In the not-too-distant future, cannabis plants might text you their list of demands: more water, less light, feed me! Science fiction or fact? MIT engineers have taught spinach plants to send emails; it’s but a small leap ‘til cannabis plants are choosing their own playlists.

Canada’s restrictive packaging rules have inadvertently created some unintended side-effects such as focusing consumer decision making on high THC content and low pricing, rather than prioritizing product quality and brand loyalty. The industry is calling for more flexibility on par with legal American markets with greater emphasis on psychoactive and physical effects, cultivation methods, and cannabinoid and terpene content. With cannabis sales growing and product quality improving, it is time to leave behind generic packaging and embrace labelling similar to craft beers and other consumer products.