Hawaiian Ethos Medical Cannabis Is Sun-Grown and Sustainable

Kailua-Kona—One of just two licensed medical cannabis growers and distributors on the Big Island of Hawai‘i , Hawaiian Ethos utilizes sustainable growing practices which are better for patients, the planet, and the medicine. 

Sungrown on Hawai‘i Island

“In Hawaiʻi, natural light is an abundant resource, so we designed our cultivation facility to harness as much of it as possible,” says Diana Hahn, Hawaiian Ethos Communications Director.

Using the sun allows Ethos to significantly cut down on artificial lighting, one of the biggest energy expenditures in the cultivation of indoor cannabis.

Quality of Hawaiʻi Sunlight = Increased THC Production 

Sunlight in Hawai’i is unique, both in its intensity and spectrum. Because Hawaii is near the equator, the sun's rays are a lot stronger than in other places. For example, Hawai‘i is exposed to more UV than anywhere else in the United States—routinely at 9-10 on the UV index. UV light has been shown to increase cannabinoid production in plants—specifically THCA. UV can also lower bacterial and fungal populations, which keeps plants clean. 

“All medical cannabis sold on the island has to be grown locally, and all Hawaiian Ethos cannabis is sun-grown,” says Hahn. 

The structure and orientation of Ethos’ cultivation facility lets in high elevation sunlight via efficient light-transmitting panels, allowing diffuse, broad spectrum sunlight to shine down on the plants. By growing with sunlight as the primary energy source, Ethos uses 1.3M less KwH and saves over $650,000 per year compared traditional indoor growing methods. 

“Growing with the sun reduces the carbon footprint of Ethos’ operation substantially as artificial lighting also requires extra cooling. We’ve also seen that sun-grown cannabis has more ‘character.’ Unique traits in the structure of the flower as well as its cannabinoid and terpene profile are enhanced by the wide spectrum light provided by the sun,” adds Hahn.

Sustainable Packaging

Along with using the sunlight, Hawaiian Ethos is also the first dispensary in the state to introduce recyclable, compostable packaging. Rather than plastic, Ethos uses childproof cardboard boxes to meet state requirements for the majority of its products. Even the resealable inner sleeves used to keep flower fresh are compostable. 

“Hawaiian Ethos strives to produce the best medicine, in order to maximize the impact we make in the lives of patients and minimize the impact we make on the earth,” said Hahn.

Traveling to Hawai’i?

Hawaiian Ethos is permitted to serve out-of-state medical cannabis patients. 

Residents of the United States with a government-issued Medical Cannabis Registration Card may apply for an out-of-state medical cannabis card here.

Location/Hours

Hawaiian Ethos’ first dispensary is located on Olowalu Street in Kailua-Kona, on the Big Island of Hawai‘i. Hawaiian Ethos is open from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Sunday.  A Hilo location will be announced soon.