A Boston-based hydroponics firm and its Surrey subsidiary are working with the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) to “build a complete and comprehensive business model” for medicinal marijuana.
TerraSphere Systems LLC makes novel greenhouse systems that consist of modules, pressurized irrigation and light systems that are positioned in very close proximity to plants.
TerraSphere and BCIT are building a “framework” for developing quality standards for botanical drugs – in particular government-licensed medicinal cannabis sativa.
Essentially, the partners will look to perfect the indoor growing process, while keeping regulatory hurdles in mind.
Paula Brown, director of BCIT’s integrative bioscience research cluster, said in a release that TerraSphere’s technology could potentially be applied in the cultivation of a wide variety of medicinal plants.
Nick Brusatore, a co-founder of TerraSphere said that, ultimately, the project will indicate to federal governments in Canada and the U.S. that the medicinal botanical industry can be operated with the highest level of quality, security and control.
TerraSphere Systems is in the process of being acquired by Converted Organics Inc. (Nasdaq:COIN), a Boston-based company converting food wastes into fertilizer.