The cannabis industry is expanding rapidly, and thanks to technology, it’s becoming better than ever. Many innovations are already changing it, and the trend is likely to continue. From biosynthesizing cannabinoids to using greener solutions, many companies are choosing cutting edge methods to grow your favorite herb.
LED Lighting
In the past, growers would use high-pressure sodium (HPS) bulbs during growth. One of the benefits is that they allowed for a highly predictable yield – something growers depend on to see profits. However, one of the issues with HPS bulbs is that they used a lot of electricity and didn’t have a great lifespan. Because of how much heat they emitted, they also required growers to use climate control systems, which further raised electric bills. That’s why some companies are turning to LED lights. They last longer than the older style while using far less electricity. That has allowed these companies to reduce their dependence on climate control systems. They do cost more in the beginning, but for growers who want to use them for the long term might find that they’re worth it. Of course, more research is still needed to determine whether the crop yield will be the same as with HPS bulbs.
Getting a Medical Marijuana Card Online
On the consumer side of things, technology has changed the way you can get a medical marijuana card in states like Missouri. Many people chronic health conditions believe that cannabis improves their symptoms. With telemedicine, you may not even need to leave your home to apply for and receive your MMJ card in Missouri.
Biosynthesis of Cannabinoids
Technology is also changing the way that companies produce cannabinoids, whether that’s a small or commercial scale. Right now, many cannabinoids are extracted from the plant using traditional techniques. This costs quite a bit considering the number that come from the process. That’s why you end up paying a premium for oils or concentrates from the hemp plant. But that may be soon changing. Some companies are using a new extraction method called biosynthesis. This process involves using microorganisms that make yeast strains. The yeast can produce even the rarest of cannabinoids. The companies currently working with biosynthesis believe it may improve commercial yield and help lower costs for everyone.
Electricity Storage
We’ve already seen that growing marijuana can be pretty intense when it comes to electricity usage. Between climate control systems and special growing lights, it can be hard to balance out expenses with profit. Large farms might do fine because of their scale, but smaller growers are more likely to struggle. Some companies are offering solutions for marijuana farmers to store electricity for later use. Of course, this would be perfect for a long power outage. But the real benefit comes from the ability of farmers to get electricity during non-peak hours. Then they can use that during peak hours. The savings might not seem that significant, but over time, it would add up. This technology just might save farmers a significant amount of money in the long run.
