News

Artificial Intelligence takes root in the cannabis industry

Published on July 16, 2026 by Pat Bulmer

Photo: Adobe Stock/the oz.

Artificial intelligence is transforming the cannabis industry, a new report says.

“AI-driven tools are helping cannabis companies improve yields, reduce resource use, enhance product consistency, and support more personalized customer and therapeutic solutions,” says a news release touting BCC Research’s new AI Impact on Cannabis Market – BCC Pulse Report.

Canadian and US cannabis companies are leaders in AI adoption, the report says.

“The cannabis industry’s AI adoption is being driven by fundamental operational needs rather than technological novelty,” the news release says. “Precise cultivation control has become essential for achieving consistent yields and quality.”

And “regulatory compliance requirements are creating additional AI opportunities, particularly in analytical testing and laboratory information management systems where accuracy and traceability are paramount.”

AI is also increasingly being used in retail.

The news release cites Canadian grower Purplefarm as a company that has successfully implemented AI. New Brunswick-based Purplefarm reported a roughly 20% increase in yield after deploying Neatleaf’s AI-powered Spyder system, the report says.

San Francisco and Munich-based Neatleaf described the Spyder system on its LinkedIn profile: “The Neatleaf Spyder, is a first-of-its-kind autonomous robotic platform currently being deployed in greenhouses and indoor cultivation facilities. This technology exceeds the capabilities of the human eye or any static sensor, generating millions of data points every day and translating them into simple and actionable insights that cultivators can use to improve their processes and operating costs.”

Boston-based BCC Research has done reports on the impact of AI in various industries.