CannabisTech (CannabisTech)

Keeping conditions consistent in an indoor cannabis grow starts with proper HVAC equipment.

Cannabis is among the plants with the most personality as even the slightest fluctuation in its environment can transform the plant. Indoor farmers have the perk of direct control over most variables, yet without proper heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), the harvest will fail.

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Crop steering is taking the indoor cannabis industry by storm. But the techniques and principles are not well-covered online and few can call themselves experts in the emerging cultivation technique. In crop steering, cultivators refer to the two main plant growth cycles as Vegetative and Generative growth.

The demand for medical cannabis is blooming, but producers can’t always ensure quality and profile consistency across grows and batches. Molecular tagging and blockchain have the answer.

Cannabis and blockchain technology have a complex and closely linked history. But their relationship is taking on a new identity. Where blockchain technology has been used to build and diversify payments and unite cannabis communities in the industry, it is now drilling down into a smaller network – DNA.

Blockchain is a system that records information, assigning each piece of information with a non-alterable identifier which is logged into a public ledger. While blockchain has until recently been primarily used for cryptocurrencies, the same system can also be applied to DNA to trace the genetic makeup, grower, and even the origins of cannabis strains.

Molecular tagging is a process where DNA is used to label physical objects, similar to how a barcode label is printed onto the packaging of purchasable goods. The same method can be applied to cannabis in combination with blockchain technology.

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Waste not want not is a universal rule that's valid even within industrial production. For cannabis and hemp, the often less desirable biomass left after harvest isn't a burden. With some craft, these leftover stalks, shucks, and leaves can turn from a hassle into bioplastics, hempcrete, and textile-grade fiber.

But first, the infrastructure needs to be built and farmers need to create the connections and processes to properly utilize the less desirable biomass.

RJ Hopp, Director of Hemp Markets at PanXchange returns for our monthly segment covering the wild, wild west of the modern hemp market. 

Advocates for cannabis and hemp legalization started their mission decades ago. Since then, hundreds have led the charge to change the stigmas and stereotypes associated with cannabis consumption and open the necessary pathways for the legal cultivation and production of these highly functional plants.

From Cannabis to Mycology, Damon Michaels of Mydecine talks about his transition with Genifer Murray on Inside the Industry.

If the 2020 US election demonstrated anything, it's the growing appetite for natural medicines like cannabis and fungi. The fact that Oregon's legalization of psychedelic mushrooms received more positive media attention than most other than any other state ballot measures voted on during the election says a lot about the direction Americans want to go in the coming years.

Riding this wave of excitement, Gennifer Murray sat down with Damon Michaels, Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Mydecine, to discuss a new approach to nature-sourced medicines through a pharmaceutical lens.

Growing a clean, green crop starts with a successful Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program. We asked cannabis industry expert, Ellis Smith, from American Cannabis Consulting to discuss the challenges and importance of keeping your cannabis facility free of bacteria, molds, viruses, and fungi.  

Ron Romano from SafetyNet joins us to discuss how they offer a technology originally designed for hospitals and government biosecurity to help cannabis operators ensure the cleanest environment possible for the health of their plants - and it may even help increase yields!  

This webcast is sponsored by SafetyNet America.

https://www.cannabistech.com/webcasts/a-tech-moment/bio-security-ipm-protecting-your-crop-from-invisible-invaders/

When it comes to specifying the level of THC, CBD, terpenes, or other components in cannabis, there is a laundry list of rules and regulations that vary state by state.

Each state has its own set of rules to govern maximum residual limits (MRLs) of heavy metals, chemicals, pesticides, and bacteria in cannabis products. Lack of consistency in testing has been the bane of legal cannabis producers.

Consumers and businesses alike may not expect a lot to change until the federal government removes cannabis as a Schedule 1 drug under the Federal Controlled Substances Act (CSA). Then, the FDA takes over standardizing MRLs of toxins and establishing purity and dosing levels of THC.

However, increasing testing standards and mandates uncover previously unknown pain points and lead to better, cleaner cannabis products.

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Juva-019 and Juva-042, non-cannabinoid compounds discovered by the researchers at Juva Life, prove the medical benefit of cannabis goes beyond cannabinoids.

Chronic inflammation is the root cause of dozens of diseases and conditions. However, modern medicine and pharmaceuticals aren’t always the best solutions. In 2020, drug overdoses reached an all-time high of 93,000 deaths. All across the world, researchers are looking for alternatives to NSAIDs and deadly opioid-based medicines.

With fingers in almost every aspect of the legal cannabis industry, Doug Chloupek has a long, extensive history in the world of cannabis. Today, as the CEO and Founder of Juva Life, Chloupek, and his team of researchers, have discovered new, non-cannabinoid compounds in cannabis that may provide a significant breakthrough in inflammation control.

Cannabis Tech reached out to Chloupek to talk about the discoveries and their patient research registry that works to collect qualified data from the patients directly.

https://www.cannabistech.com/webcasts/a-tech-moment/beyond-cannabinoids-promising-new-cannabis-compounds-discovered/

In commercial cannabis, delivering a consistent experience is paramount for consumer loyalty. However, the complexities of edible production and unpredictable THC metabolization create certain challenges for edible manufacturers.

Now, factor in long onset times, inconsistent formulations, and consumer inexperience, and we end up with infamous stories of overconsumption like Maureen Dowd reported and the infamous “Pot Dad” from Omaha.

Day Three Labs hopes to simplify the equation using drug delivery technology developed in their pharmaceutical-grade lab in Israel. Cannabis Tech reached out to company CEO and Co-Founder Josh Rubin, based in Colorado, to discuss the ingredient technology Unlokt – a novel approach to a better consumer edible experience.

Read the full article on CannabisTech

Indoor cannabis cultivation promises total control over the growing environment. That means no weather disruptions, no surprises from a changing climate, and all-year growing. However, as many indoor cultivators have discovered, controlled environment agriculture (CEA) is still prone to fluctuations.

Pockets of stagnant air develop underneath the canopy in a large flower room. Outdoor seasonal changes still impact the indoor temperature and relative humidity. In another example, relative humidity spikes in response to changes in the plants themselves.

These ongoing fluctuations are why cultivators, both large and small, turn to automation and advanced grow room controls.

