Tabla de contenidos para Spring 2022 en Cannabis & Tech Today

Cannabis cultivated indoors has a larger carbon footprint than cannabis grown under the sun. That is no secret. However, that is not to say cannabis should only be cultivated outdoors. Some jurisdictions prohibit outdoor cultivation for security reasons and in certain regions of the world cultivating quality cannabis outdoors is simply not a viable option. Sungrown cannabis does not always result in a lower carbon footprint when additional factors are considered. Shipping a harvest to another jurisdiction, especially internationally, clearly adds to the overall carbon footprint. In some cases, domestic indoor cultivation makes more sense than shipping internationally. Maximizing Indoor Cultivation Space Is Important For cultivators to reduce their carbon footprint as much as possible, they must maximize every inch of their facility space. It’s an important part of facility…

Technology in the cannabis industry has advanced leaps and bounds since medical legalization passed in California back in 1996. New strains, devices, and data have poured into the mainstream cannabis community. Even the oldest and most simple method of consumption has benefited from new technology. Rolled cannabis cigarettes, or joints, have been the preferred way to consume the plant since the 1920s. While Americans have largely moved to using tobacco-based materials to roll up their cannabis, in Europe, joints that use paper as a base are still the most popular method of consumption. The act of rolling a joint is therapeutic in itself for many cannabis users. However, it can be time-consuming and inefficient. Fingers become sticky from handling a large amount of flower, and some medical conditions such as…

With more states legalizing cannabis for medical and recreational use, entrepreneurs are getting into the market to contribute much-needed supply to the overwhelming demand that has been created in recent years. Cannabis is now the 5th largest cash crop in the U.S., according to Leafly, ushering in a modern-day gold rush, or “green rush.” For first-time cultivators looking to find the best grow model, or seasoned growers thinking about changing their farm to a more sustainable or inexpensive model, there are some important factors to consider. What Works Best? The three main ways to cultivate cannabis include outdoor, indoor, and greenhouse models. You may be wondering which type of cultivation model is better. The truth is, it varies depending on location, budget, and intention. Here are some of the benefits…

Growing anything sustainably is a challenge. Outdoor farms are more energy-efficient but susceptible to climate instability, theft, and pests. Indoor and greenhouse facilities use more power but produce consistent yields year-round. Cannabis cultivators tend to prefer indoor farming. It’s easier to control the environment and create a visually appealing product. From a sustainability perspective, the big question quickly becomes “How can we grow inside while using fewer resources?” LED lighting can help. It takes less energy to create more photons. It also reduces HVAC consumption because LEDs run cooler than traditional lighting. Some growers are reluctant to shift to LED because their current lighting setup is working. If it’s not broken, don’t fix it. But, unsustainable lighting choices are a problem. This industry has to embrace best practices in sustainable…

For cannabis retailers, unsecured product is a liability. Not only is it a compliance issue, but it’s also a security concern. In most legalized states, all commercial cannabis must be secured by a lock. The same applies to cash. This can mean unsightly, bulky cabinets, safes, and other storage options that may not fit the aesthetic of the establishment. For those who would like to customize cabinets and drawers that fit their design, adding locks to existing furniture may be the best solution. Once the lock is in place, who gets a key? Retailers need to accurately monitor who is accessing secured goods and when. IoTequipped locks are the future, offering accountability and transparency for business owners. One company specializing in advanced security controls is Senseon. It offers customized IoT-enabled…

From Ancient China to Snoop Dogg’s era of hip hop and beyond, the appeal of rolling cannabis has stood the test of time. Despite a growing abundance of pipes, bubblers, bongs, and other devices, many people prefer to smoke the traditional way. After two years of research and planning, Ash, the makers of premium rolling papers, emerged on the scene a year ago to rave reviews. Their goal was to develop high-quality, upscale products. “We set out to create a paper that’s unlike the rest,” said Al Tawil, co-founder of Ash. “Our goal is to create a rolling paper that consumers are proud to use in any setting.” With recreational cannabis now legal in New York, Tawil is confident their premium rolling papers will be an integral player in the…

