3 Technologies Clapping Back at Hemps Solvent Problem

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3 Technologies Clapping Back at Hemp’s Solvent Problem by Ebby Stone

Research from Vantage predicts America’s CBD market will reach $47.22 billion by 2028. People use hemp-derived CBD on their skin, in drinks, and even give it to pets. While hemp oil is safe, is it created safely? 

Hemp oil extraction often involves chemical solvents such as butane or ethanol — both are flammable and potentially explosive. Once extracted, any remaining biomass must be discarded as hazardous waste. 

These solvent-based processes, while popular, are not the only way to derive CBD from hemp. More sustainable and eco-friendly options are starting to find a place in the commercial market.

Oil Infusion for a Cleaner Concentrate

Left Hand Technologies in Boulder, Colorado recently started offering infusion equipment to hemp farmers. This process requires zero solvents and captures 90% of the phytochemicals in the plant while preserving the terpene profile. Left Hand’s systems use a medium-chain triglyceride carrier oil, such as coconut or sunflower oil. This room-temperature oil circulates throughout the biomass, collecting trichomes and cannabinoids.

The infusion process doesn’t leave residual solvents and eliminates the potential for an explosive work environment. The tech does have limitations, as it’s unable to produce vape-able oil. 

It’s best suited to topicals and edibles.
For consumers 65-years and older, savory edibles are a largely underdeveloped market. This tech lends itself well to cooking oils and finishing oils.

Put It on Ice

Ice-water extraction is gaining popularity for its clean, potent results. The whole plant is frozen, then bathed in cold water. This process relies on trichomes (the sparkly jewels on hemp flower) being denser than water. 

Trichomes sink to the bottom during the separation process and are available for extraction. It’s an eco-friendly process, but it does use a fair amount of energy and water. However, it is not explosive and won’t leave any residual solvents in the hemp oil.

The drawback of this method is its scalability. Until recently, there were few methods for commercial-grade ice-water extraction. Growers now will find several equipment manufacturers with large-scale machines, such as Whistler Technologies, Hashtek, and others. 

Feel the Squeeze

Rosin extraction, or solventless hash oil, is a simple, inexpensive way to distill hemp oil. Heat and pressure are applied to the hemp biomass, squeezing out terpenes and cannabinoids in a thick resin. The drawback of this method is mold and pesticides present in the source material can stick to the resin and become concentrated. Clean, pesticide-free hemp is essential to this process. 

It’s also vital to keep the temperatures below a certain threshold to prevent degrading the CBD compounds. GoPurePressure is one company offering commercial-grade rosin extraction equipment.

Solving the Solventless Problem

Commercial-grade CBD is finding its way into a widening array of products. As consumers become more educated about how CBD oil is made, they’ll start asking for safer, more eco-friendly extraction methods. These solventless systems may be a niche for now, but don’t expect them to stay a secret for long.

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CBD Absorption Study Could Flip the Industry On Its Head

As oil-based CBD supplements continue to rule the market, a Colorado State University study points out that water-soluble CBD appears to absorb more efficiently—by a significant margin.

In the placebo-controlled, randomized study, which was published in Nutrients, fourteen male participants were given five different CBD formulations (or placebos) and then assessed to determine the absorbability of each formulation, their effects on “food-induced thermogenesis,” the liver response, and other elements related to the pharmacokinetics of CBD.

As the researchers evaluated these connections using the proper tests, they found that water-soluble CBD supplements outperformed oil-based supplements in the ability to reach higher peak concentration levels in the bloodstream.

In the most extreme case, the CBD concentration (in the blood) observed after the consumption of a water-soluble formulation (3.1 ng/ml) was almost eight times that of the concentration observed after an oil-soluble formulation (0.4 ng/ml).

To be clear, this doesn’t negate the known lipophilicity of cannabidiol—a term denoting its affinity for being dissolved in fats—as the Colorado State University researchers confirmed that consuming food before taking CBD increased blood concentration of CBD in the participants by a statistically significant margin.

