The role of technology in cannabis

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

New innovations in technology will push the cannabis industry to new heights.

Over the last 50 years, the cannabis industry has experienced numerous changes. Legislation is more favourable, strains are more potent, multiple products flood the market, and cannabis products are readily available.

As a result of its fast-growing status, cannabis has quickly become the battleground for emerging technology. Call it coincidence or sheer luck, but cannabis is making a powerful comeback and flourishing in the midst of a global technology revolution.

The market is flooded with cannabis companies trying to position themselves as industry leaders. To achieve this status and hit their target price points, technology will have to be primarily incorporated in all their operations.

Technology caters to the complex needs of the cannabis segment in the following ways:

1. Growth of the business through expansion of customer outreach platforms. 
2. Meeting the ever-surging demands on time, without fail.
3. Protecting the interests of the business by supporting regulation and compliance.
4. Providing information to customers in real-time through interactive platforms. 

How has the advancement of technology influenced the growth of the cannabis industry?

Automation in the cultivation process

Automation refers to the process of using technology to minimise human intervention. This helps save time and the overall cost of operations.

For cannabis plants to thrive and produce bountiful yields, they need to be subjected to specific, favourable conditions. A slight hitch in temperature or humidity and the quality of the crops is compromised. To help maintain optimum conditions, many growers have invested in remote monitoring systems that act as an extra hand in monitoring the growing area. 

These automated systems operate by controlling Co2 levels, light intensity, nutrient levels, soil moisture, temperature changes, PH, and water flow and consumption.

The systems also notify growers of power outages and unauthorised entry into the growing area. With such systems in place, the three to four months of cultivation pass by without issues. In the end, the cultivator gets consistent, high yields. 

Personalised products

The oldest form of consuming cannabis is through smoking joints. Technology has made it possible to enjoy weed in various forms such as edibles, beverages, concentrates, oils, tinctures, and topicals.

The multiple options cater to different consumers who prefer one method over the other. A while back, one could either consume Sativa or Indica strains. Advancements in breeding technology have led to the creation of hybrids that carry both Sativa and Indica genes. 

If a consumer prefers a blend of cerebral and body-centred effects, there are numerous choices to pick from. Through genetic modifications, breeders can create strains with varying cannabinoid content to suit the needs of a specific individual(s).

Technology has made it possible to create products that resonate with people’s needs. This is one of the main reasons why the cannabis industry is growing faster than many other industries. 

E-commerce platforms

A top contributing factor to increased cannabis sales is the development of e-commerce platforms. This web technology has made it possible for cannabis enthusiasts to access their favourite products from the comfort of their homes. The ordering, shipping, and delivery process are fast, efficient, and seamless. 

Since the pandemic struck, more people have embraced online shopping. E-commerce platforms have helped people maintain social distancing while enjoying top-notch cannabis products.

Retailers utilise these platforms to collect user data that they can use to identify product or service niches that they can explore to grow their business. 

Regulations and compliance

The cannabis industry faces very stringent regulations. Complying is crucial as it keeps the business running. Multiple softwares offer a single digital system that acts as the sole source of state/country cannabis regulations.

The system provides the necessary tools to help the cannabis business stay compliant in inventory control and tracking. This is important as a single discrepancy may lead to fines, penalties, or shutdown of the company. Staying in compliance keeps the business thriving, which attracts investors and merger or acquisition partners. 

Applications 

Many dispensaries and cannabis-centred businesses have developed different applications that have driven sales to a new height. For example, there are apps, such as Leafly, that offer information and user reviews on thousands of strains.

Others let consumers know the nearest dispensary in their location. Some create a platform for medical cannabis consumers to interact with top medical care personnel and pharmacists to make the prescription process easier. 

Crowd-growing platforms

Crowd-growing is a system that connects e-growers with licensed cannabis cultivators around the world. Platform users (e-growers) can buy their plants with a few simple clicks. This money goes to our grower partners, who have the necessary licences and knowledge to grow them in their facilities. Once harvested, e-growers receive their profit.

This revolutionary system has become a great option for those who want to make profit from cannabis cultivation but don’t have the time, money and knowledge to do it.

The role of technology in cannabis legalisation 

The advancement of technology has played a vital role in the legalisation of cannabis. One of the factors considered during the legalisation process is the plant’s benefits and its ability to cause minimum harm to consumers.

Researchers made these findings in studies that used the latest data collecting technologies and tools. Technology assists in acquiring accurate results and maintaining speed without compromising on quality. Currently, numerous ongoing studies are investigating the role of cannabis in treating a myriad of conditions. Positive findings will stress the need to make the plant legal in different countries/states. 

Through innovative ideas and creations, the cannabis industry has experienced a phenomenal shift in how the crop is cultivated, delivered, and used by consumers. Technology keeps advancing.

Consequently, it’s impossible to determine how technology will influence the cannabis industry in the coming years. What is certain is that technology will continue to be an integral part of the cannabis industry’s success. New innovations will push the industry to new heights, possibly becoming the leading industry globally. 

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