A brilliant American engineer who helped put robots on Mars has now turned his skills toward a very different mission. Nohtal Partansky left his job at NASA to build machines that roll marijuana joints. This story shows how far our country has shifted on drug policy.
Partansky worked on the Mars rover project at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. He helped create MOXIE, a device that makes oxygen on Mars right now. His aerospace background gave him the skills to build precise, reliable machines. This is the kind of American innovation we should be proud of.
But instead of reaching for the stars, Partansky decided to cash in on the cannabis boom. He started Sorting Robotics after leaving NASA in search of faster-moving opportunities. His company first made robots to sort trading cards before pivoting to marijuana production. It’s a shame to see such talent leave space exploration for the drug business.
His cannabis robots now work for major marijuana companies like Stiiizy and Tilray. These machines can roll joints, fill cartridges, and package products automatically. The business has grown rapidly as more states legalize marijuana. While this shows entrepreneurial spirit, it also reveals how normalized drug use has become in America.
The technology behind these robots is actually impressive from an engineering standpoint. They use artificial intelligence and computer vision to handle delicate cannabis products. The machines can work around the clock without breaks or mistakes. This level of automation could transform many industries beyond just marijuana.
Big Tobacco companies are reportedly watching this space closely as they prepare to enter the cannabis market. Partansky’s robots could help these corporations mass-produce marijuana products nationwide. This industrial approach to drug production should concern any parent worried about their kids’ future. We’re making it easier than ever to flood our communities with mind-altering substances.
What troubles many Americans is how we’ve gone from “Just Say No” to building robots that mass-produce drugs. This engineer’s story reflects a broader cultural shift that prioritizes profits over public health. We’re literally automating the production of substances that harm young minds and families.
While we can admire Partansky’s technical skills and business success, his career change represents everything wrong with America’s drug policy today. We’ve taken one of our brightest aerospace minds and redirected him toward an industry that weakens our society. This is what happens when we normalize drug use and prioritize quick money over moral leadership.
