March 10, 2025, Stowe, Vermont – Two Vermont businesses have joined forces to make Vermont a little greener, in more ways than one. The Alchemist Brewery of Waterbury and Stowe, and Medicine Man Cannabis of Marshfield, are working together to prevent carbon dioxide from being released into the environment, while utilizing CO2 to feed and nurture healthy cannabis growth.
The Alchemist has been recapturing 100% of the carbon dioxide they produce through fermentation since 2021, using small-scale carbon recapture technology from Earthly Labs. Since then, they have been able to utilize about 80% of their recaptured CO2 through various brewery operations, including carbonating their iconic beers. Any excess carbon dioxide would normally be released into the environment.
As part of their efforts to make their business more sustainable and achieve net zero waste, The Alchemist Brewery sought a partner who would be able to use the CO2 for their business. The Alchemist team worked closely with founder and grower Justin Kuehnel of Vermont Medicine Man Craft Cannabis to come up with a plan to package and transport the Alchemist’s excess CO2 gas to Marshfield, where it is being used to enhance the cannabis growing operation.
“We are excited about this partnership, both in terms of getting one step closer to net zero waste, and the opportunity to work with and support a fantastic grower that we respect. I mean, what is more Vermont than a craft brewer and a cannabis grower collaborating to make the state just a bit greener?,” notes Alchemist co-owner John Kimmich.
Since Justin began feeding his plants with Alchemist CO2, his plants are thriving and yields have increased. In addition to minimizing environmental impact and increased cannabis yields, Kuehnel is especially excited about the quality and purity of the CO2 he is now using. “There are definitely varying qualities of gases, especially when you are purchasing them from gas companies – from welding grade to food grade carbon dioxide. But with carbon dioxide naturally produced from my favorite beer, I know how clean our gas is. And it has a great smell too – it actually smells like Heady Topper.”
And according to Kimmich, that great smell is not lost. “The once-wasted carbon atoms from our fermentation are literally being absorbed by the bud, and are building the structure of Justin’s beautiful, and highly aromatic, flowers. These plants are now, quite literally, Heady and Focal in flower form.”
Look for Vermont Medicine Man products at licensed cannabis dispensaries throughout Vermont.
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About The Alchemist
John & Jen Kimmich started their Vermont-based brewery as a brew pub in 2003. Twenty-one years later, The Alchemist crafts fewer than 20,000 barrels of beer annually between their two Vermont breweries. They are committed to investing in their communities and their employees, providing good jobs with strong benefits, investing in environmental initiatives to minimize their footprint, and giving back to their community through a variety of initiatives. The Alchemist is 100% independent, B-certified, and brews all of their beer here in Vermont. In 2016 the Kimmichs founded The Alchemist Foundation, which focuses on expanding opportunities for local youth. Learn more at alchemistbeer.com.
About Vermont Medicine Man Craft Cannabis
Vermont Medicine Man Botanicals Craft Cannabis is grown in Central Vermont on a vibrant family homestead. Using sustainable farming practices in a blend of old wisdom and modern technology allows them to produce potent and delicious herb without negatively impacting the land. Founder and grower Justin Kuehnel has spent decades honing the craft of sustainable cultivation before founding his business in 20XX. Learn more at vtmedicinemancannabis.com.
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