The Lighter Side

LIGHT ME UP

In our annual Sustainability and Cultivation issue, we’ll explore the innovative technologies changing the face of cannabis. One area seeing huge strides is lighting. The spring issue will feature insights from leading brands in the lighting space. How are they reimagining tried and true technologies to create brighter, more efficient cultivation facilities across the U.S.? Spectral tuning, high-efficiency LEDs, and strategies to maximize yield while minimizing environmental impact — all this and more in our spotlight on lighting.

THE THREE P’S … AND WE DON’T MEAN PUFF, PUFF, PASS

Corporate social responsibility means prioritizing three things: people, the planet, and profits. Capitalism has taught us all too well how to prioritize profits — but how can companies shift their focus to include environmental consciousness and social stewardship? In this issue, Cannabis & Tech Today will speak with the people and companies who are getting it right and share their secrets for sustainable success.

PACKED WITH POSSIBILITIES

Everyone knows packaging needs a reboot. If it’s not wrapped in layers of plastic, it’s not compliant, right? Regulations are strict, but innovations in packaging are starting to gain ground. When will hemp become commonplace? How can customers help turn the tide toward renewable solutions? Find the answers to these questions and become the change you want to see in the world when you flip through this issue’s focus on sustainable packaging.

When will hemp become commonplace in cannabis packaging?

Photo: iStockphoto.com/24K-Production

Fearless Cannabis Predictions for 2022 and Beyond

By Charles Warner

The cannabis industry is rapidly evolving right before our eyes. New states are legalizing and coming online (Montana, New Mexico, and New York), as are countries like Malta and Mexico. Poll numbers are rising every month showing that people of all walks of life are open to legalization of cannabis and the economic and social benefits that will

go with it.

Republicans have even latched onto cannabis (because they know it is a winning issue), and if the Democrats can’t get it done, watch the Republicans take this issue and make it theirs. It’s such a winning issue, even the normally conservativeleaning Koch Industries has entered the game to influence change and, of course, make a bunch of money.

Because things are changing rapidly with regard to cannabis and hemp, we at Cannabis & Tech Today want to give you a glimpse into the future. We have consulted our experts, insiders, and on occasion a trusty Magic 8 Ball that we got at Spencer’s, to bring you Fearless Predictions for 2022 and Beyond.

With absolutely no surety at all, here are our predictions for your enjoyment.

2022

The National Cannabis Party celebrates its one-year anniversary and becomes the fastest growing political party in the United States.

2024

7-Eleven begins to sell weed in states where it is legal. Amazon and Uber start shipping and delivering cannabis.

Photo: wikimedia

2028

Cannabis is legalized in the United States.

We know — this should happen sooner — but our politicians are too busy gerrymandering districts and “mean tweeting.” It’s not until President Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is sworn in that the People’s President makes cannabis legal across the U.S. … despite a lawsuit led by Idaho, North Dakota, and other ass-backward states to prevent legalization.

2025

The first sports stadium to be named after an MSO occurs. Cresco at Wrigley Field becomes the name of the Cubs ballpark for an estimated $150 million a year — and yes, you can buy weed at the ballpark. Take me out to the ballgame is a little different now: “Take me out to the ballgame, take me out to the crowd. Buy me sativa and Crackerjacks, I don’t care if I ever get back…”

2029

Hemp is officially planted in the White House Rose Garden.

2030

Facebook and Google finally stop discriminating against cannabis brands and advertising.

2040

COVID-19 is finally over.

Photo: iStockphoto.com

2026

Hemp farmers receive subsidies like oil companies. This helps fuel adoption of hemp as a source for almost everything and creates a huge economic and domestic employment boom. Did we get it right? Are we way off? Let us know what you think by tagging us on social with #CannabisPredictions. What’s your vision for the future of cannabis? ❖