvest cannabis waste as an agricultural amendment, emphasizing biomass conversion processes. This biomass can be converted into organic fertilizers using techniques such as composting, microbial digestion, and pyrolysis. The findings indicate that controlled composting, which involves mixing different organic substrates to enhance the carbon/nitrogen ratio, is the most effective process employed. Cannabis biomass decomposes more slowly than other organic materials, such as manure or kitchen waste, due to its elevated lignin and cellulose content. This article delineates significant deficiencies in the literature and proposes avenues for future research to improve the sustainable utilization of cannabis waste in agriculture.