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Thousands of people come to Cripple Creek for its gold mining history, hoping to strike it rich in one of its 13 casinos. And now, entrepreneurs and tourists may be rushing to Cripple Creek for another reason.

https://www.cannabistech.com/articles/tiny-mountain-town-eyes-new-gold-rush/

Sonication, or ultrasonication, is a soundwave technology widely used in biofuels, pharmaceuticals, wastewater processing, and other major industries. It's also necessary for nanoemulsions and other nanoparticle production — which might sound familiar as it's now widely used within the cannabidiol (CBD) sector too.

In this episode, we talk with RJ Hopp, Director of Hemp Markets about the hemp market fluctuations, declining hemp licenses, and the outlook in industrial hemp futures.

Cannabis companies must be careful how they dispose of their product waste because it could harm the environment. There are a few different ways that cannabis companies dispose of their product waste that are highlighted in this article.

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Technology innovations in cannabis consumption look to solve a variety of problems.

In recent years, consumers have become more conscientious about the products they use. Whether we’re talking about foods and beverages, cosmetics and lotions, or tobacco, alcohol, and cannabis, consumers are becoming increasingly aware of what they’re putting into their bodies.

In this episode of Cultivate, Genifer Murray talks cannabinoid supplements, delivery, and toxic metals with Dr. Shade, CEO of QuickSilver Scientific.

Delta-8 itself may be an important aspect of the future therapeutic potential of cannabis. However, before that can happen, the products must be proven safe. Unfortunately, synthetic forms of THC are proliferating the market with little to no oversight on the production processes.

Dr. Chris Hudalla joins us in this podcast to talk about the thousands of samples he's tested through Pro Verde Labs - and the disturbing reality of what they found.

Since the industrial revolution, life has radically transformed across the globe. The transformation has improved the quality of life for billions, yet it has produced mountains of waste threatening the planet. However, hemp has offered a more sustainable option since the beginning of this global transformation.

https://www.cannabistech.com/articles/printing-the-future-of-sustainability-on-hemp-paper/

Fear of technology, or technophobia, is common in many people. Some experts believe that we all suffer at least some level of anxiety when it comes to new tech. The cannabis industry, despite its relative youth, is no different.

Before the legal industry began, keeping a marijuana operation low-tech was intentional. The less traceability, the better, and technology leaves a data trail. In today’s world of regulated, commercial cannabis, technology is imperative. Maintaining absolute consistency in a highly regulated operation that requires seed-to-sale traceability with multiple environmental variables simply cannot be done on paper.

However, when it comes to adopting new technologies, many of us tend to be hesitant. Whether implementing a new software program or doing an entire systems upgrade, big changes create anxiety.

California Artisanal Medicine, or CAM, recently made the transition from their legacy system to AROYA’s Cannabis Production Platform. We spoke with Anna Wiley, CEO at CAM, to discuss the transition and how they’ve been able to reap the benefits of crop monitoring systems in their grow rooms.

Read the full article here.

While consumable hemp requires a significant amount of attention from the farmer, it's not reliant on bees or other pollinators. On the flip side, outdoor cannabis cultivation may actually benefit bees.

THE PROTECTIVE AND PRODUCTIVE EFFECTS OF CANNABINOIDS EXTEND TO BEES

Rather than relying on bees to pollinate, hemp is a wind-pollinated plant. Additionally, cannabis and hemp plants don't produce floral nectar - a necessary component for bees to create honey. So, it isn't as simple as getting bees to harvest from hemp or cannabis to produce cannabinoid-infused honey.

However, this doesn't mean that bees can't produce cannabinoid-infused honey. Cousin Andy's, a cannabis brand, found that feeding their bees a special cannabinoid-treated syrup resulted in many benefits. First, the hive given the syrup ended up being the largest and most productive on their farm. Second, the honey they produced tested positive for both THC and CBD.

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Ed Rosenthal is one of the living legends of the American Cannabis Industry. In this episode, Ed joins us to discuss the past, present, and future of cannabis - not just for home growers, but for anyone looking to join the industry or simply improve their cannabis operation.  

https://www.cannabistech.com/webcasts/a-tech-moment/ed-rosenthal-caution-growing-cannabis-is-addictive/

Preventing pests in a commercial cannabis grow operation starts with understanding what kind of potential threats are lurking within the facility. Integrated Pest Management, or IPM, requires specific SOPs and processes - starting with regular tests to determine where the hazards are lurking.   

We followed PathogenDx into a commercial cannabis operation as they tested for a wide range of contaminants that can impact the health of the overall grow. Milan Patel, the CEO, talks about the importance of education and testing in a successful IPM program.   

Then, we invite Ron Romano and Jim Harris from SafetyNet to discuss their preventative treatments to help growers reduce the threat of bio-contaminants and technologies available to help maintain personnel decontamination as well.   

Most importantly, our guests remind growers that these solutions don't have to be expensive and will help the industry self-regulate as the federal legal status shifts in the coming years.

No Plant? No Problem!

Breakthrough technology produces all-natural, non-GMO, full-spectrum cannabis in a fraction of the space with less energy, time, and resources. Could this be the future for cannabis consumables?

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The cannabis industry — all $21 billion of it according to BDSA — is increasingly a connected one. A technology known as the Internet of Things (IoT) is already connecting growers with their plants, retailers with regulators, and patients with their physicians.

By embedding cannabis technologies with sensors and software, this plant produces data points at an astronomical rate throughout the entire supply chain. From seed to sale to consumption, it's hard to deny the cannabis industry that runs on information gathered by IoT-driven platforms.

Originally published on https://www.cannabistech.com/articles/how-iot-technology-is-keeping-cannabis-connected/

Everyone is riding the wave of cannabis legislation, including places of higher education - but the question for many is - "Is it worth the investment?"

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With the help of Green Goddess Supply, we’re launching a new video series all about home-grow technology and how to grow quality cannabis right in your own living room!

Read the full article here: https://www.cannabistech.com/articles/growing-with-cannabis-tech-technology-for-the-diy-home-grower/

Buy your own Green Goddess Grow Tent System with Concierge Service!

Tetrahydrocannabinol comes in many forms naturally, and thanks to modern chemistry, many more can be created.

