June 30th 2025
The volatility of wholesale cannabis prices marked by large fluctuations and regional disparities highlight the inherent instability still present in the cannabis marketplace. Adapting to shrinking margins and increased competitions is putting pressure on operators, causing them to adopt cost-cutting technologies, expand into edibles and extracts, and secure long-term supply agreements. Understanding these evolving dynamics is essential for companies to adapt, compete, and thrive in the industry.
Heating Technology in Cannabis Cultivation: An Interview with Jamie Tuinstra of Modine Manufacturing
November 17th 2023Jamie Tuinstra, product manufacturer at Modine Manufacturing, sits down with Cannabis Science and Technology in an informative interview where he discusses how heat exchanger technology can help support energy efficiency, the equipment his company featured at the Cannabis Science Conference Fall 2023, and challenges heaters need to overcome with cannabis cultivation.
The Drive for Sustainability in Cannabis Cultivation Practices
October 3rd 2023As cannabis reform and acceptance expands in the US, so does its impact on the environment. In the rapidly evolving landscape of cannabis cultivation, one organization is looking toward more sustainable and ethical approaches to cannabis growing. Launched in 2019, Sun+Earth Certified is a nonprofit, third-party certification for organic cannabis, supported by a community of growers and educators advocating for regenerative cannabis farming practices to benefit local and global communities. In this interview, Heather Dunbar, Director of Marketing and Communications, shares her journey into the cannabis industry, the vital role of Sun+Earth Certified in reshaping cannabis cultivation practices, and the organization's vision for a more environmentally conscious and socially responsible future.
Industry Thought Leaders: Meet the People Driving the Cannabis Industry Forward
September 27th 2023In this new interview series, we sit down with several speakers from 2023 Cannabis Science Conference events to learn about their expertise and backgrounds in the cannabis industry. Join us to learn more about Dr. Peter Grinspoon, Jini Glaros, Dr. Miyabe Shields, and Adam Jacques.
Integrated HVAC Systems for Cannabis Cultivation Have the Lowest Life Cycle Cost
August 24th 2023This column reviews a study published by cannabis industry design and construction professionals and describes the impact of energy regulations affecting heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system selection in cannabis production facilities.
Addressing the Environmental Impact of Cannabis Cultivation: A Focus on Sustainable Practices
July 27th 2023Growing cannabis, both indoors or outdoors, impacts the environment in several significant ways and one challenge of today’s cultivators is to consider how to lessen the negative effects of overwatering, pesticides, energy usage, and plastic pollution.
Vapor Pressure Deficit: Highlighting the Need to Maximize Cannabis Crops
July 5th 2023The cannabis industry is evolving at a rapid rate. Growers are all looking for ways to produce the most profitable crops in an industry that lacks standardization and guidelines. One tool that has been beneficial in cannabis cultivation is vapor pressure deficit (VPD), which has been found to be very important for how nutrients are transported throughout the plant. Here, Hannia Mendoza-Dickey, University of Texas at El Paso, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry; Robert Manes, Curtis Mathes Corporation; and Zacariah L. Hildenbrand, University of Texas at El Paso, Curtis Mathes Corporation, discuss the significance of VPD, why the cannabis industry is moving forward with this process, and a preview of their upcoming article titled “Intensity and Spectrum: The Role of Lighting in Vapor Pressure Deficit.”
Areas of Growth: A Closer Look at Research on Cannabis Propagation
April 7th 2023The field of cannabis horticulture is ever-evolving and offers many opportunities for innovation and experimentation. In this interview, Jessica Lubell-Brand, PhD, professor of horticulture at the University of Connecticut with the Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture provides insights into the findings of her laboratory’s recent studies of the “retipping” method of propagating cannabis. She also shares details on her current research with cannabis breeding techniques and how studies like these can benefit the future of cannabis growing.
Clone Nutrient Treatment Studies During Root Propagation on Various Strains of Cannabis sativa
Here the authors present findings from their study involving six different nutrient treatments applied during the cloning cycle for approximately 500 plants. This paper focuses on the observed benefits in this study involving the use of an amino acid and salt solution using food-grade precursors.