As of March of 2021, people 21 years of age and older can legally purchase cannabis in the state of New York. But legal doesn’t mean easy. There are complex regulations in place at every stage of the cannabis lifecycle, from grower to consumer. Finding experienced advisors can make the difference between thriving in a competitive marketplace like New York, or floundering under a sea of regulatory red tape. New York-based Grassi Advisors and Accountants boasts more than four decades of business growth and industry expansion. The firm helps businesses operate efficiently and profitably, minimize tax liabilities, ease the financial audit process, and reduce risk. Navigating Complexities The cannabis industry is far from conventional. Growers, operators, and retailers need more than traditional tax and accounting advice to achieve long-term success.…

This gently infused pizza, which can be made in under 15 minutes, is a tasty way to celebrate spring greens. It’s not a traditional pizza. It has no tomato sauce; rather, it’s light and crisp and screams “fresh.” When lettuce and herbs appear on the scene, they are delicate and tender and when they sit atop a crisp crust, some magic happens. There are lots of lettuce choices, plenty of aromatic herbs and spices, and even edible flowers if that’s how you roll. Gently tossed with an infused vinaigrette, the crunch of the crust and the baby greens make for a special meal. If you are someone with a high tolerance for cannabis, you can infuse twice by brushing the crust with infused oil as it comes out of the…

Sustainability is something every industry strives toward. One might not think cannabis cultivation would be high on the list of carbon emissions or energy use. After all, we’re talking about plants, right? They produce oxygen and they’re 100% organic. But as the industry continues to boom and more states legalize, Big Cannabis is joining the ranks of environmental offenders. There are ways to mitigate environmental impact, though. Changing from an indoor to a greenhouse grow facility is one of the best ways to save energy and minimize our collective carbon footprint. *All data sourced from Marijuana Growing Statistics, Data and Trend in 2022 (weekendgardener.net)* Graphics via iStockphoto.com…

Our world is straining under the pressures that have resulted from unsustainable practices. We must build systems in the emerging cannabis industry that promote environmental, social, and economic sustainability. In collaboration with industry experts, the NACB used our common-sense approach to create a Sustainability Standard which provides guidance and a framework for three key areas — corporate governance, social and human impact, and the environment. Opportunities for Sustainability Excellence Cannabis generates waste — about 150 million tons per year according to data from GAIACA Waste Revitalization. Cannabis waste presents both a challenge and bold opportunities for driving excellence in protecting our planet and building a more sustainable and inclusive industry. The Environmental Focus (section 3) of this standard provides a holistic approach to addressing the challenge, including considerations for land…

As we emerge, somewhat tentatively, out of a bruising pandemic, humanity continues to struggle with myriad challenges brought about by a continued focus on short-term, narrow-thinking models and paradigms, which have regrettably paved the way for unsustainable business practices to be the norm. How much more can society, and our planet, withstand? Climate scientists and an increasing number of political and business leaders believe time is of the essence. At Regennabis, with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the core of our multi-platformed service offering, we believe that we are in a critical period — the “Decade of Action” (through to 2030) — during which it is imperative that we build systems in the emerging cannabis industry that promote environmental, social, and economic sustainability. No matter where your…

Imagine a future where the stock market serves everyone and becomes a system that’s held accountable for its effects on people and the planet. Imagine if finance could play a critical role in solving the social and environmental problems we face, like poverty, inequality, and climate change. That’s what socially responsible investing (SRI) is all about. In this imagined future, investors incorporate social responsibility into all investment decisions. By backing companies that are building a more inclusive and equitable economic world, investors can use their dollars to drive systemic change. Socially responsible investors question and push back against the profit-only and stockholder-first attitudes of many corporations. One industry where socially responsible investors are putting those dollars is, of course, cannabis. But before assuming that investing in cannabis is a socially…

Cultivating cannabis can be a challenge. In addition to being a fairly resource-intensive process, the plant itself is quite sensitive to its environment. With operators facing slim margins in many markets, it’s imperative to be as efficient as possible. Enter AI Grow. A technology company providing automation and data analytics solutions for controlled agriculture, AI Grow was founded with the intention of helping cultivators maximize profitability and performance. Offering custom modular-controlled software for facilities of any size, AI Grow’s one-stop-shop system has the ability to regulate and monitor lights, water, pH levels, nutrients, and environmental conditions with extreme ease. Founder Chris Ellis has an extensive background in industrial automation, with over two decades spent automating processes in manufacturing, aggregate mining, and other heavily regulated sectors. A number of experiences in…

