Understanding Cannabis Traceability Systems

Logged, Sealed, and Delivered: The OpenTHC approach to cannabis traceability systems

A robust system to track products from seed to sale is a necessity for the cannabis industry, regulators require it, and businesses deserve it. OpenTHC offers an open-source platform that promotes transparency and accountability, crucial components for cannabis regulatory compliance, product safety, and preventing illegal diversion. This system uses open standards to create a secure and efficient tracking process.

OpenTHC builds free, open-source software licensed under MIT or GPL-v3, with their source code publicly available on GitHub. This open-source approach allows any vendor to deploy and maintain the platform while also encouraging collaboration and trust, crucial values in the cannabis industry.

The main components in the OpenTHC platform include:

• The OpenTHC Application Programming Interface (API) serves as the backbone of the system, standardizing communication between internal and external services utilizing dedicated OpenAPI specifications for specification governance. It provides a common interface for participants to report business activity, defining tracked objects such as Company, License, Product, and Lots. Data passing through the API is validated, and failed requests are rejected with clear errors.
• The OpenTHC API uses Universally Unique Lexicographically Sortable Identifiers (ULIDs) at each stage of the workflow to capture business information and key performance indicators. These identifiers capture time of creation and use algorithms to guarantee uniqueness across networks. ULIDs help ensure each action and object is uniquely identified and can be traced to its origin. All relevant ULID identifiers are linked together, creating a network for material traceback.
• OpenTHC uses QR codes as the default asset tag, instead of expensive RFID tags. QR codes are cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and can be printed on recyclable materials. They attach to plants and inventory material, enabling quick scanning. While QR codes are the default, the platform also supports electronic forms of asset tags, including RFID if necessary.
• OpenTHC includes several service applications designed to streamline different aspects of the regulatory environment. These applications are segmented to focus on different actors’ reporting needs.
  • Directory (DIR): Provides a central identity for all regulatory participants, managing Company, License, and Contact information.
  • Track-and-Trace (App): Manages B2B transactions, inventory, and label generation.
  • Cannabis Reporting Engine (CRE): The main application for reporting tracked and regulated material to the state.
  • Operations Control Panel (OPS): Provides administrators with access to system logs, permissions, licensee authorizations, and recall controls.
  • Point-of-Sale (POS): A certified system for retail actors to report business activity and collect ID information.
  • Basic Object Normalization Gateway (BONG): An optional service to map API data into XML-based standards, minimizing transition friction between legacy vendors and OpenTHC's solution. BONG can map interfaces to existing systems like BioTrack, LeafData, METRC and CCRS.

OpenTHC's architecture is designed to be both distributed and federated. Our distributed system consists of independent service applications that can be deployed separately, enhancing flexibility and scalability. The federated system allows different components of the platform to operate independently while interoperating effectively. This means different states or jurisdictions can use the OpenTHC platform while exchanging data so long as they adhere to the OpenTHC API standards.

The interoperability of the OpenTHC architecture is a major benefit for states’ regulators. The open-source platform is built using open standards, so different jurisdictions can implement the system and maintain data exchange capabilities. This feature is crucial in enabling interstate commerce while ensuring states meet their specific legal reporting requirements. With our platform, states can be confident in regulatory compliance as they participate in an interconnected market.

The combination of open source technologies, a distributed architecture, and a standardized API, OpenTHC delivers an effective solution for cannabis traceability which promotes a more transparent and collaborative industry.