Originally published at https://www.cannabistech.com/articles/differences-between-natural-and-synthesized-thc/

Inflation reveals that the cannabis industry isn’t untouchable during economic strife.

hroughout 2020, the industry surprised everyone by not only surviving the pandemic but actually thriving in it. Even industry legend, Tommy Chong, was surprised by the sudden shift that came with the COVID-19 outbreak, as cannabis was deemed an essential industry in most legal states.

Throughout the pandemic, even as the discussions of recession loomed on the horizon, cannabis continued to shine – raking in record-breaking revenues. According to BDSA data, the cannabis industry surpassed $17 million in sales in 2020 – reflecting a 46% increase over the previous year.

When most other industries were floundering, cannabis flourished. Could the recession and inflation finally be coming for cannabis?

Read the full article here: 

An interview with Albert Gutierrez, CEO of MedPharm, discussing recent movements by the DEA to move forward with medical cannabis research.

In light of the DEAs recently announcement to start processing new cannabis research applications, Cannabis Tech sat down with Albert Gutierrez, the CEO of MedPharm Research, a leader in cannabis research and formulation development, who has recently received notice that they are one of 32 applicants selected to move forward in the process.

Recently, in the wake of Dr. Sue Sisley’s lawsuit against the DEA, the federal government has been moving forward by approving companies as federally recognized cannabis suppliers. MedPharm is one of the first companies to be selected to move forward with this program.

Online e-commerce solutions aren't just for consumers. Our B2B marketplace can help business owners make informed purchasing decisions.

Cannabis and hemp producers can find various supplies and equipment on marketplace sites like CannabisTech.com. Sites like ours offer a convenient way to comparison shop for the best prices on everything from grow lights to hydroponic systems to crop management systems. Additionally, producers can also find helpful information to make informed purchase decisions or even ask questions during their evaluation process.

10 TYPES OF TECHNOLOGY USED IN COMMERCIAL CANNABIS PRODUCTION FOUND ON CANNABIS TECH’S MARKETPLACE

1. Indoor grow lights
2. Heating and ventilation
3. Crop monitoring and management software
4. Greenhouse automation
5. Nutrient delivery systems
6. Water filtration and purification
7. Pest and disease control
8. Cannabis extraction equipment
9. Packaging and labeling
10. Post-Harvest Equipment

5 BENEFITS OF A CANNABIS TECH MARKETPLACE ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP

1. A visual storefront with unlimited product listings generating leads to a URL of your choice.
2. A product feature in our newsletter to 20k subscribers on a rotating basis.
3. Ability to publish up to 3 announcements or articles per month on our industry news page.
4. Discounts on other forms of media, such as custom content, podcasts, or video production.
5. Inclusion in Cannabis Tech-sponsored, topic-specific panel discussions throughout the year.

Contact us today to get your company listed on Cannabis Tech. Save 55% on your membership if you sign up before January 1st, 2023!

When an industry is taxed the most and helped the least, it takes a community to help when disaster strikes.

Well-known cannabis expert is donating $500,000 to cannabis farmers who were devastated by the 2020 wildfires. Giving back to those from which he has built his success is not only good business but also an excellent overall philosophy.

“Big Mike” Straumietis is the co-founder and CEO of industry giant Advanced Nutrients and cannabis tycoon. Combining decades of expertise in horticulture and marketing with an unrelenting passion for growing cannabis, he built an empire. At the heart of it, all is an activist with a willingness to step forward, offering help when other resources fail to be of service.

Watch the video interview here: https://www.cannabistech.com/webcasts/a-tech-moment/fighting-fires-help-for-west-coast-cannabis-farmers/

Genifer Murray hosts Joe Hodas of Wana Brands to discuss industry progress, the Last Prisoner Project, and what the future holds for legal cannabis.

Will Kleidon, Founder and CEO of Ojai Energetics, cannabis IP, and the first Public Benefits Corporation in the cannabis space, understands that a triple bottom line is good for the planet and beyond.

Known as an award-winning pioneer responsible for the innovative and sustainable commercialization of cannabis, Will Kleidon founded Ojai Energetics back in 2014. Since that time, this futurist of cannabis technology has successfully cracked the code of CBD, leading to the development of a robust IP catalog including the antidote to THC intoxication, generating supercapacitors from hemp, and 30-second acting edibles.

Watch the video on Cannabis Tech: https://www.cannabistech.com/webcasts/a-tech-moment/the-potential-for-hemp-is-out-of-this-world/

In this episode of A Tech Moment, Kristina Etter discusses investing in cannabis with Matt Carr, Chief Trends Strategist at the Oxford Club, about how cannabis is emerging as a legitimate and lucrative investment option.

Like many of us in the cannabis industry, Carr once knew someone who used cannabis as an alternative therapy for a debilitating disease. Although that was years ago, he explains this was his “a-ha moment” that there were valid medicinal properties to this misunderstood herb.

Carr discusses the irony of what can change in a decade, as ten years ago, we wouldn’t have dreamt cannabis companies would be publicly traded. Yet, today, as legalization sweeps across the nation, and cannabis becomes an essential industry in many states, investing in cannabis is much more enticing.

Although the safer investment still lies in the ancillary segments of the industry, Carr provides optimistic perspectives for the future of plant-touching opportunities, as well as his insights on the technology companies to watch closely.

While investing in cannabis still poses some risk, he predicts substantial market growth in the coming years. Listen to this podcast to learn more about Matt’s insights for successfully investing cannabis.

March is International Women's Month. As we contemplated women working in the cannabis sector, the very first person we wanted to connect with was Shanel Lindsay, Founder & CEO of Ardent Cannabis.

Ardent Cannabis is a Boston-based biotech and medical cannabis device company, most famous for developing a laboratory-grade precision decarboxylator for medical cannabis patients. The Ardent Nova (and now the FX) helps consumers perfect and refine the decarboxylation process to deliver consistent results every time.

In the latest episode of the Cannabis Tech podcast, Lindsay shares her journey as the female founder of a cannabis company. She shares the challenges of navigating such an explosive sector with us and the opportunities for women in this space today.

