Blockchain for Product Authenticity in the Cannabis Supply Chain

Abstract

Cannabis is an emerging industry and like other strictly regulated products prone to fraud. Its medical application and increased regulatory pressure call for secure supply chains and product authenticity. Blockchain's capability to strengthen end-to-end traceability in supply chains has the potential to provide the required levels of assurance. In this study, we, describe effective ways of how to integrate Blockchain technology within the cannabis supply chain and other required technologies to ensure product authenticity. Our results show that blockchain is a powerful and promising technology that can effectively improve supply chain transparency and support regulatory compliance. Nevertheless, blockchain alone can only ensure data security and does not capture the linkage between the physical product and its data, which is an important consideration regarding product fraud. For this reason, we conclude that blockchain is an enabling technology that still needs to be supported by further supplementary technologies, such as nuclear magnetic resonance-based screening technology, Internet of Things, and communication standards. Used together, these technologies can ensure product authenticity in cannabis supply chains.