Rather, the findings support that while both water and fat are appropriate delivery methods, water seems to be more effective at maintaining a higher concentration of CBD in the bloodstream for longer. 

We would love to see more research in this vein, and if it is confirmed more concretely that water-soluble formulations are more absorbable, we will keep a close eye on the industry to see who, if anyone, reflects this understanding in their product catalogs.

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Automation Makes the Pre-Roll Process Quick and Consistent

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Automation Makes the Pre-Roll Process Quick and Consistent by Aron Vaughan

Compliance, compliance, compliance. It’s a word everyone in the cannabis industry has to consider daily.

Compliance regulations are largely a positive thing for consumers, ensuring products are accurately labeled, sufficiently packaged, and safe from small hands that may mistake a THC-infused gummy for a piece of candy. 

However, some regulations render the manufacturing and packaging process excessively time-consuming.

They also limit the creative freedom of labeling most other industries enjoy. The myriad compliance obstacles can ultimately lead to a reduction in profits, something no business wants to experience, no matter how consumer-focused it is. 

_{The STM Canna Launchpad Weigher is designed to weigh pre-rolled joints. The scale ensures a precise weight reading for each individual pre-roll to below a 5% tolerance.}

But, on rare occasions, compliance, consumer benefit, and positive profit margins can be achieved in one fell swoop.

STM Canna Launchpad Weigher

This is where the STM Canna Launchpad Weigher comes in. Specifically designed for weighing pre-rolled joints, the scale ensures a precise weight reading for each individual pre-roll to below a 5% tolerance.

Compliance regulations are met for every pre-roll, manufacturers can be sure they are not losing product on overweight joints, and consumers receive exactly the amount of flower promised on the label. It’s a win-win… win.  

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The Launchpad also gives operators the ability to identify rejects instantaneously via an easy-to-read color-coded display.

With a simple-to-use interface, operators can find a scale’s parameters by selecting the target pre-roll and paper weight for proper taring, and most importantly, the desired tolerance percentage.

With the module’s ability to weigh 72 joints simultaneously within seconds, labor costs can be significantly reduced for businesses at any scale. 

Easy as 0.1, 0.2, 0.3 

The ability to maintain precise quality control over the weight of your pre-rolls and maximize profits attributed to under or over filling is a game changer for pre-roll manufacturers. 

It is also simple to use, so anyone on the factory floor can use it with a small amount of training. 

First, a tray of nicely packed joints is taken out of the STM Rocket Box or other pre-roll machine and placed into the Launchpad.

_{The STM Launchpad functions as a stand-alone machine or better as part of STM Canna’s precise workflow.}

After a pre-roll size is selected, the target weight and weight tolerance percentage can be added on the touchscreen.

The large heads-up display will then tell the user if the joints are within the selected weight tolerance. 

Finally, adjustments as necessary to the joint or Rocketbox settings if any pre-rolls are under or overweight and save the batch data to export later.

This step ensures future packs can be done consistently, reducing the time taken in each step of the process. 

The STM Launchpad functions as a stand-alone machine or better as part of STM Canna’s precise workflow.

The Launchpad and companion modules such as the Rocketbox and Atomic Closer are designed with a small form, high impact footprint to maximize facility space and production output.

STM’s fully modular system enables expansion and scalability as a company’s needs grow.

Want More Like This? Read the latest issue of Cannabis & Tech Today.

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Hemp Bombs Review

Table of Contents

• Hemp Bombs Review
• Hemp Bombs Pros & Cons
• Best Products from Hemp Bombs
• Conclusion

Welcome to our Hemp Bombs review!

Our favorite product from Hemp Bombs is the CBD Pain Freeze.

The menthol-infused cream seemed to successfully relieve discomfort for a while.

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Hemp Bombs CBD Pain Freeze

If you have significant discomfort, you’ll need a potent product to alleviate it.

