Throughout the United States, the restrictions on the use of marijuana are lessening.  Currently 33 states and the District of Columbia have legalized marijuana use to some degree, mostly for medical use.  Of these, the District of Columbia and 11 other states have further relaxed laws to allow for the recreational use of marijuana.  The states with legal recreational marijuana use are Alaska, California, Colorado, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, Oregon, Vermont and Washington.  In 2008, Michigan became the 13th state to legalize marijuana and then in 2018 the state passed Proposal 1 becoming the 10th state (1st in the Midwest) to legalize cannabis for recreational use.  Currently only Ann Arbor, MI is prepared to have dispensaries that can sell to the public, but that should all be changing soon.  One company in particular is looking to make it easier than ever for people to purchase marijuana and cannabis products under the guidelines of Proposal 1.

According to the guidelines found in Michigan’s Proposal 1 the law allows, “adults aged 21 and older to possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana and grow up to twelve marijuana plants and/or possess up to ten ounces of marijuana (provided that any amount greater than 2.5 ounces is stored under lock and key).  Proposal 1 establishes a legal framework for licensing and regulating marijuana businesses in Michigan including cultivators and dispensaries. The initiative requires all marijuana and marijuana products to be tested for safety and includes strict tracking requirements to ensure that marijuana is not diverted into the unregulated market.”  Access-Power Inc. (ACCR), a company that was established in Florida in 1996 with operations in Grand Haven, MI is aiming to use drones to get marijuana to customers.

Patrick J. Jensen, the company’s director, first created a subsidiary of ACCR called Clones by Drones, a name that is now patented.  Jensen has committed $50,000 to the venture and is currently looking for merger partners to help them reach their goals.  One of these goals is the finalization of drone logistics.  The company released a statement with their first target being to restructure their business model to accommodate the laws abiding to marijuana sales.  They went on further to say, “Target #2 is to complete all FAA Drone and pilot licensing which will be required for completion of the goal. Access-Power, Inc., plans to become fully FAA compliant in our tasks.  The Company will also work with local City officials to coordinate all local zoning ordinances. “

Customers will be able to go to the website and choose from the highest quality of marijuana clones.  As explained by Greenstone Provisions, a state licensed dispensary and grower in Ann Arbor, “Cloning is the process used to create genetically identical plants. When cloning a marijuana plant, a cutting (clone) is taken from a mature plant and placed in a rooting medium, where it develops roots. Once new vegetative growth appears on the clone, it can be safely transplanted, either to a larger pot, or outside. The clone will grow and mature into a plant that is identical to the original plant. Cloning is the most reliable way to produce plants with the attributes you’ve identified as desirable.”  This growing process eliminates the need for male plants that only pollinate female plants and can ultimately lessen a harvest yield.

Some of the strands of marijuana that Clones by Drones will have available come from one of the most reputable growers in Amsterdam.  The website goes on to list some of these clones as “famous strains such as Amnesia Haze, Raspberry Cough, The Original Glue, Girl Scout Cookies, Sour Diesel, and Blue Dream just to name a few.”  The company aims to be the first and only clone distributor using drones as a means of delivery.  Theoretically a customer will go to the website, browse through the different clone options, make a purchase, and then their goods will be delivered by drone.  As of now they are requesting customers to make demo sales to test out their model.  They are still awaiting finalization for FAA drone licensing, in the mean time deliveries will be made by other vehicles.  

Waiting on the FAA could be Clones by Drones biggest obstacle.  So many industries are competing to make deliveries by drones a reality.  The truth is, though we may be close it could still take some time.  Figuring out the logistics of a drone delivery system that is safe is proving to be very difficult.  That being said, there are several countries that have successfully run drone delivery tests and are now offering this as a full service.  There are a few cities and towns in the United States that are in the testing and final stages of drone delivery programs as well.  Whether that means Clones by Drones will be granted clearance for drone deliveries is yet to be seen.

Jensen went on to say in a statement, “The marijuana movement in Michigan is exploding and changing every day.  We expect to apply for city licenses and permits to operate our business model.  Furthermore, we expect cooperation from the local police in the area, and will continue to communicate with local and state police of our intended business plan.  Based on recent conversations, we expect to experience no problems in the future.  Lastly, Access-Power, Inc. has initiated the steps to apply for a State of Michigan Micro Marijuana Business License.  We expect completion of this task by next year 2020.”  The drone and marijuana industries are two of the most polarizing and fastest growing industries in today’s market.  Clones by Drones marks the first time the two are coming together for what will surely be an interesting endeavor.

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