Watch the full video interview here: https://www.cannabistech.com/webcasts/a-tech-moment/celebrating-international-womens-day-with-shanel-lindsay-of-ardent-cannabis/

Women-owned, women-led, and women-focused collaborations are the driving forces behind the success of Bridget May and Kim Howard of Green Bee Botanicals. Bringing a mindset of respect, integrity, and the old adage that a rising tide lifts all boats - these two childhood friends are focused on longevity and sustainable core values.

https://www.cannabistech.com/webcasts/a-tech-moment/what-women-bring-to-cannabis/

If I could narrow down how technology can help cannabis businesses the most, it would have to be the unique ability of technology to expose what you don’t know. Technology is uniquely capable of taking data and turning it into valuable information that can be used to make decisions.

The perfect extraction technology, should it exist, would preserve the full plant profile. It would be ecologically sustainable and safe for both the manufacturer and the final consumer. Most importantly, it would need to be scalable to feed the demands of a multi-billion-dollar industry.

Thus far, extract tech fails to tick all the boxes — but that doesn't mean new developments aren't happening all the time. Here are three of the most exciting extraction technologies you may not have heard of.

Read the full article here.....

Read the full article on CannabisTech.

With the looming threat of exploding energy prices choking Europe, the cannabis conversation becomes even more relevant. While medical and recreational cannabis continues to spread through the world, the industrial use of the plant, particularly that of BioDiesel, woefully lags.

DON’T WASTE FOOD USE CANNABIS WASTE FOR FUEL

One of the trickiest aspects of sourcing biofuel is that many suitable options, such as tallow, soy, and wheat, are staple food products. Due to this, many countries are slow to pursue these fuel options as it requires sacrificing food. While fuel is essential, sustenance is arguably more so. Yet cannabis, a largely inedible plant, offers an excellent opportunity to produce biofuels without threatening the caloric intake of a population.

Since at least 2010, there have been studies published on the effectiveness of cannabis as a source of biofuel. UConn converted 97% of a hemp oil sample into biodiesel that year. The stalk, leaves, and other above-ground parts can be harvested for sugar yields and then fermented into ethanol. Yet, progression in the field has stalled, apparently due to a lack of demand.

As it takes cannabis only a few weeks to grow, the issue isn’t supply. Even if there is not enough cannabis waste to convert into biofuel, the industry can quickly produce it. Proper processing centers may be more difficult to find, but with enough ingenuity, a region such as Europe could likely muster up the needed equipment and space.

Considering the coming winter season now is the time to invest in alternative fuel sources, whether nuclear or a green energy solution such as cannabis-sourced fuels.

The issue holding back this field is the same issue holding back cannabis manufacturing unilaterally, namely, the aforementioned lack of processing plants. Both innovative and nationalized solutions, or as is more likely, private innovation in the field, could address this bottleneck. Once someone seizes this opportunity, the use of cannabis fuels could be made mainstream. It is of note that this idea was one shared by Henry Ford.

The metaverse is to the world as AOL was to the internet in 1993 – a new beginning. Likewise, the cannabis industry is still in the early stages of development and struggling with growing pains due to regulation and compliance. Yet, while the rules and regulations are being ironed out from one state to the next, consumers are often left with more questions than answers.

Mitch Ngo, CEO and Co-Founder of Golden Ark knows the struggle all too well. Watching his father's struggle with cancer, they turned to cannabis to help ease his pain. However, Mitch quickly realized the industry lacked standards, quality information, and organization.

“Even if you do find a product, how do consumers really know it came from a good source or how it’s been made? It was so frustrating,” he stated during an interview with Cannabis Tech.

So, Mitch took it upon himself to develop a better way, starting with becoming a licensed producer. They wanted to understand the entire process, so they started at the beginning with a cultivation license, then a manufacturer's license, and a distribution license.

And then they blockchained the entire seed-to-sale process. Now, they're moving into the next great frontier – the metaverse.

Pests can wreak havoc on a cannabis cultivation facility. Learn which pests can cause the most damage and what steps to take to eradicate them.

Insects, molds, fungus, viruses and bacteria - these are things that can destroy your grow operation. PathogenDx and SafetyNet America provide technology solutions to help growers stop problems before they start! 

https://www.cannabistech.com/articles/pests-in-cannabis-and-how-to-kill-them/

Tony Solano, co-founder of iHemp Manufacturing joins Kristina Etter for a NEW, monthly podcast to talk about the possibilities of hemp production and manufacturing. From medicine to manufacturing, Tony talks about his father's cancer diagnosis and how that experience led him into a whole new chapter in his life. Today, Tony produces a range of products, from smoking accessories to sporting goods from hemp fiber. 

Join Jeffrey Raber and Genifer Murray for a discussion about testing standardization, vape formulations, and the rise of Delta-8 THC.

Although testing was not always a requirement for cannabis, it has always been a benefit. Revealing and reliable information benefits customers and producers alike as it leads to better products and safer customers.

Your opportunity to discover the latest eCommerce, CBD/hemp, and wholesale tools, solutions and expertise has returned!  

Solventless extractions are simple, efficient, and safe... and increasing in demand.

The North American legal cannabis market reportedly reached $12 billion in 2018, with the US market representing over $10 billion. By 2025, the global market is predicted to grow to a staggering $146.4 billion.

Cannabis processing facilities represent a vital part of this massive market, and as the sector grows, it is critical to have the right equipment in place. Using the best technology can make all the difference when it comes to taking advantage of new opportunities in this growing industry, standing out in an increasingly competitive market, and building a successful and profitable business.

Rosin extraction technology is increasingly becoming a popular choice for cannabis producers. Allowing the extraction of cannabis concentrate without the use of solvents or chemicals, rosin technology is often described as “solventless” extraction. Instead, extraction is achieved through a combination of heat and pressure on a rosin press. Rosin technology represents several benefits for cannabis processing facilities, from ease of use and improved safety to cost efficiency.

Read the full article here....https://www.cannabistech.com/articles/top-6-benefits-to-using-rosin-extraction-technology-for-processing-faciliti/

CBD isn't just for hemp and cannabis anymore.

Incredibly, CBD can be extracted from other plants besides cannabis and hemp. The discovery of non-cannabis CBD is poised to add a whole new sector to the CBD market. These products would provide all the same effects as regular CBD without THC and other unwanted compounds.

This would be a game-changer for regions where cannabis is completely illegal. It not only proves cannabinoids aren’t solely present in hemp and cannabis plants, but in terms of accessibility, non-cannabis CBD offers enormous benefits to consumers who may be subjected to regular drug testing.