Enter Hemp Bombs’ CBD Pain Freeze. Containing 4% menthol and 100mg in a single ounce of cream, the pain freeze offers a noticeable cooling sensation that relieves discomfort quickly.

This is a great go-to product for those who need quick relief during exercise, outdoor activities, or athletic competitions.

 

We also enjoyed the brand’s CBD Gummies for sleep.

Each gummy contains 15mg of CBD and a hefty 5mg of melatonin.

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Hemp Bombs Sleep CBD Gummies

If it’s difficult for you to find tasty but effective CBD gummies, we found them for you.

Hemp Bombs has done an excellent job at creating the pleasant taste you would expect from any other gummy, but with the benefits of CBD.

We found it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep with Hemp Bombs’ gummies, thanks to the CBD and melatonin combo.

 

Hemp Bombs Review

Certain factors can make or break a CBD brand, such as how a company sources their hemp, or if the labeling matches what is inside the products.

At The CBD Insider, we measure the excellence of a brand by four primary criteria:

• The quality of their manufacturing process
• The value of their products
• The quality of their ingredients
• The efficacy of their products

Background of Hemp Bombs

Hemp Bombs was founded in 2016 and is currently located in Tampa, Florida.

The brand is owned by Global Widget, a company that owns three CBD-based brands.

Hemp Bombs originally existed as a retail-only brand, and is now in 25,000 retailers across the United States.

It prides itself on vertical integration and transparency with extensive third-party testing.

What Makes Hemp Bombs Unique?

Hemp Bombs is unique in a couple of ways:

Vertical integration: Hemp Bombs’ parent company, Global Widget, is vertically integrated, which means it directly controls all aspects of the supply chain.

The main advantages of vertical integration is consistency, which affects effectiveness, taste, and other product factors.

It also can ensure the safety of a product, given that the brand’s processes are clean to begin with. 

Global Widget operates according to cGMP guidelines and has engaged the FDA in ensuring that CBD products are safe and accurately labeled.

Retail presence: Hemp Bombs was initially available solely in retail locations.

The brand’s products are in 25,000 retailers nationwide.

However, in recent years, Hemp Bombs began selling online, which now accounts for a significant portion of its sales.

Clinical Research: Global Widget has joined other CBD companies to support a study on how regular hemp-derived CBD use affects the human liver.

Few CBD companies are willing or able to fund clinical research, which positively highlights Hemp Bombs in this crowded industry. 

Where Does Hemp Bombs Source Its Hemp?

Via Global Widget, Hemp Bombs sources most of its hemp from North Carolina.

Global Widget only sources from programs that have been approved by the USDA and supervised by the relevant State Agriculture Department.

While their hemp is not grown organically, the brand’s hemp is tested for heavy metals, residual solvents, and mycotoxins.

What Extraction Method Does Hemp Bombs Use?

Global Widget uses ethanol alcohol to extract oil from its hemp.

Ethanol is a safe solvent and typically preserves cannabinoids and terpenes better than CO2.

Are Hemp Bombs’ Products Third-Party Tested?

Yes, the brand’s products are third-party tested by Green Scientific Labs, an ISO-17025 accredited laboratory.

Our team named Green Scientific one of the best third-party labs in the industry.

Hemp Bombs has Green Scientific test for cannabinoid potency, residual solvents, heavy metals, pesticides, microbes, terpenes, mycotoxins, moisture, water activity, filth, and foreign material.

Customers can scan the QR codes on their products to access the third-party results.

Hemp Bombs also uses ACS Laboratory to confirm results.

Hemp Bombs Certifications

Global Widget manufactures according to current Good Manufacturing Practice.

This is an FDA-ready designation (cGMP) that demonstrates high standards of safety, manufacturing practices, and other key operations.

Hemp Bombs Website

The Hemp Bombs website is decent, but could stand to benefit from a few upgrades.

While it has a slightly dated look, the site is organized well and offers several educational resources about CBD and the brand itself.

