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With so many unknowns in the future of cannabis retail and delivery, one thing is certain: artificial intelligence (AI) will be a big part of it. The technology allows product recommendations to be tailored to a consumer’s specific preferences.
AI assistants utilize technology such as machine learning and language models, allowing software to “learn” about a consumer’s shopping choices. The longer they use it, the more it learns.
The new tech is catching on like wildfire. Like OpenAI’s ChatGPT, retail king Amazon is developing its own AI assistant—Google, Apple, and Meta are also in a race to incorporate the technology in the best possible ways as well.
Smokeland, a cannabis delivery service with 30 locations across California, announced the development of an innovative AI shopping assistant, designed with a goal to reimagine the way customers discover and select cannabis products. The technology overhauls the shopping experience by tailoring product recommendations based on individual preferences and needs using the magic of AI.
Smokeland’s AI shopping assistant goes beyond answering questions. How? Advanced algorithms and machine learning will analyze customer data, including browsing history, purchase patterns, personal preferences, and consider questions or queries posed by the customer. In other words, the AI assistant will provide optimal personalized suggestions as it understands each shopper’s unique needs—discreetly.
“In the ever-evolving realm of cannabis retail, Smokeland takes pride in standing as a beacon of innovation, constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible,” Smokeland Vice President of Marketing Jeff Dillon tells Forbes in an email. “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. 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.”
Lets’ say a customer craves terpinolene-rich strains and products—probably with a nutmeg, cumin, or apple taste—but does not necessarily know what terpinolene is. Or another who prefers products rich in myrcene. Or another customer who never chooses concentrates, just flower. An AI assistant can help recommend the right products to those customers based on past shopping decisions. And retailers can’t expect consumers to know what all the compounds are and what their purposes are.
“The cannabis plant is incredibly complex, comprising more than 400 molecules, including approximately 100 cannabinoids and over 150 terpenes,” Dillon explains. “Additionally, it contains a variety of other chemicals, such as terpenoids, flavonoids, and omega-3 and -6 fatty acids. For Smokeland’s new AI system, it’s not just about understanding these components, but about harnessing the sheer depth of cannabis and consumer complexities.”
Other cannabis-related companies are turning to AI assistants as well for similar functions. The tech has been applied at nearly every touchpoint in the industry—even in analyzing the maturity of flowers.
“We’ve embraced AI to demystify the nuances of this magnificent plant, ensuring our customers receive tailored recommendations that resonate with their unique desires and conditions,” Dillon adds. “In addition to delivering cannabis right to customer’s doors, Smokeland seeks to deliver an unparalleled experience for cannabis connoisseurs and novices alike. As we incorporate AI into our shopping experience, our commitment remains: to provide an educational, accessible, and personalized shopping experience that stands out in the vast expanse of cannabis retail.”
Smokeland, the same company as Smoakland, started in Oakland and one of the top delivery services in the Bay Area, (hence the nickname) but has expanded across California, and are in development for markets in other states with a more national vision in mind.
The Smokeland team is currently ironing out the kinks. Cannabis delivery companies face steep competition in California, so being a step ahead and incorporating AI-assisted shopping first makes all the difference.
Smokeland offers a competitive veteran discount, and they offer a loyalty program in the form of a Buyer’s Club, and consumers can earn points towards free credit on your favorite products
Visit Smokeland’s website for more information.
AI Assistant Forges Future Of Cannabis Delivery, Tailoring Suggestions – Forbes