The typical modern farm is a monocrop farm or a ranch, meaning it relies either on a sea of soybeans or a herd of unsustainable animals. Meanwhile, the hemp movement has many ideas on how to shake this structure up, and it doesn't stop at production. Not only can the cannabis plant help encourage biodiversity and soil remediation, but it can also provide alternatives to ecologically damaging practices.

Read the full article here.....

Josh Swider, CEO and Co-Founder of Infinite CAL tested over 2,000 samples of Delta-8 THC products in 2020 - the results were concerning. Like the early days of CBD with mislabeling, or the early days of cannabis concentrates littered with poor chemistry - new kid on the block, lab-made Delta-8 THC has some growing pains to overcome, too. From high levels of Delta-9 THC to completely unidentified contaminants - some of the most respected labs in the nation are reminding consumers about due diligence and cautioning producers about potential hazards with their processes.   

View Article: https://www.cannabistech.com/webcasts/a-tech-moment/waving-the-caution-flag-on-the-race-for-delta-8-thc/

When considering the many chapters within the unfinished story of the cannabis plant, from its various uses; to methods of cultivation; and even its storied legal issues, one thing is for sure; it is all cause and effect. Here we take a look at cannabis cultivation and how it has evolved over the last four decades in the United States, from the "Just Say No" days of the 1980s through the mostly legalized market of today.

In areas with less than desirable outdoor conditions, indoor cannabis grow houses are ideal. Growers gain control of the humidity levels, temperature, and lighting and can alter them to the precise needs of the plants to produce the healthiest growth possible, but creating these optimal environmental conditions is quite the balancing act.

The economics of cannabis and hemp run deep. Beau Whitney, a leading cannabis economist and founder of Whitney Economics joins Cannabis Tech this week to talk about how economics is driving, shaping, and evolving the cannabis and hemp industries.

Trimming cannabis is a critical step in the process regardless of which method you choose. Learn about dry vs. wet trimming here!

Read the article here.....

Act now, these programs won't last forever!

With cannabis science finally getting daytime acceptance, incentives for energy efficiency are coming into play. While it may be intimidating to reveal sensitive information about operations, doing so saves cultivators across the country hundreds of thousands of dollars in new programs meant to improve efficiency in the cannabis industry.

Last year was one of the hottest years on record for the planet; it was also the hottest year for NFTs or non-fungible tokens.

A digital artwork titled “Everydays: The First 5000 Days” by digital artist Mike Winkelmann, also known as Beeple, sold for $69 million at Christie’s. It was the first NFT that an internationally renowned auction house had ever sold and that single sale produced 8.7 MWh of energy.

Read the full article here....

Medicinal users have developed a more pharmaceutical approach when using cannabis as a course of treatment. Consistency, dosing, availability and potential health risks are all factors that medicinal users and producers must keep in mind. As for producers, some companies are taking this insight and working to develop pharmaceutical-grade products that can meet the specific needs of the user, as well as market demand.

Read the full article.....

https://www.cannabistech.com/articles/a-safer-and-cleaner-extract-THC-CBD/

Read the full article on Cannabistech.com.

When advocates first started the fight for legal cannabis, the argument centered on compassionate care for the patients. Yet, as the research and anecdotal stories proliferated on the internet, publications, writers, and influencers soon found themselves blocked, banned, and shoved back into the shadows thanks to Google algorithms, social media bots, and other digital censorship tools.

However, as legalization continues to spread from state to state with Federal changes on the cusp, it’s essential to look at how cannabis impacts other areas of our lives and communities. Based on several studies published this year, the benefits of cannabis legalization go far beyond health and wellness.

In this month’s PanXchange episode, Tom Dermody, Senior Market Analyst at PanXchange, steps in for RJ Hopp to discuss developments in the hemp markets.

Tom brings a wealth of experience in the hemp industry and currently responsible for hemp grain and the true hemp market – stalks, fiber, or hurd that will be processed into products. He helps determine what the value is in a particular hemp-based product.

The delivery giant recently made headlines announcing its support for nationwide legalization via the MORE Act. In addition, Bezos said the company would end drug-testing some employees for cannabis use.

Gaining support from Amazon for the cannabis industry is big. The company has around 1.3 million people across the globe, and this announcement contradicts the prohibitionist idea that people who enjoy cannabis on their own time cannot be productive, happy, and healthy.

Amazon drones dropping down packages of weed to the front doors of American homes might be challenging to imagine. But it may not be far off. Maybe the question becomes whether or not the cannabis industry is ready for Amazon's involvement?

Read the full article here....

Silicon Valley is a bit quieter these days and big tech workers are looking for greener pastures.

At the beginning of the pandemic, the tech workforce - and a significant percentage of the world’s population - were asked to work from home. Nabis, a leading cannabis distribution platform in California, realizes that these employees are now both comfortable and productive while working remotely. Seizing the moment, Nabis is actively taking advantage of this shift in dynamics and recruiting tech workers to come to the cannabis industry.

Vince Ning, CEO of Nabis, left his position as a software engineer with Microsoft to start his own business, an app development platform that he eventually sold and is now Amazon’s AppSync. Following this Ning, and co-founder Jun S. Lee started Nabis in 2017 with the vision “To empower the world to discover cannabis by providing choice, access, and innovation.”

https://www.cannabistech.com/webcasts/a-tech-moment/taking-advantage-of-the-big-tech-exodus/

Over the past century, glass and steel have reigned supreme in the construction industry. However, green construction may eclipse traditional construction methods, as skyscrapers made of wood are becoming more common, and hemp has shown its value as an alternative material for furniture, insulation, and even rebar.

Read more here.....

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Ask any indoor cannabis grower how important their lighting formula is to the success of their harvest, and they're likely to say it can make or break a growing season. Growers also attest that a one size fits all approach to indoor cannabis grow lighting results in wasted energy and money.

When it comes down to it, every cannabis cultivar has individual needs and responds to the light they receive. Sativas, for instance, are generally thought to be more "light hungry" than indica cultivars. This creates an opportunity for the most dedicated grower to fine-tune their lighting recipe to the strains they are growing and let the test-zone adjustments begin. Finding master recipes begins with making minor adjustments and documenting every step.

Integrating cryptocurrency transaction options is a safe, easy, and affordable solution for the government banking stonewall.