However, in regards to the ecommerce aspect, it often takes several clicks to purchase a product.

The mobile site is a bit better with ecommerce, so we recommend purchasing products through a phone for a more streamlined experience.

Hemp Bombs Customer Service

Hemp Bombs’s customer service is very responsive, responding to queries in a quick, timely manner.

However, the replies we received did not directly address answer our questions and didn’t feel quite as friendly as we would have liked.

Regardless, after a little back-and-forth, we got the answers we were looking for

Hemp Bombs Pros & Cons

Hemp Bombs pros:

• Ethanol extraction
• Extensive third-party lab testing
• Large product selection
• Vertical integration
• Participates in scientific research

Hemp Bombs cons:

• Some products contain low-quality ingredients
• Website could use an update
• Customer service could be better

Best Products from Hemp Bombs

According to our team, the best product from Hemp Bombs is the CBD Pain Freeze.

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Hemp Bombs CBD Pain Freeze

If you have significant discomfort, you’ll need a potent product to alleviate it.

Enter Hemp Bombs’ CBD Pain Freeze. Containing 4% menthol and 100mg in a single ounce of cream, the pain freeze offers a noticeable cooling sensation that relieves discomfort quickly.

This is a great go-to product for those who need quick relief during exercise, outdoor activities, or athletic competitions.

 

Our next favorite product is Hemp Bombs’ Sleep CBD Gummies.

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Hemp Bombs Sleep CBD Gummies

If it’s difficult for you to find tasty but effective CBD gummies, we found them for you.

Hemp Bombs has done an excellent job at creating the pleasant taste you would expect from any other gummy, but with the benefits of CBD.

We found it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep with Hemp Bombs’ gummies, thanks to the CBD and melatonin combo.

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Hemp Bombs 300 mg CBD Oil

Perfect for both CBD newbies and those who benefit from a lower concentration, Hemp Bombs 300mg CBD Oil provides a reliable, versatile way to get your daily CBD in.

Available in chocolate mint, peppermint, watermelon, orange creamsicle, acai berry, and more, Hemp Bombs provides plenty of variety so you can enjoy your CBD drops directly or mixed in with food and beverages.

Each tincture is made with high-quality, third-party tested hemp extract in MCT oil.

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Hemp Bombs High Potency CBD Capsules

Sporting a robust 1500mg of CBD per bottle (30mg per capsules), these capsules offer a no-nonsense way to accurately and potently dose your daily CBD.

They also contain L-theanine and GABA, a key amino acid and neurotransmitter (respectively) for enhancing focus and resilience to stress.

Whether you don’t prefer the taste of hemp or if you’re just looking for a portable, potent way to keep your CBD intake consistent, these third-party-tested capsules provide a simple and effective solution.

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Hemp Bombs CBD Lollipops

“Gimmick alarm” going off? Ours was too, until we looked into these Hemp Lolly Bombs more, learning they provide 25mg of high-quality CBD each.

Available flavors include green apple, cherry, pink lemonade, and watermelon, and Hemp Bombs CBD lollipops are made with real sugar.

These lollies provide a fun and familiar way to get an easily measurable amount of CBD without having to deal with the bitter hemp taste.

Conclusion

Hemp Bombs is one of the most established brands on the hemp-derived CBD market.

The brand’s unique features include controlling every aspect of its supply chain, having a strong retail presence, and participating in clinical research.

Our team believes Hemp Bombs could improve in a few categories, including their ingredient quality in a few instances, website experience, and customer service.

After thoroughly reviewing its processes and personally vetting the brand’s products, we believe that Hemp Bombs provides safe, trustworthy products.

 

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New Research Says CBD Can Offset THC-Induced Anxiety

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New Research Says CBD Can Offset THC-Induced Anxiety by Frank Schuler

The cannabis plant is one of the most versatile plants on earth, and quite possibly could be the most versatile plant on the planet. Although, that can prove to be a two-edged sword of sorts, in that when cannabis’ complexities interact with human biology it can yield some undesirable consequences.

