Drug addiction and environmental degradation are both crucial issues that need attention. When most people think about drugs, societal and personal health impacts are the primary focus. It is even more concerning since drug abuse is widespread today. However, besides personal health challenges and societal wellness, the impact of drug production is even direr. One thing that comes out is the environmental impact which is often not a primary point when discussing drugs. However, its impact cannot be downplayed, especially f you consider the production process.
Increased legalization of some previously prohibited substances has led to more production. A good example is the legalization of marijuana which has seen increased growth and production of related products. Large-scale production of the cannabis plant has significant implications for the environment.
The need to grow more arises when the demand for certain substances increases. Medical cannabis has especially led to such heightened production over time. But how does this happen, and what are the exact implications of increased drug and substance production to the environment?
Drug Production Vs. Environment Impact
Whether growing more plants for drug extraction or producing them synthetically, the processes have a significant mark on the environment. Usually, the impacts are categorized as both long-term and short-term. There is also the legal concern. Even when producing and manufacturing legal drugs (i.e., pharmaceutical drugs), environmental impact is a significant concern. It would be best to look at the impact of pollution such as the carbon prints that production processes leave behind.
Unfortunately, such pollution affects natural life, especially when the components end up in water bodies and alter the lives of fish and other water creatures. The good news is that legal drug production is governed by laws that aim to regulate the pollution menace. Unfortunately, the same cannot happen with illegal drugs known to pollute the environment. The effects of growing and producing illicit drugs are more disturbing.
Carbon Emission
Many other resources are involved for most of these drugs to be produced. The carbon print from such processes is often ignored, yet they are serious, mainly because of the fuel or energy used in growing and production. For example, you need a lot of energy/ fuel to grow cannabis indoors. When these are grown in greenhouses, the issues of greenhouse gases come into play. Outdoor growth of the drugs is not any better since the carbon print is left directly through emissions and indirectly from transportation.
Water Use
Usually, growing some of these drugs requires more water than any other plant. This creates a competing need between drugs and food crops. The issue of water inadequacy can develop due to this competition and cause strain on food production, especially in areas where water is already scarce.
Deforestation
Some people cut down trees to make room for drug production. Clearing forests and large vegetation cover to make room for more growth of drugs and related substances jeopardizes the environment, leading to degradation. Many forest cover and cash crops have been cleared in fertile areas to make room for growing more drugs, especially the illicit kind. Many people appreciate the impact of deforestation as it goes beyond the current lifeti9me.
Toxic Waste Pollution
The wastes from the production of drugs and substances lead to pollution. Everything from growing the drugs, i.e., wastes from chemical fertilizers and herbicides, to manufacturing the end product leads to pollution. This pollution has negative implications in every aspect of it. It leads to land, air, and water pollution. The level of pollution increases with demand as more drugs are made. Unfortunately, the toxic waste ends up destroying the environment and ecosystems. It also has an impact on human life negatively. In most cases, this severe loss of biodiversity is due to this.
The best way to prevent and even stop such impacts is to deal with the addiction menace. Production and manufacturing will also cease when there is no demand for the product. Therefore, it is advisable to encourage addicts to seek help from facilities such as Skyward Treatment center. They have the skills to help addicts overcome and lead better lives.
Call us today to inquire about your journey to recovery. We are ready and willing to support you and contribute towards a better environment.