The USA and its state laws make a few things very confusing, like marijuana for example.

Even though it has been legalised in various states, it’s still illegal according to the federal law. This means that the many businesses reaping the financial awards cannot open bank accounts to stash their cash (only some smaller banks allow it), so they have had to rely on heavy security to ensure it doesn’t get nabbed.

But the illegality of the plant has also deterred big corporates from dabbling in the weed game – which is weird because it is the future, surely?

Well, Microsoft is one company who is looking to that future.

Breaking the taboo, the tech company has announced a partnership that will begin to offer software that tracks marijuana plants from “seed to sale”. This is to help states who have legalised marijuana – whether it is for medical or recreational use – to ensure it remains in the daylight of legality.

[Do you know how many illegal plantations still exist in the States? You can earn more than $100 a day harvesting the magical green.]

Microsoft’s entry into the weed business suggests the beginning of a legitimate infrastructure:

We do think there will be significant growth. As the industry is regulated, there will be more transactions, and we believe there will be more sophisticated requirements and tools down the road.

Read all about the partnership HERE and what impact it has for the States.

[source: nytimes]