To be clear, I am not stating that cannabis is harmful in the manner that cannabis prohibitionists describe. However, it is a fact that when some people consume cannabis, particularly if they consume an amount of cannabis that exceeds what they are usually comfortable consuming, it can contribute to the person experiencing some level of anxiety.

It is never fun to experience anxiety, whether it’s a little anxiety or a lot of anxiety. Typically, the effects of THC are responsible for the person experiencing an increased level of anxiety, and fortunately, another cannabinoid appears to be able to offset those effects to some degree according to a recent study out of The Netherlands.

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Below is more information about it via a news release from NORML:

Maastricht, The Netherlands: Subjects who consume cannabis containing equal amounts of THC and CBD report experiencing less anxiety than they do after consuming THC-dominant cannabis, according to trial data published in the journal Psychopharmacology.

Dutch investigators assessed perceived anxiety levels in a cohort of 26 subjects following single doses of vaporized cannabis.

Subjects vaporized cannabis samples that were either high in THC (13.75 mgs), high in CBD (13.75 mgs), contained equal amounts of both CBD and THC, or that contained no cannabinoids.

_{“Combined treatment of THC and CBD delayed the onset of … anxiety, reduced its magnitude and shortened its duration compared to inhalation of THC alone.”}

Investigators reported that THC-dominant and THC/CBD equivalent samples significantly increased participants’ self-rated state of anxiety compared to placebo, but subjects reported less anxiety after consuming the latter.

Specifically, they reported, “Combined treatment of THC and CBD delayed the onset of … anxiety, reduced its magnitude and shortened its duration compared to inhalation of THC alone.”

The study’s findings are consistent with those of prior studies documenting CBD’s anxiolytic effects, and determining that subjects who consume cannabis flowers containing equal ratios of THC and CBD are less likely to report experiencing adverse effects, such as feelings of paranoia.

Could CBD Possession Land You in Prison? Read the Full Story Here.

Authors concluded: “The present study showed that cannabis containing equivalent concentrations of THC and CBD induces less self-rated … anxiety compared to THC-only cannabis in healthy volunteers … The THC/CBD combination might be more favorable in clinical settings, and it may be a reasonable public health strategy to encourage cannabis breeds containing THC/CBD mixtures where recreational use of cannabis is now legal.”

Full text of the study, “Cannabis containing equivalent concentrations of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) induces less state anxiety than THC-dominant cannabis,” appears in Psychopharmacology. This article first appeared on Internationalcbc.com and is syndicated here with special permission.

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Cannabis is Impacting Commercial Real Estate Demand in 2023

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Cannabis is Impacting Commercial Real Estate Demand in 2023 by Nathan Barber

As more states legalized marijuana, more businesses opened to sell it for medicinal or recreational uses, or both. This has impacted commercial real estate demand, with a potential for continued growth across the nation as more states consider formally legalizing cannabis.

Commercial Real Estate Demand Gets High

Considering that legal recreational cannabis alone is now a $15 billion dollar industry, a figure that’s expected to surpass $25 billion in just three years, the combined medical and recreational marijuana businesses are actively impacting commercial real estate demand in 2022. 

Owners of a variety of commercial real estate holdings, from stand-alone shops to strip malls, are seeing retail rental and purchase demand expand to a degree that many never expected. Warehouse facilities are seeing an even higher increase in demand.

The following sections introduce managers and owners of commercial real estate to the needs of cannabis-based businesses, together with the states where these businesses are legal and actively seeking retail and/or warehouse space.  

Taking Care of Business: Cannabis Retailers and Real Estate

While the term “marijuana dispensary” was initially used to describe retail sales fronts, it has been largely replaced with “cannabis dispensary.” 

This is now considered the politically correct term and is a popular internet search phrase for these businesses.

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Because the cannabis industry is heavily regulated, licensing is complex. 

