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February 9, 2026Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research0 citations

Industrial Cannabis , Cannabic Residue or Industrial Cannabis Waste? Perspectives on the Utilization, Reutilization, and Recycling of Cannabis

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RBRaoni Avan de Almeida BarbosaELEnzo Sousa LyrioJGJoão Gabriel Gouvêa-Silva

Key Points

  • This research aims to identify sustainable strategies for utilizing cannabis sativa residues to promote circular economy practices.
  • Conducted an integrative review following systematic guidelines.
  • Performed systematic searches across multiple databases and platforms.
  • Included empirical studies addressing cannabis by-products for industrial use.
  • Identified 262 studies focusing on the recycling and valorization of cannabis residues.
  • Most residues studied were stems, seeds, and post-extraction residuum with significant applications in industrial sectors.
  • A total of 328 technologies were identified for applications such as bioplastics and biofuels.

Abstract

Introduction: Cannabis sativa L. is an annual herbaceous plant with a long history of multipurpose use, including food, textile, and medicinal applications. The progressive legalization in several countries has significantly increased its large-scale cultivation, consequently generating a substantial amount of biomass waste. This scenario calls for innovative and sustainable strategies to valorize Cannabis residues, aiming at promoting the circular economy and technological innovation. Materials and Methods: An integrative review was conducted following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Systematic searches were performed in SCOPUS, PubMed, and SciELO, complemented by specialized platforms such as CANNUSE and CONSENSUS. Peer-reviewed empirical studies were included if they addressed the utilization, reutilization, or recycling of C. sativa by-products or residues for the development of industrial products, processes, or inputs. The analysis considered thematic and commercial domains, geographic origin, and biomass type. Results: A total of 262 studies were included, with 144 retrieved from indexed databases and 118 from alternative methods. The most commonly explored residues were stems (48.2%), seeds (21.0%), and postextraction residuum (9.7%). The majority of applications were related to technology and innovation (37.5%) and industrial sectors (36.9%). A total of 328 technologies were identified, highlighting applications such as textile fibers, bioplastics, biofuels, functional foods, adsorbents, and natural cosmetics. Italy, China, and the United States led in scientific production. Leaves (7.0%) and roots (0.9%) were significantly underexplored despite their bioactive potential. Discussion: The findings demonstrate a growing global interest in the valorization of C. sativa residues, with promising applications in bioeconomy, regenerative agriculture, phytoremediation, and energy transition. The integration of traditional knowledge and green technologies is a key strategy to enhance sustainability and socioterritorial inclusion. Nonetheless, regulatory gaps and a lack of robust clinical and toxicological studies limit the use of by-products in food and feed chains. Conclusion: The residual biomass of C. sativa holds high technological, environmental, and economic value. Strategic valorization demands regulatory advancement, the development of green technologies, and the strengthening of multidisciplinary research. Industrial Cannabis emerges as a driver of ecological, social, and economic transformation toward sustainable circular production systems.

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Cite This Study

Barbosa et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/698979e9f0ec2af6756e7f79https://doi.org/10.1177/25785125261421439
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