In 2021, California’s first legally registered cannabis delivery service, SpeedWeed, started accepting Bitcoin payments. With the cryptocurrency (crypto) market reaching $3 trillion and the cannabis market reaching a value of just over $16 billion last year, these rapid-growing industries are on course to see more cross-integration like this over time.

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While cloning is an ancient and effective practice, it is not standard across the agricultural industry. Instead, farmers use stable seeds or seeds that grow predictably and uniformly. Many farmers are keen on developing similar seeds for hemp and medical cannabis; however, the process may require using CRISPR-Cas9 technology.

CAN WE USE CRISPR FOR BETTER CANNABIS?

As CanBreed has already gotten approval to use CRISPR technology commercially for years, yes, CRISPR cannabis is here. In 2020, CanBreed reported they modified a cannabis gene to make the plant resistant to powdery mildew. This year the company obtained a breeding and growing license for cannabis in California.

For those unfamiliar, CRISPR is a gene-editing tool. Through the use of RNA and an enzyme, Cas9, CRISPR targets specific strands of DNA for removal. It allows the user to alter DNA, controlling what attributes the organism expresses. In a human child, this could affect eye color or a variety of diseases, and in cannabis plants, it could affect protein expression or feminization. Either way, no matter the organism edited, having the ability to make DNA consistent across several organisms or seeds allows for genetic uniformity without cloning.

In sum, rather than having to remove a selection from a host and then create a new cannabis plant from that, CRISPR technology allows for uniform seeds which develop into uniform plants. An advantage here stems from the fact that the genetics of traditional cannabis clones vary throughout the mother's life cycle. As the mother plant ages, the clippings she produces will not be uniform. Those taken from the beginning of her life cycle will be noticeably different from those taken at the end.

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Grow lights make a significant impact on the environment in your grow. Controlling temperature and humidity depends on understanding how your lighting may affect them.

Entheogens, including cannabis, faced one of their most restrictive environments in the 20th century. Now, as attitudes shift, several countries are investing in research using psilocybin mushrooms, MDMA, Ketamine, and other substances previously listed as some of the most dangerous materials in the country. With this shift comes a new wave of technological opportunity, and companies are poised to offer these substances to the public.

Original post: https://www.cannabistech.com/articles/vr-and-entheogens-beyond-third-eye-insights/

More than your average CEO, as a lobbyist and advocate, Kyle Sherman is changing the narrative.

Cannabis Tech had the opportunity to sit down with Kyle Sherman, CEO, and Founder, of Flowhub. This daring software company went from being operated out of a garage in 2015 to the first company to launch mobile retail apps in the cannabis industry.

After spending time as a compliance officer, Sherman made it his mission to enable cannabis legalization nationally, and for him and his company, that meant making a more transparent industry.

With little question, 2020 has been a challenging year for nearly everyone, and the hemp markets are no exception. From extreme weather to unstable legal status, this year’s tumultuous environment brings many unknowns to hemp producers.

Extreme Weather Making an Impact

In this episode of A Tech Moment, we talk about the wild weather changes across the nation. From fires to hurricanes, derechos to summer snow, hemp cultivators all across the US are seeing the impacts of climate change. Hopp shares his insight into how these severe weather conditions could indicate a significant drop in harvested hemp for the year. Factor in a decline in acreage and this could spell higher prices for hemp in the future.

Across the Pond

Hopp provides an update on the status of hemp in the European Union and statements made by the WHO. As regulatory bodies start to shift their stance, the ambiguity and lack of data become a hindrance to the progress made towards global legalization and acceptance. All across the world, the legal status of hemp and cannabis is fluctuating.

The DEA and the IFR

With the Interim Final Ruling released, everyone in the industry is anxious as they anticipate what the statement could mean in the long run for cannabis and hemp. Hopp shares his perspectives and reviews what the IFR means for producers.

Additionally, Hopp talks about the synthesizing of cannabinoids and what the IFR references regarding creating cannabinoids from hemp cannabinoids. Delta-8 THC is one such cannabinoid that is being produced through lab processes from hemp cannabinoids.

Cannabis has a waste problem, and it isn't just the plastic, single-use packages. Cultivators and processors find themselves with tons of excess, low quality, or spent plant material on hand every year. Unfortunately, it's both challenging and costly to dispose of.

When it comes to cannabis cultivation, every penny counts for the bottom line. So what if there were a way to reduce operational expenditures related to this waste but make money from it?

Nextleaf Solutions recently announced a new technology that processes spent cannabis biomass to reduce landfill waste and extracts even more profits from previously unusable plant material. It's just one of the latest technologies striving to make the cannabis industry greener.

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Validation of natural health products is taking place for the first time in history. Radicle Science is reinventing the norm in pharmaceutical and academic research models, providing stringent health outcome data at a fraction of the time and cost. Female-led supplement brand Rae Wellness has partnered with them to prove the science behind CBD, focusing on women's health. Both companies see the benefit of more comprehensive and data derived from this virtual, direct-to-consumer approach to research.

Dr. Jeff Chen is the CEO and Co-Founder of Radicle Science. He was the Founder and former Director of the UCLA Cannabis Research Initiative and has an expansive range of experience as a board member, investor, advisor to companies, venture firms, and not-for-profits. Dr. Chen is a member of several communities such as TED, Summit Series, and Nexus and has been featured in Rolling Stone, WSJ, CNN, and VICE, just to name a few.

Angie Tebbe is the Co-Founder and CEO of Rae Wellness. Tebbe's holistic upbringing is at the root of a life mission into well-being. She left a successful corporate career to launch a values-led company that champions innovation in wellness, and she is driven by the vision to make well-being attainable for all.

Finish reading on Cannabis Tech: https://www.cannabistech.com/webcasts/a-tech-moment/partners-in-cannabis-research/

THE FUTURE OF HEMP IS ELECTRIC

Biomolecular engineers discovered hemp can be converted into battery materials, specifically carbon nanosheets and supercapacitors, and are being explored as a source of clean, green, renewable energy.   Pioneering groups in this field have received sizeable grants to focus on utilizing hemp for supercapacitors and carbon nanosheets to replace graphene, a material more widely known in supercapacitors, yet more expensive to produce.

