Adhering to the Federal Regulations of the Cannabis Industry
For those who are growing cannabis or are putting money into a growing operation as a cannabis investor, there is one major risk that can lead to a loss of product and profits. We’re referring, of course, to hot crops, which is the informal designation for cannabis crops that exceed the federally mandated 0.3% THC limit. Hot crops occur when a cannabis plant is allowed to mature too much, therefore, resulting in an illegal crop. This remains one of the biggest challenges of the cannabis industry.
To bring you up to speed, the recreational use of cannabis is legal in 18 states and the District of Columbia. With a doctor’s prescription, the medical use of cannabis is legal in 37 states. Cannabis investors need to be aware of their product’s legality because not doing so can land their operation in trouble. Since cannabis is a Schedule I substance, cannabis that is grown and harvested with a THC level that exceeds 0.3% must be destroyed. A destroyed crop equates to lost product, wasted hours growing and cultivating, and revenue cannabis investors won’t get.
As you can see, avoiding the hot crop problem should be priority number one if you’re a grower or cannabis investor. But how is this accomplished?
There are three primary ways you can ensure your crops stay legal.
#1 – Know the Ideal Harvesting Times of the Strains You’re Growing
Not all cannabis strains are created equal. They flower at different times, contain different levels of terpen and cannabinoids, and will have different levels of potency. The environment a cannabis crop is grown in will influence when it’s ready for harvest.
Experienced cannabis growers take the time to get familiar with the strains that they are attempting to legally harvest. That could mean using historical data to dictate when the ideal harvest is or getting intimately familiar with the physical tells of the crop. Trichomes, which are the fine hair-like growths on cannabis flowers, typically serve as a major indicator to growers on when and when not to harvest.
#2 – Use Third-Party Lab Testing
One of the most common and reliable ways to test cannabis crops is by sending them off to a third-party lab testing facility. Once your crop sample arrives, the lab testing facility will use professional cannabis testing equipment to determine THC levels and a cannabinoid analysis. After their testing is complete, they will send you back verified results that show the status of your crop sample.
Although sending crop samples to a third-party testing facility takes time, it should be noted that this is the only method of testing and verification currently accepted by government entities that regulate cannabis growing operations.
#3 – Use In-House Cannabis Testing Equipment
The third and final way to ensure that you don’t accidentally produce a hot crop is by using in-house cannabis testing equipment. This equipment is the same concept as third-party lab testing, but with the convenience of it being available on site. With in-house cannabis testing equipment, you will no longer have to wait on a third-party lab to process your sample and return your results. This gives growers and cultivators a much better idea of when they should harvest their crop.
Elite Robotics has in-house and field cannabis testing devices that are currently in development – both from the Cannabots™ line.
The Disposable is a patent-pending sealed chamber in which samples can be hermetically stored in order to preserve a 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 Disposable, 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.
These tools from the Cannobot line help with the monitoring and testing of crops, which traditionally can take many weeks when outsourcing to a third-party lab.
Become a Cannabis Testing Equipment Investor by Contacting Elite Robotics Today
Elite Robotics aims to be the solution for perfecting and standardizing cannabis testing equipment. It is our goal to give growers and farmers a reliable way to test their cannabis that is both accurate and expedient.
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.
To find out more about our 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.