With the cannabis industry being highly regulated, it’s not possible to preprint all labeling information on the packaging. With that in mind, the team at AT Information Products (AT Info) offers a broad line of Markoprint and Autoprint industrial inkjet printers and inks to identify and code products, unit packages, and outer shipping cartons for the cannabis industry. Maximizing Efficiency “Our goal is to help manufacturers and customers boost overall productivity while minimizing the labor component,” said Jeff Norton, business development manager at AT Info. The equipment offered by AT Info prints high-quality alpha-numeric text, barcodes, and graphics. Clients use single pen models for printing use-by-dates, lot numbers, batch numbers, THC amounts, and traceability codes on a variety of packaging, such as chipboard boxes, glass bottles, plastic containers, flexible film,…

A perfect joint has a few key qualities. It burns evenly, hits smoothly, and doesn’t droop when held horizontally. While these might sound like basic properties, pre-rolls are a delicate science. One needs quality rolling paper, flower that’s not too dry or too damp, and a particle size that provides structural support and adequate airflow. If New York’s cannabis market follows the same trends as the rest of the U.S., pre-rolls will be a hot seller. The pre-roll category netted $2.6 billion in retail sales in 2021 across six adult-use markets, data-analytics firm Headset reported. It’s now the third highest-revenue category in America, even surpassing edibles in popularity. Manufacturers in the Empire State are part of what Headset estimates will be a $1.1 billion-a-year industry. Business owners should be prepared…

Did you know companies led by women tend to be more profitable than those operated by men? They also produce more than twice the revenue per dollar invested according to research from the Arcview Group and the National Cannabis Industry Association. If women are so masterful at running a business, why did MJBizDaily report that in 2021 only 22% of executive-level positions in cannabis were held by women? That number has actually decreased since 2019. This disturbing trend underlines the importance of supporting women-owned businesses, especially in developing markets like New York. Organizations like Women Grow are vital to creating more gender parity in the cannabis sector. They can offer advice, connections, and support to help women entrepreneurs launch their businesses. It’s an industry that may seem daunting for new…

In early February, the National Football League (NFL) awarded both the University of San Diego (UCSD) and the University of Regina $1 million. Each university received $500,000 in a joint effort to study the effects of cannabis use among NFL players. The universities’ studies focus on two target groups that could benefit from cannabis for pain management. Researchers are assessing current NFL players after on-field injuries and retired pros who suffer the long-lasting effects of physical trauma. In an interview with Cheddar News, NFL Executive Vice President Jeff Miller claimed concussions among the league’s player population were down 25% over the last few years. He said the NFL is pursuing new technologies in player equipment and medical innovations for the sake of its players’ wellbeing. “Pain relief, obviously, is another…

Hemp is well known as a multi-purpose plant, but it is often underestimated as one of the most versatile natural materials available. It possesses some of the strongest natural fibers of any botanical, which is why it has been used by civilizations throughout history to make rope, paper, and clothing. In recent years, hemp has been utilized to extract non-psychoactive but physiologically beneficial natural chemicals such as CBD and other cannabinoids. The high yield and short cultivation time of hemp plants have also led to the versatile plant being preferred to wood in many industries. Smarter Materials Because of hemp’s strength and short harvest time, “hempcrete” is now replacing concrete in many homes. Hempcrete is a brick alternative that combines hemp hurd — the material found inside of the plant’s…

There is increasing debate over how to approach environmental sustainability in cannabis cultivation. In some states, the focus has been on energy consumption in indoor growing operations, leading to flawed lighting use regulations along with a presumption that outdoor cultivation is more environmentally sound. The reality is there is opportunity within indoor and outdoor cultivation to improve the sustainability footprint. On one hand, industry stakeholders are driving more efficient growing through innovative products and solutions. Further progress can be made by working with regulators to encourage a collective, holistic and pragmatic approach to sustainability, essentially creating a regulatory framework that applies to all methods of cannabis cultivation and is grounded in achievable baseline data. Indoor and Outdoor Cultivation Have Their Place There is a place for indoor and outdoor growing…

