Taking a look back at cannabis cultivation trends from 2024

Data Driven Cultivation

One of the biggest advantages of data-driven growing is its ability to detect and prevent issues before they escalate. Machine learning models can analyze thousands of data points in real time, identifying potential disease outbreaks, nutrient deficiencies, or suboptimal conditions long before they impact the final product. This results in higher efficiency, lower waste, and ultimately, more profitable harvests. The ability to predict growth patterns with accuracy also allows for better resource management : reducing excess water, energy, and nutrient consumption while maximizing plant output. The primary benefit of data-driven agriculture stems from its ability to detect emerging conditions which prevents minor issues from developing into more severe problems. Real-time data processing through machine learning models checks thousands of points to detect health issues and deficiencies or unfavorable conditions that appear well before they affect the final product. By doing so, the farming operation becomes more efficient while waste diminishes and yield profitability enhances.  Learning to predict growth patterns precisely enables farmers to manage their resources better so they can cut back on unnecessary water consumption and energy use and nutritional supplies to achieve optimal plant production.

According to Eleanor Hayward from The Times, Dalgety, the UK-based medical cannabis producer, is a prime example of how data driven cultivation can get your business to the next level. Instead of relying on traditional trial-and-error methods, Dalgety employs advanced data analytics to monitor every variable in its grow operation. By doing so, the company ensures consistent, pharmaceutical-grade yields, producing up to 400kg of dry cannabis flowers each month. Their reliance on precision technology allows them to maintain strict quality control standards

Similarly, SeeTree, an AgTech startup specializing in AI-driven plant monitoring, has brought its expertise to cannabis cultivation. (Omdena) By utilizing AI to track growth rates, plant health, and potential stress factors, SeeTree’s technology provides detailed, real-time insights into individual plants, allowing growers to make highly informed decisions. This not only improves yield but also reduces the risk of disease outbreaks and crop failures, making it a game-changer for large-scale cultivators looking to maximize efficiency.

Sustainable practices : an industry driver or just another fancy word?

Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword anymore, it’s a necessity. As energy costs rise and environmental regulations tighten, cannabis growers are turning to sustainable cultivation practices to cut costs and reduce their carbon footprint. From LED lighting advancements to water conservation systems, the focus has shifted toward producing high-quality cannabis in a more environmentally responsible way.

One of the biggest game-changers in 2024 was the continued dominance of LED lighting technology. Companies like Fluence led the charge in developing next-generation LED grow lights, designed to maximize efficiency, spectrum control, and yield while drastically cutting down energy consumption. Intercanopy and sub-canopy lighting strategies gained popularity, ensuring better light penetration and uniform growth, ultimately leading to a 15% increase in yield while reducing electricity costs by over 30%.

Another key area of sustainability is resource management, particularly in water usage. With many regions facing stricter regulations on agricultural water consumption, growers adopted precision irrigation techniques and closed-loop water recycling systems to reduce waste. Innovations like smart irrigation controllers and automated fertigation systems allowed cultivators to deliver exactly the right amount of water and nutrients to each plant, improving efficiency and reducing runoff.

Companies like Little Green Pharma, an Australian-based cannabis producer, have embraced environmentally conscious cultivation by incorporating solar energy, sustainable packaging, and organic soil amendments into their operations. Their focus on eco-friendly production not only meets regulatory demands but also appeals to environmentally-conscious consumers who are increasingly looking for sustainable cannabis options.

The takeaway? Sustainable cultivation is no longer optional—it’s the future of the industry. Growers who invest in energy-efficient lighting, water-saving techniques, and eco-friendly cultivation practices aren’t just helping the environment—they’re cutting costs, improving yield, and staying ahead of industry regulations. And with the help of data driven cultivation and rapidly evolving AI, there’s something an overwhelming majority of the industry can agree upon : cultivation standards will become increasingly much more rigorous, and professional growers better keep up.

Author: Daniel Ciurea

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