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Close your eyes and imagine a world where you can visit your doctor and freely talk to them about cannabis. Of course, this is a reality in several states. However, something that hasn’t yet been implemented is testing to reveal precisely what marijuana could do to help you.
Now imagine a scenario where you are administered a simple saliva swab test. Within 48 hours, your test results confirm the perfect mix of cannabinoids and terpenes to help you live your best life.
Thanks to technological advances in the cannabis sector, this future might not be too far away.
The Importance of Cannabis Personalization
The marijuana industry has been in dire need of technology like this for some time. When states legalize cannabis – whether for recreational or medicinal use – there is an influx of people who try it for the first time. Be it CBD products or raw cannabis flowers, there are always newcomers using products for the first time.
However, every individual reacts differently to cannabinoids. In the medical marijuana circuit, various conditions respond differently to ratios of cannabinoids and terpenes. While some patients prefer THC-heavy strains, others opt for CBD-rich varieties.
Speaking of CBD, the same applies to this market. CBD companies are forced to offer enormous ranges of CBD oil, catering to a variety of users. After all, just because 10mg per day works for one user doesn’t mean it will help another.
Wouldn’t it be easier if the industry offered a way to customize products, removing the trial and error element of using cannabis products?
Give the Customer What They Want – In the CBD Sector
Already, brands are looking to technology to better cater to their customers. CannabisMD, a website dedicated to information about marijuana and CBD, has recently developed the Knowledge Navigator™, a platform combining analytical tools and artificial intelligence.
The Knowledge Navigator analyzes online consumer behaviors, including search engines and on social media. With the addition of A.I., CannabisMD can work out what CBD consumers are looking for and provide retailers with that information. As a result, brands can better deliver the products that customers want.
This technology ensures that the industry runs more smoothly for producers and consumers alike. Already, listening to what customers want has meant that there are better products on the market. Take PureKana, for example. Knowing that many of its customers dislike the taste of raw hemp oil, PureKana has opted for flavored CBD tinctures and delicious CBD toothpicks, called PurePicks.
But this sort of data collection and production is not the only thing making products better for consumers. There’s also the possibility of DNA-specific products.
Cannabis Swab Tests
Some companies are now developing the technology required to carry out DNA tests and build personalized products based on what the consumer needs.
CannabisDNA is at the forefront of this technology, producing saliva swab test that could change the way people use cannabis. It works by analyzing DNA found in the saliva, measuring it against over 70 genetic markers to determine the best fit for any cannabis user.
Dean Crutchfield, the chief business officer, says that this is less about “stoners” and more about “curious consumer[s].” The technology is designed to help medical patients figure out the best strains for them, and which strains they should avoid. By tapping into the endocannabinoid system, consumers may be better able to figure out what they need.
A single swab of saliva carries enough genetic information to inform scientists about sleep quality, cognitive function, sensitivity to pain, and the likelihood of developing certain diseases. It can also provide information about metabolism, which is key to working out how potent a strain or product you require.
Furthermore, this swab test can even work out what terpenes would be most beneficial to you, again narrowing down the strains you should use.
Technology such as this is sure to pave the way forward in the CBD and MMJ industries, ensuring that every consumer gets the most possible out of cannabis products.
Could Cannabis Personalization Reduce Side Effects?
It’s certainly possible that having personalized products would reduce some of the side effects. For example, some cannabis users experience anxiety and paranoia when they use too much THC.
Since the CannabisDNA test can determine how long cannabinoids will stay in your system thanks to metabolism, it could better predict the right dosage.
In addition, the swab tests for the enzyme FAAH, which breaks down anandamide – also known as the bliss molecule. This endocannabinoid can trigger feelings of joy and happiness; less anandamide means more likelihood for anxiety, and so high levels of FAAH are a precursor for paranoia.
The test gives individuals an insight into their FAAH levels, helping them to choose low-THC strains. Furthermore, tests indicate that CBD breaks down FAAH, leading to more anandamide, and therefore less anxiety.
Knowledge is power, and the ability to know how your body will react is definitely something that cannabis users should be seeking.
Final Thoughts on Cannabis Personalization Technology
Right now, the CannabisDNA test costs over $100, meaning it is not accessible to all. Dr. Jean Talleyrand, chief medical officer at MediCann, told Rolling Stone in an interview that he hopes medical insurance will one day cover the cost of these tests, ensuring a safer experience for MMJ patients.
It’s still good to know that such products are available for those who can afford it. Still, other forms of technology such as A.I. are providing an insight into what consumers want, allowing brands to adapt to the needs of the market.
Right now, CBD users can still check out the broad range of products available from brands like PureKana. With a little trial and error, it’s not difficult to find the perfect product for you.
Hopefully, one day in the not too distant future, a more extensive range of CBD enthusiasts will have access to personalized products. Customization would allow for better customer experience overall, and that can only be excellent news.
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