Early in the 1800s, from a Dismal German Laboratory, Victor Frankenstein Created a Creature Using a Mixture of Surgery, Chemistry, and Alchemy – We Will Likely Meet That Monster in 2025.
In Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, the tragic tale of Victor Frankenstein and his monstrous creation serves as a powerful metaphor for humanity’s ability to bring about unintended consequences through the combination of science, ambition, and hubris. Fast forward two centuries, and it seems the world is about to meet a new monster—one that may not be made of flesh and bone, but of a different kind of creation: a Frankenstein approach to cannabis regulation and artificial intelligence (AI).
The Frankenstein Approach to Cannabis Policy: A Monster in the Making
In the absence of a federal framework for cannabis regulation, the cannabis industry has long navigated a complex, patchwork system of state laws and regulations. From state to state, the rules governing everything from cultivation to sales vary wildly, creating confusion for businesses and consumers alike. The current situation is already a monster of complexity, and as we move into 2025, it’s becoming clear that a new, additional layer of complexity is set to emerge—this time, involving artificial intelligence (AI).
The “Frankenstein approach” refers to the haphazard way in which new regulatory frameworks are being pieced together, combining existing state cannabis laws with a rapidly evolving set of rules for AI. Together, these two forces may combine into a regulatory landscape that is even more challenging to navigate, creating a monster that is more dangerous and more difficult to tame than ever before.
AI Legislation: The Rush to Regulate, With No Clear Framework
While cannabis regulation has been a challenge for years, there’s a new and emerging force: artificial intelligence. As of 2025, the federal government has yet to enact comprehensive legislation for AI. This vacuum has led both state and federal legislators to rush in with their own proposed laws, many of which are still in their infancy.
One of the biggest challenges surrounding AI legislation is finding the balance between too much regulation and too little. On the one hand, over-regulating AI could stifle innovation and slow down progress in a field that has enormous potential. On the other hand, the lack of regulation poses significant risks to privacy, safety, and ethical concerns. The race to legislate AI is a high-stakes game that could have far-reaching implications for many industries, including cannabis.
Exploding AI Legislation: A Growing Patchwork of Bills
AI-related legislation has been brewing since at least 2019, but the pace of legislation has accelerated dramatically in recent years. In 2024, nearly 700 bills relating to AI were introduced across 45 states—an exponential increase from the 191 bills introduced the previous year. The results speak for themselves:
113 AI-related bills were enacted into law in 2024.
77 bills advanced through at least one chamber of their respective statehouses.
Four states (Nevada, Montana, North Dakota, and Texas) were unable to consider AI legislation because they were not in session.
Arkansas was the only state where no AI legislation was introduced.
As this legislative trend continues to accelerate, it’s clear that 2025 will bring even more AI-related bills into the fold, creating a labyrinth of conflicting regulations for businesses to navigate.
The Monster of State-Specific AI and Cannabis Laws: A Mega-Frankenstein
While many industries are grappling with the rapid development of AI legislation, the cannabis industry faces a unique set of challenges. As AI technologies become more deeply integrated into the cannabis sector—whether in cultivation, distribution, or compliance—the combination of state-specific AI regulations and state-specific cannabis laws will create an unprecedented regulatory quagmire.
Without any overarching federal framework for either cannabis or AI, cannabis businesses will soon find themselves trying to comply with both AI regulations and cannabis laws that vary not only from state to state, but also in how they overlap and interact. This Frankenstein’s monster of regulatory confusion will require cannatech companies to quickly adapt to new rules that could vary wildly depending on where they operate.
How Can Canna-tech Companies Prepare for the Arrival of the Monster?
With the emergence of these twin monsters—state-specific AI regulations and cannabis laws—cannatech companies must prepare for the regulatory storm that lies ahead. There are several steps the industry can take to mitigate risk and ensure that businesses can continue to operate in an increasingly fragmented landscape.
Building Consensus on Model Regulations: One of the most effective ways to combat regulatory chaos is by coming together as an industry. Cannatech companies should work to establish a set of model regulations and best practices that can promote consistency across states. By developing these guidelines, the industry can advocate for uniformity in state laws, making it easier for businesses to comply.
Advocacy and Lobbying: With state-level regulations continuing to multiply, it’s important for cannatech companies to engage in advocacy efforts to ensure that their voices are heard by legislators. This could mean lobbying for sensible, clear frameworks that allow for growth while addressing risks. By working together, companies with both large and small geographic footprints can help shape the future of AI regulation in the cannabis space.
Staying Agile and Proactive: The cannabis industry has always been a lesson in adaptability. Since day one, cannabis businesses have had to adjust to shifting regulations, market conditions, and consumer demands. As AI legislation continues to evolve, staying proactive and flexible will be key to staying ahead of the game.
Frankenstein’s Monster: The Test of Adaptability in 2025
The cannabis industry has proven its resilience and ability to adapt over the years. However, the arrival of Frankenstein’s monster—an ever-growing, ever-more-complex regulatory environment involving both cannabis and AI—will present new challenges that could test the industry like never before.
The key to surviving this new monster will lie in the ability of cannatech companies to work together, advocate for sensible regulations, and remain adaptable in the face of uncertainty. 2025 promises to be a year of change, and the cannabis industry will need to rise to the occasion to ensure that it can not only survive but thrive amidst the evolving landscape of AI and cannabis legislation.
Preparing for the Future – Can We Tame Frankenstein’s Monster?
Just as Victor Frankenstein’s creation spiraled out of his control, the Frankenstein approach to cannabis and AI regulation threatens to create a regulatory monster that may be too difficult to contain. However, with a concerted effort to standardize regulations, advocate for clearer policies, and maintain flexibility, the cannabis industry can rise to the challenge.
As we step into 2025, it’s time to prepare for a new era of innovation and regulation. The question remains: Will we be able to tame this monstrous regulatory landscape, or will it prove to be an uncontrollable force that leaves chaos in its wake? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—Frankenstein’s monster is coming, and the cannabis industry must be ready to face it head-on.
