Cannabis is, at its core, a plant. It comes from the earth, it has traditionally been grown organically, and it carries an inherent connection to nature. But as our industry has scaled and commercialized, I’ve watched that connection erode, replaced by mountains of single-use packaging, non-recyclable vape products, and manufacturing processes that prioritize speed over sustainability. That disconnect has always bothered me. Getting Green Certified by the state of California was our way of doing something positive and impactful.
The Artist Tree is now one of the few cannabis companies in California to have achieved Green Business Certification from the California Green Business Network (CGBN). Our Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, and Koreatown locations are all certified, with more on the way. The West Hollywood location holds the distinction of being the first dispensary in that community to achieve Tier 2 Certification — a milestone the city noted in its formal announcement to us.
Lauren Fontein, Co-Founder & Chief Compliance Officer
But what does this certification actually mean, and why did it matter enough for us to pursue it?
Becoming officially certified was important on two levels. First, it confirmed that the sustainable practices we had already put in place were real and meaningful — not just marketing language. CGBN evaluates businesses across California on their efforts to conserve natural resources, minimize waste, prevent pollution, and reduce their carbon footprint. Passing that evaluation, both in policy and in practice, meant something to our team.
Second, it pushed us to go further. Certification gave us a framework and a checklist. It revealed gaps we hadn’t addressed yet, and it motivated us to find new ways to operate more sustainably beyond what we were already doing. That kind of structured accountability is valuable — it’s easy for good intentions to stay intentions without something external holding you to them.
Taking On the Vape Waste Problem
If you’re familiar with the inner workings of the cannabis industry, you know that vape products generate a staggering amount of waste. Cartridges, batteries, and the packaging around them often can’t be recycled through conventional channels so they end up in landfills. For us, this was the most pressing environmental issue we needed to address.
In 2024, we launched a vape recycling program. In partnership with Cannabis Waste Solutions (CWS), we collect used vape products and flower packaging across our locations. CWS then works with recycling providers to transform those materials into asphalt and other building materials, which means the waste is not just diverted from landfills, it’s being put to use.
We made it easy and rewarding for customers to participate: bring back your used vape cartridges, batteries, or packaging, and we’ll credit your loyalty account with points toward future purchases. The response has been encouraging. We’re now diverting thousands of products from landfills every year.
Curating a Greener Shelf
Our commitment to sustainability doesn’t stop at our own operations — it extends to the brands we choose to carry. When we evaluate new vendors, environmental practices are part of our vetting process. We look for growers and manufacturers who use solar energy, rainwater collection, living soil, and chemical-free pest control. We prioritize products that are pesticide-free and packaged responsibly.
Some of the standout brands on our shelves exemplify what’s possible. WYLD is climate neutral certified and uses compostable packaging. Raw Garden holds ECCO and OCal certifications. Coastal Sun and Autumn Brands are among the others we carry who have made real commitments to sustainable production. These companies show that doing things the right way and building a successful cannabis business are not mutually exclusive.
Greening Our Everyday Operations
Beyond the headline initiatives, we’ve made a lot of smaller changes that add up. We’ve transitioned all cleaning products to eco-friendly alternatives. All of our paper goods — from office supplies to paper towels — are now sourced from sustainable materials. We’ve introduced separate receptacles for compost and electronic waste. In our lounge areas and for our staff, we’ve moved away from disposable cutlery and drinkware toward reusable glass and metal. Customers who bring their own bags can take advantage of our reusable totes, and when disposable bags are needed, they’re made from recycled materials.
As Meghan Pool, our West Hollywood General Manager, put it: “We’ve taken meaningful steps to make The Artist Tree more environmentally conscious.” These aren’t big announcements but are impactful decisions that determine what kind of company you actually are.
What Certification Actually Represents
I want to be clear about something: the Green Business Certification recognizes how we operate, not the products we sell. Cannabis doesn’t get a free pass for being a plant. How it’s grown, how it’s packaged, how it’s sold, and what happens to the packaging afterward — all of that matters. The certification is a recognition of the choices we’ve made at each of those steps.
There are not many cannabis companies in California that have done this. I hope that changes. The industry has grown up fast, and in that growth, some things have been left behind. Environmental responsibility is one of them. Our hope is that by doing this work — and talking openly about it — we can be part of changing that.