These not only vary from state to state, but they can also change depending on the cannabis retailer’s business category and which city or county they’re planning to open their business.

With this in mind, it’s important to check city and county zoning laws before any commercial real estate is offered for sale or rent to a cannabis-based business.

Storefront Locations and Looks

When viewing potential locations and building styles, managers of cannabis dispensaries usually envision retail space suitable for a layout similar to a traditional pharmacy or provider of medically-related services, such as non-surgical cosmetic procedures or IV vitamin therapy.

_{It’s important to check city and county zoning laws before any commercial real estate is offered for sale or rent to a cannabis-based business.}

Retailers of recreational marijuana often mimic the interior design used by their dispensary colleagues. 

This is because recreational and medicinal cannabis products are often displayed in similar containers. 

Some recreational cannabis retailers describe themselves as “recreational marijuana dispensaries.”

Commercial Development Strategies Used by Dispensaries 

Managers and brokers involved with rented real estate may be asked to assist with the build-out and to recommend contractors who are willing to take on this type of project. 

(Even though the majority of the American public supports the legalization of cannabis, some are still opposed to its use, including commercial contractors.)

Not all new dispensaries will require a total build-out. A few have gone rogue, moving into commercial buildings that were formerly home to a different business and “re-purposing” them with minimal fittings and fixtures.

One infamous example: Los Angeles cannabis retailer Kind for Cures takeover of a former Kentucky Fried Chicken building. 

_{Not all new dispensaries will require a total build-out. A few have gone rogue, moving into commercial buildings that were formerly home to a different business and “re-purposing” them with minimal fittings and fixtures.}

While its owners won marketing awards from local publication LA Weekly, the owners of KFC cited trademark infringement until Kind for Cures repainted the building’s KFC-red mansard roof to green (what else?).

Cannabis Businesses and NIMBYs (Not In My Back Yard)

While most Americans support the legalization of medical cannabis, not all of them want their business to be near a cannabis-based business. 

According to data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), members who are employed or who invest in the commercial real estate sector have noticed the following trends: 

• 22% of members in states where medical marijuana is legal have noted that some tenants do not want to be near a dispensary.
• 28% of members in areas where both medical and recreational cannabis are legal have noticed this within the past four years.
• This number rises to 38% in states where both forms of cannabis were legalized more than four years ago.
• The most prevalent concern among potential neighboring businesses: The smell of marijuana being recognized/detected by their customers.

As mentioned previously, those involved in the rental or sale of commercial real estate will want to consult existing tenants before showing retail or warehouse space to a cannabis-based business.

National Cannabis Legislation

As of July 2022, the map below accurately describes each state’s cannabis laws:

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Controlled Growth: Mitigating Cyber Vulnerabilities in Cannabis Automated Systems

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Controlled Growth: Mitigating Cyber Vulnerabilities in Cannabis’ Automated Systems  by Ben Taylor

As technology continues to grow its influence on the cannabis industry, it is important to ensure that the security of our operational technology (OT) systems evolves.

Often when cybersecurity is brought up, people first thing of information technology (IT) systems and vulnerabilities, but it is equally important for organizations to consider the threats to their OT, and what the cascading impacts of an attack could be.

As Dr. Jon Vaught, CEO and co-found of Colorado-based Front Range Biosciences recently told MJBizDaily, “COVID is accelerating companies’ plans and technology implementation.”

Technological advancements within the cannabis industry have led to reduction in water and energy usage, a lowering of labor costs, increased yields and quality as well as enhancing workplace safety.

_{Technological advancements within the cannabis industry have led to reduction in water and energy usage, a lowering of labor costs, increased yields and quality as well as enhancing workplace safety.}

However, they also introduce new risks to enterprises which if gone unchecked can severely impact a business’s operations and bottom line.

In 2019, risk advisory firm Kroll wrote about the potential of criminally motivated threat actors to take control of automated systems to drastically alter water, lighting, or temperature controls to effectively ruin a crop.

