Marijuana is one of the most abused drugs in the world. It comes from the Indian hemp plant, and the part that contains the “drug” is found primarily in the flowers. The chemical that causes intoxication or the “high” in users is called THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). THC creates the mind-altering effects that classifies marijuana as a “drug” and now Microsoft wants in…..
The weed has been found to have another anxiolytic substance called CBD (cannibidiol). This is the substance most often associated with creating medical benefits. It can help alleviate pain and reduce chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting. It also helps in stimulating appetite of AIDS patients.
Medical cannabis is available in more than one hundred varieties, all of which offer unique combinations of effects. There are four main categories of strains: sativa, indica, sativa/indica hybrids and high-CBD varieties which are usually indica derivatives. The specific concentration of each cannabinoid is different by plant and strain. It is important to note that much of the information on strain-specific effects is anecdotal. Studies are now being designed that will shed new light on the following generally-accepted strain specific effects.
Although scientific studies have proven that the use of marijuana can benefit those who are suffering with certain health conditions, its use is still illegal on the federal level, and the government continues to have concerns about potential risks versus benefits.
As push for its acceptance gains momentum, Microsoft has become the first major U.S. corporation to join hands with the weed industry. In a unique partnership, the tech giant has teamed up with the startup Kind Financial, a California tech firm that helps businesses and government agencies track the sale of legal pot, with Microsoft powering the software through its Azure cloud computing service.
KIND’s Agrisoft Seed to Sale for Government is the core of KIND’s platform for governments and regulatory agencies to regulate and monitor all aspects of cannabis compliance. Through this platform it collects and monitors the critical data needed to track compliance with the state and jurisdictional rules, laws and regulations governing cannabis-related businesses.
The new relationship claims to close the loop between marijuana-related businesses, regulatory agencies, and financial institutions.
