The technology shaping the cannabis industry
Although medical and recreational cannabis is now legal in many places, the industry has undergone tremendous evolution over the years. From growth to processing, shipping, and consumption, cannabis technology continues to forge new efficient ways of establishing a sustainable industry. As a farmer, it is essential to take full advantage of emerging technologies to produce safe, potent, high-quality cannabis products to your customers. If you simply want to enjoy your daily dose of cannabis, looking up existing technologies might help you pick the best strains and delivery tools for improved experiences. Here is a brief look at how emerging technologies impact the cannabis industry.
a.) Cannabis growing technology
When it comes to growing cannabis, modern cannabis farmers have more options to choose from. Although most products you come across come from traditional soil-based farms, farmers can opt for hydroponic and aquaponic technologies. These systems use nutrient-rich solutions and eliminate the need for soil aquaponic setups also include fish farming, which allows the plants to break down and utilize nutrients from fish waste. In-house growing also benefits from lighting technologies such as LED light, which is more efficient and cost-effective than the old high-pressure sodium (HPS) lamps. Other growing technologies include heat and temperature sensors that allow you to set the optimum conditions for growing your plants.
b.) Extraction, processing and safety technologies
Technologies such as Butane Hash Oil (BHO) and CO2 extraction make it possible to extract different forms of cannabis other than dry herbs. Today, you can find THC and CBD concentrates, isolates, shatters, waxes, sprays, edibles capsules and oil, among others. This also contributes to the acceptance of cannabis, especially since manufacturers can separate the medicinal compounds from other cannabinoids and terpenes. For instance, CBD does not contain the psychoactive properties like THC, making it more acceptable for daily use. Cannabis processing technologies also feature safety tests to ensure the final product is fit for consumption. According to studies, these tests can get rid of any solvents, microbes, pesticides and other harmful compounds. Moreover, farmers can modify the growing environment to produce cannabis rich in specific compounds.
c.) Tracking, compliance technologies
Although cannabis is legal in many places, strict regulations govern its cultivation and availability. Governing authorities require manufacturers to track and document all the stages of growth, harvesting, extraction, processing and shipping. Automation technologies can help you keep track of the growth conditions and ensure your seed grow into healthy plants containing nutrient-rich trichomes and buds. Tracking and compliance tools, on the other hand, make it easier for farmers to meet government compliance requirements. Packaging and shipping technologies also depict significant evolution. Reputable cannabis retailers use vacuum-sealed, child-resistant packaging to protect cannabis from degradation agents like sunlight, air and water.
d.) Cannabis consumption
Traditional cigarette joints were once the universal way of consuming cannabis. Although you can still enjoy CBD and THC-rich flowers and dry herbs, there are various other ways to deliver the key benefits of cannabis. With the advent of e-cigarettes, vape pens became quite popular as a way to combust e-liquid concentrates. Today, you can find vaporizers that can work with different cannabis materials, including concentrates and isolates, waxes, shatters and dry herb. Dabbing and e-nails also offer more ways to enjoy your THC and CBD Products. Other options include oil and tinctures, sprays, topical balms and capsule supplements.
What’s more, you can choose cannabis products with specific attributes and formulation. If you do not want any THC in your system, go for CBD isolates and oils. You can even lace your materials with aromatic flavors to mask the natural hemp scent and improve your experience.
e.) E-commerce technologies
The internet provides a precious resource for sharing insights about the best practices as well as reviews on available products and brands. For instance, if you are in Canada, you can quickly browse through cannabis forums and blogs to find the best seeds, budget buds, vaporizers or any other materials. However, this is only a glimpse at how e-commerce technologies impact the cannabis industry. Modern cannabis users can research, compare and mail-order various cannabis products without leaving their homes. Some retailers even offer smartphone apps, so you have all the information at your fingertips. You can learn how to grow your marijuana and hemp strains or even open a shop to sell your products. Nonetheless, you must first read through all the regulations in your state.
Conclusion
Various other cannabis technology evolutions set the stage for modern cultivation and sale. As more information on the medicinal benefits of cannabis emerges, we can only anticipate new technologies for growing, processing and using this infamous flowering herb. It is essential to review any technology carefully before embracing it in your production or consumption. More importantly, you should play by the rules and regulations in your country to remain compliant and free to enjoy the potent and therapeutic benefits of cannabis. Technologies emerge and pass, so you should always keep an eye on the market to adopt new and more efficient techniques.
Written by: Jessica Smith, BOSS Contributor
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