Jim Higdon, Author of "The Cornbread Mafia," Hemp Entrepreneur and former journalist is fed up with false marketing buzzwords in hemp. Explaining the "Whole Plant" vs. "Whole Flower" extraction differences with an orange juice analogy, Jim is hoping to help educate consumers about the broad range of products and deceptive marketing practices, and why many producers should reconsider their processes.

https://www.cannabistech.com/webcasts/a-tech-moment/whole-plant-vs.-flower-only-hemp-processing-for-cbd-production/

Aspergillus mold is all around us. According to the CDC, most people inhale a few Aspergillus spores daily without getting sick. However, of the approximately 180 species of Aspergillus, 40 of them can cause infections in humans. While most people have robust immune systems to help prevent aspergillosis infection, many medical cannabis patients may have pre-existing conditions which make them at risk for a potentially deadly fungal infection.

Read the full article at CannabisTech.

Recently the major enantiomer, or paired molecule, of THC was found in samples of low-THC fiber hemp from Europe. Such a report isn't surprising considering how biochemical processes work. However, this finding could cause a legal ripple capable of sending the hemp industry back to 2019.

Without question, technology and innovation have changed everything we know about cannabis, including how we consume it. In fact, the technology is advancing so rapidly, it can be challenging to keep up!

At Cannabis Tech, we typically cover the science and technology behind the scenes of the cannabis and hemp industries. But this year, we decided to pull together a list of some of the most innovative cannabis consumer technology — just in time for the holidays! Whether they grow, smoke, vape, or eat cannabis, the shopping guide below has something for everyone on your holiday shopping list.

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Exploring the challenges of cannabis delivery and pickup services.

Pioneering rideshare and food delivery company Uber recently announced they would start taking cannabis orders in Canada through their UberEats service. There's one trick though - it's only for pick-up orders. Consumers would still need to go to one of the 50 Tokyo Smoke dispensaries in Ontario to actually get their order, and that may be a strategic error, depending on Uber’s business goals for the initiative. Right now, it’s a small experiment more than a major business move.

As one of the early fleet and delivery management companies helping local and national businesses manage their delivery business, Onfleet sees a few unique things about the cannabis industry that may make this a bigger challenge than expected.

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From textiles to hempcrete and gasoline, producers must convert hemp from plant mass to individual materials before the crop is ready to be used for industrial purposes. The process of industrial hemp processing and conditioning has been reborn since prohibition halted hemp's progress in the 1940s, and today it stands to be one of the more promising ways farmers can profit off their hemp.

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Twenty-eight million years. That's how old cannabis is. But of course, this ancient ancestor from millions of years ago looked much different than the strains we see on dispensary shelves today.

Take one look at the industry in 2022 and it's clear that technology has dramatically shifted the cannabis landscape. What's more, we don't need to look back into ancient history to see these changes. Our consumption habits are incredibly different from even 20 or 30 years ago.

Extraction and consumption technology has transformed this plant's potency, profile, and effects. Here, we take a historical look at how technology has fueled changes in consumption methods, starting with ancient civilizations dating back 4000 years.

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Growing cannabis better starts with understanding the various methods for eco-friendly cannabis. Outdoor, indoor, and specialized techniques contribute to producing a commercial cannabis crop and reducing the carbon footprint.

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There are a few mainstays within the cannabis industry when discussing cultivation methods. Organic, hydroponic, greenhouse, aquaponic, and aeroponic; the list also includes many variations and hybrid methodologies.

Location or cultivation methods do not change the basic needs of the cannabis plant. Providing plenty of light, water, and nutrients, combined with optimal temperatures and humidity levels, should provide a bountiful harvest. The differences come down to the delivery of these needs.

Environmental variables create deviations from one grow recipe to another; lights, temperature, and humidity levels need to be within a specific range to succeed when growing cannabis. Thanks to years of ag tech advancements, HVAC systems, LED light programming, dehumidifiers, irrigation, and fertigation, can be completely customized and scaled to the size and type of cannabis operation.

This article will focus on indoor cannabis cultivation using soil, hydroponic, and aquaponic methods and the differences in irrigation and fertigation.

Mold in marijuana is more than a business faux pas; it is a potential health hazard for consumers.

Mold on cannabis isn’t a new problem, but commercial production and over-crowded grow rooms are creating the perfect storm for pathogens. The birth of the marijuana industry has given rise to a deeper awareness of production pitfalls and potential health risks – not from the cannabis itself, but from unintentional microbial contamination.

While cannabis prohibition has not yet ended, many countries are advancing the substance as a legitimate medicine. As commonly stated, today's innovations rely on thousands of years of tradition. From ancient Chinese tombs to biblical references, cannabis has been part of the human story since the beginning - and now we are crystallizing our conception of why it is so beneficial.

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Sonication, or ultrasonication, is a soundwave technology widely used in biofuels, pharmaceuticals, wastewater processing, and other major industries. It's also necessary for nanoemulsions and other nanoparticle production — which might sound familiar as it's now widely used within the cannabidiol (CBD) sector too.

The audio version of this article is sponsored by The Cultivation System.

In traditional models, hiring a consulting firm to help improve your cannabis operation meant signing a contract and paying a fee for advice specific to your operation. The process often starts with bringing in experts who evaluate the existing processes and equipment, design the best recipe for the facility to flourish, and then they walk away, leaving it up to the grower to follow the plan.

In this episode of Cultivate, our podcast host, Genifer Murray speaks with Gail Rand of grand consulting about her transformation from a frustrated mom trying to find help for her son to cannabis business advisor and advocate. 

The rise of the marijuana industry in the United States is upon us, and existing cannabis intoxication detection methods such as urine, blood, or saliva tests were not designed for cannabis and have significant limitations. Simply testing positive for the THC metabolite is not an indicator of impairment. However, a study published in the Drug and Alcohol Dependence, led by Steven's Institute of Technology assistant professor, Sang Won Bae reveals how smartphone technology may help bridge the gap.

With the use of the co-developed smartphone application, machine-learning models were used by Bae in research for detecting binge drinking. In addition, according to a press release, the algorithm could help law enforcement, employers and health professionals predict if a person is currently experiencing 'cannabis intoxication’, as well.

Is it truly as accurate as it is perceived? This testing method raises a conversation amongst the cannabis community, as well as, your average adult-use consumers and medical patients.

