Artificial intelligence and cannabis: the future is here

Increasingly more often, we are integrating artificial intelligence into new ways of doing jobs, using data as a powerful driver to use resources more effectively. And when it comes to cannabis, artificial intelligence is bringing these same benefits in new and interesting ways. AI is transforming our daily lives, so why should marijuana be an exception?

The trend towards integrating AI into the cannabis market is in its infancy, but we are fast approaching a time when artificial intelligence will be fully incorporated into a wide variety of marijuana-related functions, ranging from cultivation to storage, from seed to sale. Let's see how.

Cannabis cultivation: a green field for AI

Cannabis producers, especially those from legal markets such as the US and Canada, have already started to use artificial intelligence solutions in their crops. There are many variables that can affect the growth of a plant, from exposure to light to temperature or the amount of irrigation, among others.

AI can quickly learn the ideal configuration for hundreds of data points. These can contribute to plant growth and ensure that automated devices maintain the correct levels for optimum results.

These systems can make real-time adjustments to create ideal conditions, leading to better quality yields. Besides, automation not only increases efficiency but also reduces the risk of human error, resulting in more consistent and reliable crop production.

For instance, mobile robots equipped with cameras connected to AI can roam the corridors of cannabis greenhouses at night, scanning plants using spectral imaging. AI converts these scans into a 3D model of each plant, and then combines that 3D image with environmental data to generate a plant progress report. This report is updated regularly and assesses growth rates, THC levels, cannabinoid compounds, any possible diseases, presence of pests, and so on.

AI is also making cannabis hydroponics even more efficient by growing cannabis plants in a soilless farming system powered by AI algorithms. AI-assisted growers can reduce water consumption, eliminate pesticide use, increase yields, and occupy considerably less space.

AI models can also analyse data from previous crop cycles to predict the best sowing times, harvest windows, and even the strains that are most likely to thrive in a specific environment. They can even determine which cannabis varieties sell the best and customise the growing conditions to consistently produce those varieties.

AI in the development of cannabis products and services

The future of cannabis products is all about customisation, and artificial intelligence is playing a crucial role in making this happen.

In many cases, AI is already being used to sell cannabis in a different way. Technology can identify general trends and help firms make better business decisions in general. From in-person traffic comparisons to online sales and customer demographics, all the information that a retailer collects can be handled faster by AI to produce more actionable information than if it were collected by a real person.

In terms of cannabis specifically, AI is increasingly being used to search cannabis research databases to identify certain strains that may be better suited than others to a specific target audience.

It is likely that customers have already found AI in cannabis sales in the form of chatbots. Some cannabis retailers from the US and Canada have websites which include AI-based text that can help customers determine which product is best for them. More specifically, just as AI can help a brand determine which varieties will be sold, it can also help consumers determine which ones to buy.

Therefore, certain website applications or functions may consider customer preferences. Depending on the customers' contributions (such as, for instance, the specific traits that they're looking for), these functions can direct users towards a particular type of cannabis. AI can even instantly tell a customer the nearest location where they can find that product.

The best machine learning products improve with every use, as technology learns what people are looking for and developers apply the latest research to enhance them. For cannabis marketing specialists, using AI is an opportunity to tell customers exactly what type of personalised shopping experience a cannabis company can offer them.

Research on medicines and new genetics

Currently, the search for new cannabis-based drug treatments is one of the hottest areas of biotechnology. This trend can also be driven by AI, which leverages machine learning, data analysis, and automation to optimise various aspects of drug development.

AI is proving to be an expert in identifying the many cannabinoids that can treat chronic diseases, particularly cancer. Machine learning algorithms can predict the biological activity and safety profile of candidates, saving a lot of time and resources that would have otherwise been spent on trial-and-error testing.

Besides, AI helps researchers to analyse and interpret complex biological data more effectively. It can extract sets of clinical data, discovering hidden patterns and possible pharmacological targets. This data-based approach helps select the most promising drugs and their optimal doses. In fact, AI is helping emerging cannabis biotechnology companies to accelerate the clinical trial stage, which is often incredibly long.

As 2024 progresses, we can expect more innovations; for instance, in the integration of the blockchain to provide transparent and secure supply chains. And especially in genetics and breeding work driven by AI to develop new strains.

Most modern cannabis producers already take genetics into account when growing new plants, but breeders are already beginning to use artificial intelligence engines to move the process forward. These engines use patented genetic markers to identify existing cannabis strains that could be crossed to create even more potent offspring, especially for the medical market. Or to particularly select new and unique terpenes that can offer flavours and smells that have never been experienced before.

As always, AI works best when it's not used to replace people (who are the ones who know how to put the data into action) but rather used alongside them. It will always require some previous work to determine what information needs to be known and what data is worth examining further to make the decisions that will benefit a particular cannabis business the most. And when it comes to using AI and putting that information to work, all the time and effort will have definitely been worth it.