Cannabis supply chain management with blockchain technology
Blockchain technology is a completely decentralized, secure, and transparent digital ledger that’s great for cannabis companies that want to improve their current record-keeping strategies. Though it was initially created to help with cryptocurrency tracking, blockchain technology has now evolved to suit the unique needs of businesses in all industries, including cannabis.
In this article, we’ll highlight five big ways blockchain technology can make it easier to effectively manage a cannabis supply chain.
Traceability
One of the most difficult challenges for cannabis companies is keeping track of each movement within their supply chain, an arduous task made even more complicated when you don’t have the right tools for the job. Luckily, blockchain technology can help with that, by recording every transaction with precision using an identifier chosen by you, which could be a product code or batch number. This system makes it easy to track all cannabis goods from seed to sale, ensuring compliance with regulations while minimizing the risk of data contamination.
Transparency
Transparency is key to the success of any company, and that’s especially true for those in the cannabis industry. With so many rules to follow, a fast flow of finances moving in and out, and products that are always moving, to keep shelves stocked and sales healthy, it’s essential for every participant in the supply chain from growers to distributors to have equal access to all of the relevant information, as it significantly reduces the risk of fraud and miscommunication.
Blockchain tech also comes with a smart contract creation feature, that automatically tracks and enforces the terms of all ongoing agreements, so there’s no disputing what was agreed upon between different levels of the supply chain, and it ensures that all parties are held accountable for their actions.
Compliance
Compliance is tricky business even for the most trusted, honest cannabis companies since rules and regulations vary so significantly from one region to the next, and limitations are always changing. Blockchain technology streamlines compliance, by delivering an easy-to-read and secure record of all relevant regulatory requirements, which may include anything from lab testing practices to the rules surrounding packaging and labeling. With this integral data ready and available, it’s easier for all levels of a supply chain to clearly understand what’s necessary for a cannabis company to be compliant.
Efficiency
Though many view the cannabis industry as an innovative space full of technological advancements, when it comes to record-keeping the majority still rely on manual computer or paper-based systems which are time-consuming to maintain, and prone to mistakes. Blockchain technology on the other hand improves efficiency by automating these processes and streamlining payments to ensure supply and demand always stay well balanced.
Security
Security is a big challenge in any industry, but cannabis is a high-value target that seems to encounter the most instances of theft and fraud. With blockchain technology, cannabis companies get secure tamper-proof records of all transactions, and it can also be used to encrypt top-secret information like the personal data of patients to guarantee all sensitive data from the supply chain remains 100% confidential.
In conclusion
It’s not easy to manage a supply chain in the cannabis industry, as the complexity of what’s required including compliance, security, transparency, and traceability are difficult to maintain efficiently. Blockchain technology is a potential solution designed to address all of these issues, making it easier to build a safe, robust, healthy, and trustworthy supply chain.
