Blockchain-based Cannabis Traceability in Supply Chain Management

Abstract

—The typical cannabis supply chain is encountering obstacles with the traceability of product regulations and standards. It is a complex structure involving multiple organizations and healthcare products. Questionable products finding their way onto the legal market are potentially dangerous. The proportion of Tetra hydro cannabinol (THC)/Cannabidiol (CBD) and the source of the cannabis strains have an impact on human treatment, limiting the traditional cannabis supply chain from seed to sale. Currently, the cannabis supply chain involves multiple stakeholders, which complicates the validation of various essential criteria, including license management, Certificate of Analysis (COA), and conformance quality standards and regulations. Existing traceability systems involve a centralized authority, leading to a lack of transparency and tracking system immutability. This study offers a Polygon blockchain-based strategy using smart contracts and decentralized on-chain and off-chain storage for efficient information searches in the cannabis supply chain. Eliminating the need for middlemen, the blockchain-based solution gives data security and transaction immutability history to all stakeholders. The storage structure comprises on-chain and off-chain components, algorithms, and the operating principles of the suggested solution. In addition, the suggested system delivers query efficiency and assures supply chain management authenticity and dependability. To assess the performance of the cannabis supply chain, scalability in developing a blockchain-based traceability process avoids delays and high transaction fees.