“Automation is taking over! Robots are stealing jobs!”
Yeah, yeah, we’ve all heard it before. But here’s the deal: robots aren’t here to take your cannabis job. They’re here to handle the boring, repetitive stuff so you can do cooler, higher-paying work.
Cannabis has always been a people-first industry and some parts of the job kinda suck. If you’ve ever had to hand-infuse pre-rolls for hours on end, you know what we’re talking about. Cannabis automation isn’t about cutting jobs; it’s about making them better.
The Truth About Automation in Cannabis
People freak out when they hear the word “automation.” They picture machines taking over, factories running on autopilot, and workers getting booted. But look at other industries when automation came in, jobs didn’t disappear. They evolved.
- ATMs didn’t eliminate bank tellers. They just let them focus on better services instead of counting cash all day.
- Coffee shops still need baristas, even with those fancy espresso machines.
- Factories with high-tech equipment need skilled operators to run the show.
It’s the same in cannabis. These machines don’t run themselves. Someone has to set them up, fine-tune them, troubleshoot them, and keep things running smoothly. Instead of spending hours doing the same repetitive motions, workers can move into higher-value roles, like quality control, operations, or even machine maintenance.
More automation means:
- More skilled jobs
- Fewer mind-numbing tasks
- Less wasted time and product
- More money going into better roles
Say Goodbye to Tedious, Soul-Sucking Work
Nobody gets into cannabis to sit around doing the same thing over and over. The good news? Automation takes care of the grunt work so you can actually enjoy your job.
Here’s what automation does for cannabis manufacturing:
- Cuts down on labor costs while shifting workers to more rewarding jobs
- Reduces product waste by eliminating human error
- Ensures consistency, so infused pre-rolls always hit the same
- Lets businesses reinvest savings into employee training, marketing, and expansion
And let’s get one thing straight: no cannabis operation is ever going to run itself. The idea of a weed factory with just one guy pressing a button is hilariously unrealistic. These machines are tools, not replacements. This is a very important point, robots are just tools; think of a robot as a super fancy hammer that you need to build a house, however, a human still needs to swing the hammer.
What’s Getting Automated in Cannabis?
So, what parts of the cannabis production process are getting an upgrade? Basically, anything that’s repetitive, messy, or easy to screw up.
- Distillate application: No more uneven, gunky joints. Machines ensure an even spread every time.
- Kief coating: Precision dusting means no more wasted kief and a consistent look.
- Bubble hash infusion: Blended evenly into flower for a smooth, predictable burn.
Think of it like Starbucks. No matter where you go, your caramel macchiato tastes the same. That’s because they’ve got systems to lock in consistency. Automation does the same for cannabis brands, ensuring that every infused pre-roll from a brand smokes, tastes, and feels the same whether you’re buying in LA, Miami, or a random shop in Oklahoma.
Cannabis Automation = A Safer Workplace
Let’s talk safety for a second. Cannabis production isn’t all sunshine and good vibes. Some parts of the job straight-up suck for your health.
- Vape cart filling: Without automation, workers manually dispense hot, sticky oil using handheld tools. Over time, that can lead to repetitive strain injuries, not to mention messy spills.
- Knock boxes for pre-rolls: Traditional machines kick up tons of dust, which workers end up breathing in all day.
- Extract handling: Mishandling solvents or heated products can cause burns or exposure risks.
Automation helps by keeping things contained, clean, and controlled. Fewer people handling the product means:
- Less contamination
- Less exposure to harsh conditions
- Lower risk of workplace injuries
And a safer workplace is a better workplace.
So… Should You Be Worried About Your Job?
Short answer? No.
Long answer? Cannabis added over 22,000 jobs in the past year alone. The industry isn’t shrinking, it’s growing. As automation expands, so do career opportunities. Jobs aren’t disappearing, they’re shifting into better-paying, more specialized roles.
So, the real question isn’t “Are robots taking over?” It’s “Where’s automation going to take your career next?”
About the Author
Nohtal Partansky is the founder and CEO of Sorting Robotics. As the Founder and CEO of Sorting Robotics, Nohtal presently oversees the implementation of AI-powered robotics and automation throughout North America to address these issues. Importantly, during his time at NASA-JPL, he played a key role as a cognizant engineer in the MOXIE project, which now generates oxygen from Mars’ atmosphere on the planet’s surface.
