What is considered the first stage of the cannabis supply chain?

The first stage of the cannabis supply chain is growing. This initial phase is crucial because it involves the cultivation of the cannabis plant, which is the foundation for all subsequent activities in the supply chain, including processing, transporting, and retailing. Without the growing stage, there would be no product to process, transport, or sell.

At this stage, factors such as strain selection, cultivation techniques, environmental control, and pest management come into play, directly impacting the quality and yield of the cannabis produced. Each choice that follows—processing, transporting, and retailing—relies entirely on the raw product obtained from the growing phase. Proper attention to the growing process is essential for meeting regulatory compliance and fulfilling consumer demand in the cannabis market.