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The cannabis industry is built around its cultivation and selling of the plant. Therefore, there is an ethical responsibility to the environment. As a leading industry in holistic wellness and healing, we must acknowledge the amount of work necessary for sustainability within cannabis.

Companies can begin to approach sustainability by investing in eco-friendly cannabis packaging options. Here are five eco-friendly packaging solutions for cannabis products.

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In a matter of decades, cannabis edibles transformed from a countertop hobby into a multibillion-dollar industry. With this radical blossoming comes a new crop of technology needed to stay competitive in the ever-growing cannabis industry and to supply the types of edibles at cannabis dispensaries.

While states with legal cannabis have set a precedent, the FDA has yet to define clear regulations. Thus, this creates large vulnerabilities in the industry, putting undue liability on the producer rather than easily understood legislation. Until the FDA takes action to sort out the industry's rules, producers will have to fend for themselves in this often-unwieldy environment.

Using the right equipment is the first step to meeting the rigorous demands of commercial cannabis food production.

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The rush to sell CBD online is here, but it’s not as easy as you may think. Here are the top tips and best practices to success in 2021.

The CBD industry is booming with estimated US CBD sales to surpass $800 million this year alone. And there is no slowing in sight. By 2022, US CBD sales may reach $1.8 billion.

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RJ Hopp, Director of Hemp Markets at PanXchange, spoke with Kristina Etter, editor of Cannabis Tech, in the first episode of a new, joint-monthly podcast, "A Tech Moment: PanXchange Hemp Market Report."

PanXchange delivers insights into the commodities markets, and following the 2018 US Farm Bill, they now cover hemp. The monthly hemp report provides reporting on hemp pricing in five key markets: Oregon, Colorado, Kentucky, and the recently added Great Plains and Northeast. The platform tracks several key commodities, including biomass, winterized crude oil, full-spectrum distillate, broad-spectrum distillate, and cannabidiol (CBD) isolate.

Each monthly report includes updates to regulations, both across the US and abroad, and notable hemp headlines. In the last few months, the report has also included a detailed examination of some of the industrial applications of hemp, which tend to get overlooked in today's CBD-focused world.

If you are only just now stepping into the world of crop steering — get ready.

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In this podcast, PanXchange CEO, Julie Lerner, discusses the last Hemp Market report of 2020, where she maintains a conservative perspective on the price of CBD and hemp extracts. She says, “We wouldn’t price wheat based on bags of flour on the shelves at Safeway,” likewise CBD extracts need a better gauge for the market.

3 SCENARIOS IMPACTING HEMP MARKET PRICES

Lerner discusses three scenarios they use at PanXchange to analyze the markets today, as well as her predictions for the coming year.

As the CEO of CBDistillery, Chase Terwilliger is acutely aware of the changing hemp regulations and challenges surrounding Delta-8 THC legality and production. 

We asked Chase to join us to discuss the recent 9th Circuit Court's decision on the legality of Delta-8 and the future of hemp regulations in general. Watch the video to hear our discussion regarding transparency and ethic in hemp regulation and production.

Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid may have been appropriate for describing the physical differences in plants, at one time. However, when it comes to categories the effect of cannabis, many industry pros understand these traditional methods may be a little too broad.

Alec Dixon, Co-Founder of SC Labs, joins us to discuss the importance of knowing and understanding the terpene profile to get better understanding of the particular effects of different cultivars and phenos.

Nanotechnology is a term used in science and engineering where technology dimensions and tolerances of less than 100 nanometers are employed to design, construct, and manipulate individual atoms and molecules. In the cannabis industry, the most relevant and applicable form of this technology is hydrosoluble nanoemulsion, which is when microscopic molecules of cannabinoids are encapsulated in a bound-together mixture of water and oil. Although the science behind this technology can be somewhat daunting to grasp and even more so to execute, it opens new doors to increasingly functional cannabis products, much like over-the-counter medicine.

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Let’s face it, not everyone loves the smell of cannabis.

In this Tech Moment, we sat down with Autumn Shelton and Hanna Brand, co-owners of Autumn Brands. Over a century ago, Autumn Brands family was still growing flowers, but back then, the flowers they sold were tulips. Today, their crop is a little more controversial.

This Santa Barbra based, fifty-percent women-owned coastal cannabis cultivator places great emphasis on naturally grown crops. Throughout their farms, they avoid the use of pesticides and other chemicals that are unideal for human consumption. Additionally, as community stewards, when their neighbors complained about the smell from cannabis cultivation, these women set out to make things right.

Continuing our theme for International Women's Day, Kim Kovacs from Arcview joins us to discuss the need to support one another, the importance of maintaining diversity, and where opportunities in the cannabis sector are for women.

Having been an active angel investor for years, involved with Golden Seeds, Kim Kovacs also co-founded several companies, as well as being the Founder and former CEO of MyJane, a wellness technology platform for women. Bringing over twenty years of executive leadership and experience from investment companies and across technology services, Kovacs took the reins at Arcview in January of 2020.

The Arcview Group is the leading investment and market research firm focused on connecting high-net-worth individuals, institutional investors, and money managers with investment opportunities, key players, and indispensable insights to realize their goals in the cannabis sector.

Watch the video podcast here: https://www.cannabistech.com/webcasts/a-tech-moment/supporting-women-in-cannabis

Stillwater Brands, Keith Woelfel, and Caliper Foods', Drew Hathaway, talk about the development of Ripple dissolvables and gummies, nanoemulsion, and the science behind proving the efficiency of nano-cannabinoid formulation and precision dosing.   

View Article: https://www.cannabistech.com/webcasts/a-tech-moment/blending-science-into-cannabis-edibles/

Paragon Processing continues to innovate solutions to help hemp farmers across the nation from losing valuable biomass.

Several weeks ago, Cannabis Tech had the opportunity to tour Paragon Processing’s massive facility in southern Colorado. Designed to help farmers post-harvest, the massive, 256,000 square foot facility can accommodate 20 million pounds of hemp biomass in a climate-controlled environment that helps protect the product from molds, mildews, and other contamination factors.

In this episode of A Tech Moment, we get a few minutes with Billy Chavis, Partner and Lead Process Engineer at Paragon, to talk about their facility and their extended biomass drying capabilities, which could help farmers save thousands of acres of valuable hemp crops all over the nation.