Top Rules & Regulations to Be Aware of When Growing Cannabis
There are plenty of opportunities out there for those that have significant investment capital. Although the potential of NFTs and cryptocurrency is an interesting concept worth exploring, they are less risky compared to the cannabis industry, which is currently experiencing a boom period.
So, what exactly happened that made the cannabis industry a worthwhile investment opportunity? Simply, the rules changed in its favor. Although cannabis is still illegal at the federal level, many states have adjusted their regulations for the legal sale of cannabis and cannabis products like CBD.
According to Fortune Business Insights, the value of the global cannabis market was $20.47 billion in 2020. They are projecting the market will grow to $197.74 billion by 2028.
As a potential cannabis investor, market value statistics of that magnitude can’t be ignored. Additionally, according to the CDC, cannabis is one of the most widely used substances in the United States.
However, just because cannabis is widely used and projected to grow doesn’t mean becoming a cannabis investor will be free of challenges. There is still the matter of all the rules and regulations that growers, cultivators, and investors need to be mindful of.
Familiarizing yourself with these now will save you a lot of trouble down the line if you decide to invest in a growing operation, dispensary, or with a cannabis testing equipment company like Elite Robotics.
Cannabis at the Federal Level
According to the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), marijuana is considered a Schedule I controlled substance. This means they consider it a substance that is prone to abuse, can’t be safely prescribed, and lacks any real medical value. Anyone that is growing, selling, marketing, or distributing marijuana is likely in violation of federal law.
However, it should be noted that most federal cases are never investigated unless there’s a violation at the state level first. That’s how most law enforcement officers currently make their arrests, and those arrests are usually for possession.
It’s also worth noting that federal law prohibits the marijuana from crossing state lines. For instance, cannabis grown in Alabama (where it’s legal) cannot be transported to Louisiana (where it’s also legal). This law can make cannabis growing operations difficult in places like Nevada, where climate conditions present a significant challenge.
Although the product of cannabis is illegal at the federal level, the good news is that investing in cannabis testing equipment is completely legal at the state and federal level. Contact Elite Robotics for more information on that.
Cannabis at the State Level
The states that allow for cannabis break down into three categories according to the most recent information provided by the National Conference of State Legislatures. They are:
- Adult & medical regulated cannabis program states
- Comprehensive medical cannabis program states
- CBD/Low THC program states
A total of 37 states and the District of Columbia currently regulate cannabis for medical use for the individuals that qualify. Additionally, there are 11 states that are considered low THC/CBD states. That means those in the cannabis industry cannot harvest, market, or distribute cannabis products that exceed a THC level of 0.3 percent.
For those 11 low THC/CBD states, the process of cannabis testing and utilization of cannabis testing equipment is vitally important. That’s because a cannabis crop that exceeds the 0.3 percent THC level must be destroyed at the owner’s expense.
Testing in the Cannabis Industry
Currently, cannabis testing is performed by third-party labs that cannabis growers must send samples off to for verification. However, because of increasing demand from growing operations all over the country, the wait times to get back lab results can span many weeks. During that time, a cannabis crop may mature to the point of becoming illegal, or a “hot crop” as they are sometimes referred to.
Additionally, many third-party labs use harsh chemicals such as methanol and acetonitrile during their testing process, which means it’s not environmentally safe.
Environmentally Safe In-House Cannabis Testing Equipment
There is an alternative solution to third-party lab testing that’s both quick and safe for the environment. Elite Robotics has created the solution that puts the power of a fully staffed chemistry lab right in the palm of your hands.
We have in-house and field cannabis testing devices that are currently in development – both from the Cannabots™ line.
The SCD (specimen containment device) is a patent-pending sealed chamber in which samples can be hermetically stored in order to preserve chain of custody of the product. This product allows for samples to be taken from the field and secured until they can be properly analyzed.
The Analyzer breaks down and tests samples from the SCD, ensuring purity and potency in both CBD and THC products so that you can remain compliant with state and local regulations. It will also identify strain and any potential contaminants that may be present.
Although our products cannot currently replace third-party lab testing from a certification standpoint, they do provide growers and cultivators the insight they need with their crop to determine when they should send a sample off to a third-party lab.
Contact Elite Robotics Today to Become a Cannabis Industry Investor
Elite Robotics aims to be the solution when it comes to perfecting and standardizing cannabis testing equipment. It is our goal to give growers and farmers a reliable way to test their cannabis that is accurate, expedient, and safe for the environment.
By perfecting the cannabis testing process, we can prevent cannabis investors and growers from creating illegal crops that need to be destroyed at their own expense.
To find out more about our cannabis testing equipment or to become an investor, you can contact Elite Robotics at (805) 987-6217. Or you can send us a message directly using our contact form.
To see cannabis regulations by state on a map, please consult the NSCL site.