MARQUETTE — Ottawa Innovations (the cultivation arm of Higher Love Cannabis Co.) has officially become the first cannabis producer in the U.P. to receive the Clean Green certification. While many of the organic foods that we love are distinguished via an official U.S. Department of Agriculture certification, there is no federal equivalent for cannabis. The Clean Green Certification Program was created in 2004 to remedy precisely this issue and hold those in the cannabis market to exact, high standards.

Clean Green follows USDA certification standards when evaluating the growing practices of cannabis cultivars. This highly coveted certification provides consumers with assurance about the sustainability of the conditions in which the product was grown, the care of the plants as they grew, and how the crop has been processed and stored. Furthermore, this certificate focuses on the overall reduction of the organizations carbon footprint. From utilizing existing buildings, harnessing new energy, water conservation and fair labor practices, Higher Love takes pains to manage a sustainable environment in order to provide consumers with safe, high-quality product.

Joni Moore, Higher Love Cannabis Co. president, is thrilled with the certification. “We are committed to the health and well-being of our customers. By employing organic management practices at our cultivation facility, we allow this amazing medicinal plant to express its full potential, passing on the highest health benefits to our customers. We have always grown in soil and have always used organic based nutrients, so we are very excited now to have the official Clean Green certification.”