Cannabis sativa biochar: characterization and preliminary application in plant growth and adsorption, and as an electrode material†

Cannabis sativa cultivation generates substantial solid residues and the growing demand for cannabis products, driven by the increasing number of countries and states legalizing its consumption, underscores the need for sustainable production practices that minimize environmental impact. Converting discarded cannabis biomass into biochar offers an eco-friendly waste management solution while producing a high-value product with diverse applications. Although the feasibility of these applications largely depends on the feedstock and pyrolysis conditions, studies on cannabis-derived biochar remain scarce. In this work, the impact of pyrolysis temperature on the physicochemical properties of C. sativa biochar is investigated and the performance of biochar produced at different temperatures as a soil amendment, electrode material and contaminant adsorbent is assessed.