More cannabis companies are employing AI to save time and enhance user shopping experience.
Within the past year, some cannabis companies have been implementing AI (artificial intelligence) and robotics in areas such as joint rolling, assisting with obtaining licenses, testing drivers’ impairment, and verifying flowers’ maturity (1). In June 2023, a free cannabis education chatbot called Spark debuted with California cannabis company and app Jointly (1). Without suggesting dosing or specific products, the chatbot reportedly responds to users’ general questions about their intended cannabis goals by suggesting options as a first step in their experience (1).
“Spark will help guide consumers through the process of consuming cannabis purposefully, better than any chart or graph and analytics could,” said Jointly CEO David Kooi (1). “Someone can ask their personalized question, whereas in the app it’s very numerical driven. [The AI assistant] will give the consumer someone to talk to about it.”
In September of this year, Smokeland, a cannabis dispensary and delivery service with more than 30 delivery locations in California, announced their use of AI to assist its customers in their cannabis shopping experience (2). The new AI assistant will reportedly analyze users’ data such as browsing and purchasing history to make product recommendations (3).
“Our AI shopping assistant will be a significant step forward in delivering a truly personalized cannabis shopping experience,” said Jeff Dillon, Vice President of Marketing for Smokeland (2). “By harnessing the power of artificial intelligence, we aim to make shopping more convenient and discreet for our customers, saving them time and empowering them to make informed decisions.”
The goal is for the AI assistant to learn users’ preferences for a more tailored shopping experience (3).
“Imagine an online shopping experience that not only takes the guesswork out of selecting your cannabis but also elevates your understanding and appreciation for it,” Dillon also stated (3). “That's where the cutting-edge AI technology we're developing comes into play. Cannabis shopping can be complex and intimidating, especially if you are consuming for medical needs.”
References
Collaboration, Gender Diversity, and Progress: Julie Kowalski on Advancing Cannabis Science
December 10th 2024In this interview with Cannabis Science and Technology, Julie Kowalski, an experienced analytical chemist, discusses her path into the cannabis industry, starting with early work in gas chromatography. Kowalski reflects on her perspectives as a female scientist, highlighting biases she’s experienced and the benefits of gender inclusivity in the cannabis space. Greater unity and professionalism could benefit the industry as a whole, she explains. She also encourages collaboration and more women in leadership positions in order to build a stronger scientific community, and also urges women to advocate for themselves, noting that women in cannabis face unique obstacles but often demonstrate consensus-building strategies and solutions.
Ep 24, Part I: Data Transparency in Cannabis Testing with Yasha Khan
November 21st 2024Evan Friedmann interviews Yasha Khan, co-founder of MCR Labs, about his journey into the cannabis industry and his efforts to promote transparency and integrity in laboratory practices. Yasha discusses the origins of MCR Labs, which began in Massachusetts to meet the needs of the soon-to-be legal medical cannabis market. He explains the challenges faced, including result manipulation by labs and the impact on public health. Yasha's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) project aimed to gather testing data from 37 states, revealed significant discrepancies in potency and mold results. Despite some states' reluctance to share data, Yasha has made much of this data public, leading to collaborative research and publications on various aspects of cannabis testing.
Gender Diversity and Innovation in the Cannabis Space: Insights from Tess Eidem, PhD
December 9th 2024Cannabis Science and Technology sat down with Tess Eidem, PhD, PCQI, member of Saturn Scientific, LLC, to discuss her journey from antibiotic research to cannabis microbiology and her observations throughout her career. Dr. Eidem highlights challenges women face in this male-dominated industry, including limited representation in leadership roles and frequent experiences of bias and discrimination. She emphasizes the importance of gender diversity in fostering innovation, improving product safety, and addressing women’s health needs in cannabis applications. Her advice to women scientists is to build strong professional relationships and carefully evaluate work environments to advance their careers in this evolving and often challenging space.
Ep 23, Part III: Accreditation in the Cannabis Industry with Susan Audino
October 24th 2024In Part III of this episode, host Evan Friedmann is joined by Susan Audino, PhD, founder of S.A. Audino & Associates, LLC, and co-founder of Saturn Scientific, LLC, to examine the complexities of sampling in the cannabis industry, emphasizing the need for proper sampling plans, and methods.