Cannabis businesses throughout California had to file for annual state licenses by March 31 to meet guidance from the Department of Cannabis Control (DCC). Those hoping to enter the industry during the start of this regulatory period and beyond are sure to face challenges. The DCC originally invested $100 million into small California businesses that sell and cultivate cannabis products. The aim is to provide companies in 17 cities with resources to switch from temporary, or provisional licenses, to permanent annual state licenses. The number of current dispensaries and cultivators in the state number in the thousands and this sweeping regulation could mean curtains for those that can’t afford to operate within the DCC’s rigid framework. In fact, only 3,378 of California’s 12,221 cannabis business licensees possess provisional marijuana permits,…

The legal cannabis industry in the United States uses a lot of energy. The data is eyeopening. According to the Denver-based National Conference of State Legislatures (NACL), indoor cannabis cultivation makes up at least 1% of national electricity use. In California, data show that figure is closer to 3%. To put it in other terms, using 2015 figures, the average monthly electricity consumption of a relatively small 5,000 square feet indoor growing facility in Boulder County, Colorado, was 41,808-kilowatt-hours. The average household in the same county averaged about 630-kilowatt-hours monthly. And there is little indication things have changed all that much amid increasing state legalization of the drug. Not to mention the illicit cannabis industry in such figures. More recently, estimates show about $6 billion being spent on energy for…

The digital divide is a growing inequity in BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) communities across the United States. This divide was made even more apparent during the pandemic. As schools and colleges went remote, BIPOC communities struggled with access to education, lack of hardware, access to broadband, and educators with the skill set to effectively translate curriculum to a remote student body. Digital equity is a condition in which all individuals and communities have the information technology capacity needed for full participation in our society, democracy, and economy. Digital equity is necessary for civic and cultural participation, employment, lifelong learning, and access to essential services, as defined by the National League of Cities Digital Playbook. Digital equity is needed to fully participate in the cannabis industry. In the growing…

What are your first thoughts when you think of New York? Do you picture Times Square and all the bustle of New York City? While it’s tempting to imagine the Statue of Liberty beckoning travelers to the skyscrapers of Manhattan, much of New York is rural. The Empire State is home to 33,000 family farms and nearly 7 million acres of farmland. It ranks top ten in the production of more than 30 staple commodities, ranging from apples to onions to dairy products. Its temperate climate is also perfect for hemp production. The state’s Domestic Hemp Production Program has already approved over 30,000 acres for hemp farming. While the potential for hemp is exciting, the sexier side of legalization is in the retail adult-use market. In September of 2021, New…

Pre-pandemic, New York City’s retail sector contributed $55 billion in taxable sales to the city’s economy according to the State Comptroller. As retail rebounds from the effects of COVID-19, cannabis retailers will play an important part in those taxable sales. One company excited to offer its brand to New Yorkers this year is Genius Pipe. Genius Pipe hit the market in 2017 and quickly moved to the forefront as a preferred smoking modality. Created by experts in the field of fluid dynamics, Genius pipes use golf ball dimple technology to cool the smoke. To put it simply, technology and ingenuity combined to develop a sleek, efficient, and healthier product for modern cannabis users. All About the Consumer “The driving force behind our brand is that we make everything about the…

G Pen Elite II — This dry-herb vaporizer combines convection with conduction to offer a patent-pending heating process that serves up complex, full-spectrum flavor. Conduction heats the material directly while convection circulates the air, vaporizing all the flower in its ceramic chamber. USB-C fast charging ensures this G Pen is ready to rock when you are and a hemp travel case protects your investment when you’re on the move. With customizable temperature control and settings, the Elite II caters to every individual’s preference. $250 Neocision Spectra LED Grow Lights by Surna Cultivation Technologies — Light the way to success with high-quality, affordable LEDs. With options for all stages of growth, Surna teamed up with BVV to bring you the lowest cost per micromole, backed by an industry-leading warranty. Visit Surna.com for…