This scenario represented a “blended threat”, one in which a cyber initiated attack can have physical, real world impacts on a business.   

While it might be low hanging fruit to say that cannabis operators are not properly prioritizing cybersecurity measures, this is an issue that in a concern across industries.

In 2020 TrapX Security surveyed 150 cybersecurity professionals and found that 53% agreed that their organization’s OT infrastructure was vulnerable to some type of cyberattack.

We also know that threat actor are as persistent as ever. According to Fortinet’s “2022 State of Operational Technology and Cybersecurity Report” 93% of organizations had 1+ intrusions in the past year, while 78% had 3+ intrusions. 

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The Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the National Security Agency (NSA) have recently published a comprehensive guidance document for those looking to further bolster their resilience.

On September 22, 2022, CISA and the NSA published a joint cybersecurity advisory about control system defense for operational technology (OT) and industrial control systems (ICSs).

The advisory, Control System Defense: Know the Opponent (AA22-265A) is intended to provide owners and operators with an understanding of the tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) used by malicious cyber actors so organizations can better defend against them.

Most importantly, this advisory provides straightforward, practical, and actionable measures to bolster cyber resilience that organizations can apply now (if they haven’t already).

The new advisory builds on prior NSA and CISA guidance:

• Stop Malicious Cyber Activity Against Connected Operational Technology (April 2021)
• NSA and CISA Recommend Immediate Actions to Reduce Exposure Across Operational Technologies and Control Systems (AA20-205A; July 2020, updated October 2020)

According to the CISA/NSA alert, “The complexity of balancing network security with performance, features, ease-of-use, and availability can be overwhelming for owner/operators.

“This is especially true where system tools and scripts enable ease-of-use and increase availability or functionality of the control network; or when equipment vendors require remote access for warranty compliance, service obligations, and financial/billing functionality.

“However, with the increase in targeting of OT/ICS by malicious actors, owner/operators should be more cognizant of the risks when making these balancing decisions.

“Owner/operators should carefully consider what information about their systems needs to be publicly available and determine if each external connection is truly needed.” 

_{“Owner/operators should carefully consider what information about their systems needs to be publicly available and determine if each external connection is truly needed.”}

As the threat to OT persists cannabis organizations can apply a few straightforward ICS security best practices to counter adversary TTPs. 

• Limit exposure of system information. It’s critical to protect and avoid disclosing operational and system information and configuration data about system hardware, firmware, and software in any public forum. Information protection education should also be incorporated into awareness training.
• Identify and secure remote access points. Discovery and identification of all assets, including remote access points operating in the control environment is key to protecting them.
• Restrict tools and scripts. Carefully apply access and use limitations to particularly vulnerable processes and components to limit the threat posed from legitimate network and control system application tools and scripts.
• Conduct regular security audits. Perform independent security audits of the control system environment, especially of third-party vendor access points and systems to identify and document system vulnerabilities, practices, and procedures that should be eliminated to improve the cyber defensive posture.
• Implement a dynamic network environment. Owner/operators should consider periodically making manageable network changes. A little change can go a long way to disrupt previously obtained access by a malicious actor.

While the end of October brought an end to Cybersecurity Awareness Month, that doesn’t mean we want to lose momentum on promoting the importance of cybersecurity.

According to Chris Foulon, host of the “Breaking Into Cybersecurity” podcast and founder of CPF Coaching, it is important to establish a “safe first” culture where employees are not only trained on what to look for, but are encouraged to report suspicious activity.

“Organizations should not only provide employees with training, but also help keep them up to date on the latest threat actor TTPs. The threat environment is constantly evolving, and it’s important that everyone in the organization knows what to look for. If cybersecurity stays at the forefront of employees’ minds, it minimizes the likelihood of costly mistakes being made.”

If you would like to learn more about other cybersecurity principles that can help protect your cannabis organization, check out this piece which details lessons learned in Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) from the recent Uber breach. 

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