NJ grower brings AI to cannabis cultivation

Santa Cruz robotics specialist Neatleaf™ has partnered with iAnthus to bring Neatleaf's AI technology to the company's Pleasantville, New Jersey cultivation facility, which supports the company's MPX NJ brand.

Roll out of the new technology began in March 2024.

Neatleaf's Spyder system, a fully autonomous robotic platform, scans indoor cultivation rooms, monitoring crops 24 hours a day, seven days a week while logging plant health data down to each individual leaf. The AI technology also monitors environmental conditions, producing millions of accurate and actionable data points to improve forecasting and output for cultivators Initially, the partnership addresses iAnthus' New Jersey operations, with potential expansion in the future to the company's Florida and Massachusetts operations.

"iAnthus is an exciting partner in the cannabis space because they are approaching the business with a lens toward innovation with investments in AI technology." said Neatleaf CEO Elmar Mair. "While we are initially focused on adding value to their NJ MPX business operations, we look forward to expanding to more iAnthus facilities in the future - pushing the envelope of technology and efficiency."

For iAnthus, the partnership with Neatleaf is focused on providing the residents of New Jersey with the best possible products. As the company enhances and expands vertical operations it is focused on speed to market and protecting the health of the plant. This commitment to product quality and innovation has become a central theme of iAnthus across their multi-state footprint.

"Our continued emphasis on product quality, along with our commitment to using data to improve decisions, has created a strong partnership with Neatleaf in our New Jersey facility," said Richard Proud, CEO of iAnthus. "Not only does Neatleaf's AI tech allow us to increase flower output, but it also helps reduce crop loss by providing early detection of any abnormality. The speed to action improves plant health and also enhances our premium flower offerings to the local community."

The prospect of replicating this model in other facilities around the country is one both companies are working toward before the end of the year. Ultimately, using AI technology to enhance the cannabis industry will deliver great benefits to Neatleaf, iAnthus, cannabis consumers and the broader cannabis industry.