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The technological advancements in recent years have disrupted many industries and the rapidly-evolving realm of cannabis is no exception. The future for cannabis looks brighter than ever as legal hurdles fall and operational inefficiencies are addressed.
Itโs quite exciting to witness the shift in societal attitudes regarding cannabis, which is fuelling more research and better innovation. A good example of this is the use of the Raman spectrometer (RS) (a handheld device that predicts total THC in a cannabis sample) by the scientists at Texas A&M University which points to academic and scientific communities’ increasing interest in cannabis research.
The legalization of cannabis in many countries is only adding to this momentum, driving the sector further toward innovation and growth, from improved cultivation methods to personalized consumer-centric solutions. Letโs take a look into the world of cannabis technology and explore the innovations that are shaping the future of the industry.
AI-Assisted Cultivation Techniques
Commercial cannabis production technology is still in its infancy, which is why the potential of AI in perfecting it is significant. The data from each cultivation cycle can be entrusted to computers for analysis through machine learning to improve future harvests and extraction methods.
Existing AI technologies can be utilized to improve pest and disease detection, maintain ideal levels of temperature, relative humidity, airflow, pressure, etc., and identify patterns or anomalies to reduce downtime, lower operational costs and increase production.
These techniques are not only improving the production of traditional cannabis flowers but also enhancing the cultivation of other cannabis-like products such as CBD flower and even kratom.
Customization Through Genetic Profiling
Genetic mapping and breeding technologies are the key to creating tailored cannabis cultivars with precise potency, flavor, and yield. As it advances, scientists can identify desired traits and breed hybrids with higher levels of cannabinoids or specific terpene profiles quickly and more accurately than ever before. This gives customers a wider range of options to choose from to meet their preferences. This approach is also necessary for safeguarding unique cannabis genetics from becoming extinct due to climate change.
Medical Research & Applications
The change in the legal status of cannabis across the globe is facilitating a deeper exploration of its medical benefits, including those of compounds such as CBD and CBG which display incredible potential for the treatment of a wide range of medical conditions, including chronic pain, epilepsy, and anxiety.
Technologies like Raman spectrometers and genetic profiling are providing researchers with valuable insights into the composition of different cannabis cultivars, aiding in the creation of dedicated cultivars for health conditions.
AI-Assisted Packaging Design
The most notable application of AI in recent years has been in creative industries such as art, marketing, and graphic design. When integrated with packaging design, it can become a powerful tool for creating imaginative cannabis packaging thatโs cost-efficient, on-brand, and engaging. Designers can create customized packaging based on user preferences, integrate QR codes to offer more information, and add interactive elements like augmented reality (AR).
AI can also be utilized on the customer front through intelligent recommendation systems, smart chatbots, and virtual assistants that offer personalized shopping experiences. The data from this can further be fed into the algorithm to assist in improved packaging design.
Innovative Consumption Methods
While the traditional way of consuming cannabis through smoking still reigns supreme, thereโs a growing demand from consumers for more discreet alternatives such as transdermal patches, drinks, edibles, dissolvable strips, and topicals. Technologies such as nanoemulsion are being utilized to improve the bioavailability of the compounds in these alternative consumption methods. Thereโs also a growing trend of smart devices equipped with Bluetooth that allow further control and personalization.
Sustainable Cannabis Cultivation
The environmental impact of the cannabis industry requires greater concern as the industry expands to ensure a lower carbon footprint. The future must be secured by adopting better cultivation practices such as organic farming, the use of renewable energy sources, water conservation strategies, and waste reduction techniques. Many big players have already made the move to sustainable cannabis farming to minimize their environmental impact.
Global Economic Impact
The growing cannabis industry will have a substantial economic impact both locally and globally by contributing to tax revenues, creating job opportunities, attracting investments, and creating opportunities for entrepreneurs, researchers, and ancillary businesses. Cannabis tourism will play a role in boosting the local economy as is the case with prime growing regions like Californiaโs โEmerald Triangleโ.
Final Thoughts
The future of cannabis technology is promising, thanks in part due to its legalization in many countries which has paved the way for more research, and in part due to the technological advancements in agricultural practices and gene mapping. Artificial intelligence will be at the forefront of it all, from improved AI-assisted packaging design to smarter cultivation from seed to sale using machine learning algorithms.
