Udta Microsoft: Software giants enter marijuana trade, legallyJune19(AZINS) Big business has so far stayed away from investing in anything to do with marijuana even though state after state in US has been legalising cannabis. Microsoft, who were recently in the news for acquiring Linkedin for $2.6 billion is joining the business by partnering with a company that operates software that tracks marijuana plants.

The software, which is part of Microsoft’s cloud computing business, will help states that have legalised the medical or recreational use of marijuana. Till now, no corporate had delved into the pot word and Microsoft’s decision is a sign of the growing acceptance of marijuana legalisation.

Microsoft announced on Thursday that it was teaming with LA start-up Kind, that built the software that will be marketed by Microsoft. The range of products include ATM-style marijuana dispensary kiosks which will be working with state-chartered banks. They will also be working to provide ‘government solutions’, for state and local government looking to build compliance systems.

Matthew A Karnes, the founder of Green Wave Advisors said, "It's very telling that a company of this calibre is taking the risk of coming out and engaging with a company that is focused on the cannabis business."

Chief executive of Kind, said that it had taken a lot of courting to persuade big companies to come on board. Kimberly Nelson, the executive director of state and local government solutions at Microsoft was quoted saying: "We do think there will be significant growth. As the industry is regulated, there will be more transactions, and we believe there will be more sophisticated requirements and tools down the road."