The U.S. marijuana market is projected to reach $22 billion in sales by 2022, and innovation is top-of-mind. As recreational and medical marijuana continue to become legalized, Silicon Valley is continuously looking for ways to digitize the green rush.
From a social network built around the cannabis community to one company that is taking the guesswork out of home growing, these are the sativa-centric startups to watch out for.
MassRoots
Ever wish you could solicit recommendations on the best edibles for insomnia or social anxiety? While that might raise an eyebrow from Grandma on Facebook (or a surprising recommendation), it’s the status quo on MassRoots.
This Denver-based marijuana tech firm is one of the largest and most active social networks for the cannabis community. With more than one million registered users, you’ll be able to find smoking buddies, talk about new strains and learn more about local dispensaries and more.
The company recently launched a revamped dispensary portal called MassRoots for Business, which allows dispensaries to list their locations, keep customers updated on inventory and access analytics on the local cannabis market.
Seedo
Want to exercise your (literal) green thumb? Even smokers with the blackest of digits will be able to produce a hydroponic harvest with Seedo.
Seedo is a home-growing kit that’s the size of a small refrigerator. This startup guarantees that customers won’t “literally have to do a thing, from seed to harvest.”
Essentially, the hardest thing you’ll need to do is choose your strain and stick the seeds in the Seedo basin. Once your seed or clone is planted, you won’t need to open the door again until it’s time to harvest.
An app will let you know when that is. Seedo lets you choose your strain and growth plan, receive alerts when anything goes amiss and access an internal camera to monitor growth — all without needing to get up from the couch.
The company uses a patent-pending LED lighting system, built-in CO2 cartridges and A/C to match your chosen strain’s ideal growing conditions. An air-tight ecosystem also keeps pests away while ensuring your home doesn’t smell like Lemon Haze. Though I’m sure there are worse things.
Steep Hill Labs
As more states continue to legalize marijuana, the red tape is beginning to loosen its chokehold on scientific research. Steep Hill Labs is at the forefront of this movement, leading the industry in lab and remote testing, research, development, genetics, licensing and analytics.
With labs in more than 11 countries (including 10 in the U.S.) Steep Hill uses science and technology to help growers, cultivators and processors improve their work flow and adopt the best practice in cannabis testing.
Tökr
Have you ever been traveling in a new city and really wanted to know where the best dispensary is? Tökr launched in 2017 as an app that simplifies the cannabis shopping experience.
You’ll be able to find the best local strains that fit your budget and lifestyle, whether you’re looking for something to complement your lunch or find creative inspiration. As you continue to use it, the app will learn use your shopping history to provide tailored recommendations. You might even finally give topicals a try — the app also helps users discover new brands and ways to consume cannabis.
Snaphash
Many think of entertainment and gaming whenever virtual and augmented reality are discussed. However, there’s more to THC and VR/AR than toking before playing Rick and Morty Virtual Rick-ality
Snaphash is an AR startup that helps growers yield their best crop. It offers a comprehensive grow guide that eliminates costly mistakes like overwatering or poor humidity levels. It sends the user reminders on the best time to harvest, optimal pH balances, necessary nutrients and more.
The app has been called an “augmented reality weed doctor for your iPhone,” via The Next Web. If you’re having issues with your bud, simply snap a photo with your phone. An in-app platform called Bud Rx is available to diagnose issues with problematic plants and provide helpful solutions.
You can also use the app to determine which part of your home is best suited for a grow location, helping you pick the optimal spot and setup for a bountiful harvest.
With technology continuing to make a major impact on the way we all live and work, cannabis is no exception. And, as the marijuana industry continuing to boom, it’s exciting to see how technology evolves around with it.
All images via Getty