The cannabis industry was born out of necessity. Cannabis sativa L., commonly known as marijuana, contains tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which causes psychoactive effects including euphoria and feelings of relaxation. In recent years, medical research regarding THC has produced many promising results about cannabinoids and their role in treating various ailments.

As a result, laws have been passed worldwide making the medicinal use of cannabis legal. Furthermore, according to projections by Grand View Research Inc., the global market for legalized medical cannabis is expected to reach $22 billion by 2024.

 In order to stay competitive, companies producing cannabis-related products are continuously looking for ways to improve production methods and efficiency. That’s where technology comes in. Here are five technologies that you should know about if you want to make sure your business stays ahead of the curve.

 1 - Automation

 Automating operations allows businesses to reduce production costs while increasing output levels. For instance, automated equipment can produce the same amount of product at lower costs than manual labor. One example is robotic arms, which produce high-quality items with minimal human intervention. This trend will continue to increase over time due to advances in robotics engineering.

 One company in Canada has even developed a fully automated facility that produces recreational cannabis using robots. The company uses machines to grow cannabis clones, cultivate cannabis plants, and harvest the buds once they’re ready for processing. The entire facility is operated and monitored remotely.

 2 – Smartphone Apps

 Smartphone apps are becoming increasingly popular among cannabis consumers. By accessing cannabis data and information, users can find the best strains for them based on specific conditions, preferences, etc. These apps also allow users to track their consumption habits, set reminders for future purchases, and keep tabs on competitors.

 For example, Leafly—a leading online resource for cannabis enthusiasts—has partnered with Green Bits Technologies to provide its customers with access to real-time information pertaining to cannabis prices and strain reviews. Leafly’s ‘Marijuana Price Checker’ app tracks the current price per gram across nearly 20 strains of cannabis, while the ‘Strain Review’ feature shows each strain’s effect based on user feedback.

 Other apps offer similar services, such as Weedmaps, which allows users to get a variety of different marijuana recommendations. Users can search and compare cannabis reviews, prices, and menus before deciding what to purchase. Weedmaps provides users with precise directions for dispensaries, as well as maps showing where each shop is located.

 3 – Virtual Reality

 Virtual reality is rapidly gaining popularity among cannabis consumers. According to CB Insights, the number of patents filed relating to virtual reality and cannabis increased by 1,000 percent between 2013 and 2017. VR goggles are being used to simulate the experience of consuming cannabis, including smells, tastes, and visual effects.

 HempWorx, a Canadian cannabis manufacturer, recently launched the world’s first virtual reality application designed specifically for cannabis. The app consists of three unique experiences, including a tour of the manufacturing facility, interactive games, and a 360-degree view of the hemp plant. The company plans to expand its virtual reality offerings in 2020.

 4 – High-Performance Glass

 High-performance glass is a type of tempered glass that offers durability and safety features. It prevents breakage and cracking, making it ideal for heavy usage. Most retailers use glass plates as countertops. However, some choose to use higher quality glass, such as Corning® Gorilla® Glass, a durable material used by smartphone manufacturers.

5. Drone technology

Drones are becoming increasingly prevalent in agriculture due to their efficiency in gathering information about crops. Depending on the type of drone utilized, they may be able to gather precise data regarding crop height, canopy coverage and density, leaf shape, color, moisture content, and many others. Drones are also useful not only for collecting scientific data but also for delivering pesticides, fungicides, and herbicides where necessary.

6. Robotics

Robotics can play a role in almost any aspect of farming. They assist farmers in tasks such as weeding, harvesting, and harvesting. Furthermore, they allow for greater precision than manual methods. Many robots are self-guided, meaning they operate without human intervention, and many utilize advanced artificial intelligence techniques. A good example of this would be automated tractors.

7. Cloud computing

Cloud computing enables remote access and sharing of software and data between users. An advantage of cloud computing over traditional storage is the fact that it's accessible wherever someone connects to the internet. It's cost-effective and makes storing and accessing files simple and convenient. Cloud-based storage solutions provide real-time updates and are always ready to go online whenever they're needed.