3 Technologies That Are Shaping The Future of Cannabis

Despite the “growing pains” that have been obvious in the industry, the green rush has been anything but disappointing. Arcview indicates that the industry is gunning for an explosive value of $57B in medicinal and recreational sales by 2027. This is no mean feat at all, and it appears that technology will play a massive deal in getting the industry to sit side-by-side with its ilk; big pharma, big tobacco and the like.

Technology cuts across every facet of the industry; cultivation, processing and retail. After sifting through dozens of technologies dominating the scene (most were very impressive), we zeroed in on three that we thought had the most potential to push the industry's horizons to unprecedented levels.

Let's dive right in.

Use of AI technology in Cannabis

This is the bedrock of technologies that will shape the industry in the coming decade. AI is dynamic and can be utilized from seed to sale. For example, cannabis cultivators use sensors to gather real-time information about each plant, including cannabinoid levels and plant health. This creates efficiency in the cultivation process and mitigates the risk for potential losses.

Cannabis dispensaries can also use AI to improve the customer shopping experience. For example, chatbots may engage shoppers and help them find strains that are ideal for them. 

Machine learning algorithms have the potential to take this to another level altogether. For example, data mining AIs on social media can provide crucial information on changes in stock market headwinds.

AI is still largely untapped in the industry. When fully utilized, the sector will be incognito from what it is currently.

Moving away from AI, nanotechnology is already making waves in the industry.

Use of Nanotechnology in Cannabis

There have been conflicting opinions on the effectiveness of Nanotechnology in cannabis. This technology converts cannabinoids into micro-sized molecules packed in “liposomes” to improve the stability and bioavailability of cannabinoids. 

Why does this matter?

One 2017 study showed that the bioavailability of Nano- CBD was increased 600-fold through the use of Nano-technology. This means that a minimal amount of the cannabinoid is required to produce a significant therapeutic effect. Because Nanoparticles are encapsulated, they also tend to stay in the body longer. 

But as mentioned earlier, some experts in the field are skeptical that what applies, in theory, may not be the same thing in practice. Others remain undecided. 

Use of Blockchain Technology in Cannabis

Good old blockchain had to be featured as the technology disrupting everything else. Blockchain will impact different industry segments, but of the highest significance is making payments in the industry possible. 

Even with legalization, the industry remains unbanked mainly and underserviced from a financial point of view. It is an excellent opportunity for blockchain to take this nascent industry to the next level.

Seeing the opportunity that lurks in the shadows, a couple of tech companies are already taking over the industry. Eaze and Greenrush are doing a remarkable job providing an interface for cannabis consumers and sellers to interact. Sedo is the go-to guy when you want to try out a home hydroponics system. Resolve digital health is another revolutionary tech app that you should check out.

Tech for the cannabis industry means efficiency, safety, and increased profitability all in the same breath.