by Ben Kaput, Hashtag Seattle shift lead

Imagine this: you're lounging in your favorite spot, ready to indulge in some primo bud. You already know by the look and smell of it that it’s going to be fantastic.  But wait, how can you be sure that what you're about to light up is top-notch and as close to organic as possible? Enter Clean Green Certification, your trusty sidekick in the quest for the dankest, cleanest cannabis around.

In the rapidly growing cannabis industry, ensuring product safety and quality is paramount for both consumers and businesses alike. With the increasing demand for sustainably produced cannabis products, certification programs have emerged to provide assurances to consumers, while also promoting responsible practices within the industry. 

Among these certification bodies, Clean Green Certification stands out as a beacon of excellence, setting the standard for environmentally friendly and regenerative cannabis cultivation practices.

Established in 2004 by Chris Van Hook, Clean Green Certification fills a crucial gap in the cannabis industry by offering a rigorous certification process tailored to the unique needs of cannabis growers, processors, and distributors. 

The closest cannabis gets to organic

Inspired by the USDA Organic Certification program, Clean Green Certification adapts its standards to align with the principles of organic farming while addressing the specific challenges and regulations faced by cannabis businesses operating in a complex legal landscape.  

Two fun facts about Clean Green: 

1. In 2004, Chris was working for the USDA as an organic certifier when he began Clean Green Certification!  

2. It has been quite a while since 2004, but it may still come as a shock to learn that Clean Green Certification is the oldest cannabis certification in the entire world.

At its core, Clean Green Certification emphasizes sustainable and eco-friendly practices that minimize environmental impact and prioritize consumer safety. Through a comprehensive evaluation process, Clean Green assesses factors such as soil health, water conservation, pest management, and waste reduction to ensure that certified products meet the highest standards of quality and purity. By adhering to these standards, cannabis businesses can demonstrate their commitment to environmental stewardship and social responsibility while instilling confidence in consumers who seek safer-to-consume products.

Transparency and accountability

One of the key pillars of Clean Green Certification is its focus on fostering transparency and accountability throughout the supply chain. By requiring detailed documentation and record-keeping, Clean Green enables traceability from seed to sale, providing assurance that certified products meet strict quality and safety standards at every stage of production. This level of transparency not only enhances consumer trust but also facilitates regulatory compliance and promotes responsible business practices within the industry.

Social and ethical concerns

In addition to environmental considerations, Clean Green Certification also addresses social and ethical concerns within the cannabis industry. Recognizing the importance of fair labor practices and community engagement, Clean Green evaluates criteria such as 

• employee welfare, 

• community involvement, and 

• adherence to labor laws 

to ensure that certified businesses uphold these principles of social responsibility and ethical conduct. By supporting businesses that prioritize the well-being of their employees and communities, Clean Green Certification contributes to the development of a more equitable and sustainable cannabis industry.

Peace of mind for cannabis consumers

For consumers, choosing Clean Green certified products offers peace of mind knowing that they are supporting businesses committed to ethical and environmentally conscious practices. Whether it's flower, edibles, or concentrates, Clean Green Certification serves as a trusted seal of approval, indicating that products have been produced with the utmost care and consideration for health, safety, and sustainability.

Innovating in the cannabis industry

Clean Green Certification plays a vital role in shaping the future of the cannabis industry by promoting innovation and continuous improvement. By encouraging growers and producers to adopt best practices and invest in sustainable technologies, Clean Green fosters a culture of innovation that drives positive change and sets new standards of excellence within the industry.

In the end, Clean Green Certification represents a pioneering effort to raise the bar for cannabis safety and sustainability. By providing a framework for environmentally friendly cultivation practices and ethical business conduct, Clean Green empowers businesses to thrive while prioritizing the well-being of consumers and the planet. As the cannabis industry continues to evolve, Clean Green Certification stands as a beacon of integrity and excellence, driving positive change and promoting a healthier, more responsible future for cannabis enthusiasts worldwide.

Which brands are Clean Green Certified at Hashtag Cannabis?

Falcanna

Falcanna, from the Olympic peninsula, offers flower, concentrates, cartridges, and pre rolls.

Lazy Bee Gardens

And Lazy Bee Gardens, grown in greenhouses in the Methow Valley, offer flower, concentrates, pre rolls, and RSO.

Try out these two brands for yourself, and let us know what you think about experiencing Clean Green cannabis!