Microsoft refuses to be weedy when it comes to marijuana, so it's betting big on a software project that tracks pot from "seed to sale."
The company—which is working with cannabis industry software specialist Kind—wants to leave no stoner unturned, by helping US states that have already legalised marijuana to keep a watchful eye on the movement of sales.
Here are a few dope words about the cloudy deal from Microsoft exec Kimberly Nelson:
"Kind's strategic industry positioning, experienced team and top-notch-technology running in the Microsoft Azure Government cloud, made for an easy decision to align efforts.
"Kind agreed that Azure Government is the only cloud platform designed to meet government standards for the closely regulated cannabis compliance programs and we look forward to working together to help our government customers launch successful regulatory programs."
Compliance is the keyword in that statement. A regulated industry—in what will presumably be a growing market in the US as more states legalise the drug—opens up a new business opportunity for Microsoft, especially as it won't be inhaling any of the blow under its deal with Kind.
Redmond, nonetheless, has arguably taken a plucky step to offer a light to the business of marijuana, given that it remains illegal in the eyes of the federal government.
To date, 25 US states have—in some form or other—legalised wacky backy. Microsoft clearly thinks the time for hufffing and puffing about grass is over and it appears keen not to see a legit business deal on compliance go up in smoke.
Listing image by Withnail & I
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