In a world where robots are taking over, one ex-NASA engineer is training machines to make pre-rolled marijuana joints at an astonishing rate. At the heart of this high-tech transformation is Steey, America’s largest cannabis brand, located in sunny Los Angeles. It’s a bustling hub where innovation and the ever-growing cannabis industry collide, creating a spectacle that’s both fascinating and perhaps a tad humorous for those who grew up in a world before pot became a big business.
Steey’s secret weapon, the Stardust machine, has quite a talent. Picture a robotic arm that can dip ten pre-roll joints into a magical pot of THC concentrate, then roll them in ke, which is basically potent cannabis fairy dust. In merely a few seconds, this high-tech marvel can coat 30 joints in a flash. To say that one machine can outperform ten human workers sounds like the plot of a futuristic movie, but James Kim, the CEO and co-founder of Steey, insists this is the future of cannabis production—though it appears we’re not quite ready to say goodbye to the human touch just yet.
While the Stardust machine is paving the way for a fully automated joint-making operation, it’s not a complete takeover just yet. Steey employs around 140 hardworking folks who still manually dip and roll joints in another room. Kim acknowledges that while robotics play a critical role in the future of the industry, the complete transition might take longer than expected. This is not just about functionality; it’s also about the culture of cannabis and the skilled hands that have gotten the business to where it is today.
The concept isn’t limited to Steey alone. Enter Sorting Robotics, founded by a trio of innovators who are on a mission to enhance cannabis manufacturing through automation. Their machines, like the Stardust, come with a hefty price tag of $250,000 each and have found homes in about 30 cannabis companies, making it a rather exclusive club for those willing to invest in the future of joint-making. With a reported revenue of just $1 million this year, Sorting Robotics is still a small player, but they have something that few can claim—profitability. Since 2021, they’ve been in the black, proving that while the cannabis market may be challenging, innovative technology around it could provide the necessary edge.
The cannabis market itself is a booming business, generating a staggering $32 billion last year across various states. Pre-rolled joints make up a significant portion of that market, accounting for 16% of all cannabis sales. With the popularity of these products on the rise—394 million joints were sold last year, marking a 12% increase—a focus on efficiency and profitability is critical. Interestingly, more than 43% of all pre-rolls are now infused with extra THC, making machines like the Stardust not just nifty gadgets but essential tools for companies looking to stand out in the crowded market.
The road ahead may have its bumps as questions linger about how quickly the market can expand and adapt to these new technologies. Currently, only a few cannabis companies can justify the hefty investment in machinery like the Stardust. However, as the market continues to grow with an increasing appetite for infused products, the future looks promising for those ready to embrace automation. If the stars align properly, the robotic revolution in the cannabis world might just be getting started.
