Isotopes Identify Marijuana Origins
Tracing Back The Roots
With an estimated 10,000 metric tons of grass consumed by Americans every year from humble dorms to Malibu mansions, supply must meet demand. Mexico and Canada are fighting it out for second place as most pot is grown domestically with six states dominating local production: California, Hawaii, Kentucky, Oregon, Tennessee and Washington. Dr. Jason B. West at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City has found that there are certain isotopes in the marijuana that identify the water that was used to grow it. These isotopes are a signature that indicate approximately were it was grown. Dr. West said he could, with increasing accuracy, place it in within a region, called an isoscape. On a map, the regions look like undulating bands of color, with differences visible both north to south and west to east (I think you need to be stoned to appreciate this). Great, another million dollars of the tax payer's money well spent, pass the bong please.
Trend Themes
1. Marijuana Tracing Technology - The development of isotopes identification can be used as a disruptive innovation to ensure and trace the safety, potency, and origins of the marijuana products
2. Region-specific Marijuana Farming - Isotope identification technology can encourage region-specific marijuana farming, promoting the unique characteristics of cannabis grown in specific regions.
3. Marijuana Quality Control Innovation - The isotope-based marijuana identification technology can be a disruptive innovation opportunity for creating a standardized test and control quality for marijuana products.
Industry Implications
1. Agriculture - The agriculture industry could benefit from isotope identification technology by creating an opportunity to promote locally grown marijuana products.
2. Pharmaceuticals - The pharmaceutical industry can use isotope identification technology to ensure the consistency and potency of marijuana used in medical research and prescription drugs.
3. Marijuana Products Manufacturing - The manufacturing industry can use isotope identification technology to create a unique selling proposition by using and promoting marijuana products sourced from specific regions.