New Ethics In The Age Of AI: Privacy, Jobs, And The Cannabis Industry
Introduction
Artificial intelligence became a trend that grew faster than any other application in history, according to UBS, a global financial firm that also provides market analysis, and their report on the growth of ChatGPT after it had reached over 100 million subscribers in two months. With the growth of AI, including new names in solutions, and the progression towards more advanced ones, such as Google Gemini and the suspected Q* with OpenAI, consumers and industry leaders have raised concerns regarding the ethical use of artificial intelligence ranging from the collection of consumer data and information to automation and job security. In fact, these concerns have risen to such high levels a non-profit organization known as the Future of Life, an organization dedicated to global catastrophic and existential risk to humanity with a focus on AI, has an open letter with over thirty thousand signatures calling for a six-month hiatus on any further developments in artificial intelligence.
Data Collection and Privacy
These ethical concerns are not just limited to one industry. As solutions are leveraged and integrated into daily life and business functions, exposure becomes more evident, and consumers become more sensitive to the information they provide. This subject is sensitive in the cannabis industry, where consumers are required to provide identification to verify that they are legally permitted to purchase cannabis for consumption or have a qualifying medical condition. AI solutions would require access to validate this information on consumers. However, privacy and confidentiality of personal information are highly protected in the cannabis industry; even without AI, cannabis retail facilities are held to high standards. During licensing applications, it is a nearly universal requirement that retail facilities provide stringent cybersecurity measures and adhere to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) for all consumers. This is a federal measurement enacted to protect sensitive and private health information in 1996, and it has become an industry standard. As artificial intelligence continues to be interwoven into daily operations, it will become imperative to work with AI companies that hold themselves accountable and hold themselves to the highest standards possible in regard to how, when, why, and where your information will be used and stored. Working with a company that is accountable, accessible and has been established in the industry for a long time will be instrumental in determining the best solutions in the industry with someone you can trust. Prior to disclosing any trade secrets, always sign confidentiality agreements and ensure that it is possible to find the individual who made your solution, as most solutions will require consistent maintenance and regular adjustments.
Employee Job Security
As artificial intelligence continues to provide new solutions, especially with automation, raises an ethical concern surrounding employment in the industry. Cultivation and harvesting is a labor-intensive process in the cannabis industry, and it is a common one individuals use to launch their careers in the industry or have a natural passion and aptitude. This side of the industry may witness an impact on these positions, namely, as there are currently automated technologies for the harvesting, trimming, and even packaging of cannabis and cannabis products that are more efficient than manual human labor. Bloom Automation has developed an automated harvesting solution that is more delicate, removing flower from mature cannabis plants, coupled with an automatic trimmer for the final flower, which makes this a highly effective combination. However, as Cannabis Business Times author Kenneth Morrow, owner of Trichome Technologies, provided insight, it is important to remember that these technologies, while promising, are new and, therefore, expensive. Pending very certain circumstances, it is highly likely to witness a sudden shift to full automation; a gradual rollout is more practical. While this may displace jobs in the future at locations that wish to adopt automated solutions, it also provides a unique opportunity for individuals to search for employment opportunities with companies that align more with their personal ethics and a chance further to develop their skill set for the cannabis industry.
Conclusion
While the development and implementation of artificial intelligence have raised ethical concerns, it is important to remember that AI provides solutions that seek to enhance the future, not displace it. Although this might shift the shape of the greater picture of the industry while keeping up with new developments and raising ethical concerns, it is a future that the industry can shape into one where manual labor and automated solutions work in peaceful, effective synchronicity.
