Cannabis has evolved in the last century of fierce debate surrounding this equally celebrated and maligned plant. This revolution is as much legal as it is agricultural, but luckily the winds are shifting in favor of truly understanding the medical, recreational and social benefits of cannabis. More states are legalizing recreational cannabis and as a result, diversification among growers, sellers and scientists refines strains, methodology and even ethics involved in this industry.
At the forefront of ethical and sustainable growers is Lowell Herb Co. With a storied history going back 110 years with a battle of wills between farmer William “Bull” Lowell and the California Board of Pharmacy, Lowell Herb Co. is founded on the spirit of their namesake. This spirit is the natural methods of growing cannabis going back generations and an iron will to stand up for organic and ethically raised plants.
But what does “organic” actually mean in relation to cannabis production? Furthermore, how does “ethical” sourcing play into everything? Turns out they go hand-in-hand, creating an ethos that pervades the entirety of the business model of Lowell Herb Co. From farm to storefront – including their new, first-ever cannabis cafe – everything Lowell Herb Co does is sustainable, organic and free from exploitative practices that are rampant in other agricultural industries.
What does “organic cannabis oil” even mean?
Organic farming is the practice of avoiding anything synthetic in any part of the growing process. This means natural fertilizers, pest control and processing methods. Raised without synthetic pesticides, using only organic fertilizers, the plants are grown on small family farms. This avoids exploitation of farmers and exposure to toxic chemicals that may be present in non-organic commercial cannabis operations.
From the farm, the cannabis is harvested and run through a cold, non-solvent extraction process. By freezing and tumbling it through an ice water bath before cold-pressing the organic cannabis oil out, they avoid chemicals like butane used by the majority of concentrate producers. The resulting oil retains the flavonoids and terpenes that give cannabis its distinctive flavor and aroma without the taste of solvents. Organic cannabis oil produced through this cold-pressing process is healthier and burns cleaner than the majority of commercially available herbs.
Sustainable from start to finish
Committed to an environmentally conscious product from seed to sale, Lowell Herb Co. has crafted sturdy cardboard packaging without plastic waste or synthetic dyes. Clean materials going into the growth and manufacture of the organic cannabis products creates a revolutionarily minimalist brand that prides itself on its simple roots.
Simplistic innovation: The Lowell CafeThe idea that cannabis would be increasingly legal in the 2010s across the country would have been hard to predict. It’s only natural to celebrate this momentous victory with food and drink. Lowell Herb Co. has partnered with cannabis-inspired chef Andrea Drummer to create a menu for their new West Hollywood cafe.
The first of its kind, the Lowell Cafe serves fresh, farm-to-table meals, coffee, juice and a wide range of cannabis products, including oils, flowers, dabs and edibles. The goal was to embrace the social aspect of cannabis use; to move it from the dispensary and into common spaces with other enthusiasts. With that said, the cafe is inclusive and offers plenty of delicious food and drink for those who aren’t inclined to partake in cannabis products during their visit.
Organic, sustainable, ethical leadership
Ultimately, Lowell Herb Co. is doing so much more than creating a quality product. They’re proving that a business model that cares for its growers, customers and the earth can thrive.