Gen Z's New Solution For Buying Weed: New Partnership Redefines Cannabis Shopping With Augmented Reality

Cannabis producer, The Cure Company has teamed up with WEEDAR, a distribution ecosystem that mixes augmented reality (AR) – powered shopping and loyalty programs for cannabis brands.

What Happened

Consumers now have the option to order The Cure Company’s range of strains and products through the WEEDAR app, which engages users and encourages spending using 3D augmented reality product catalogs, limited edition drops, gamified in-app experiences, and one-of-a-kind NFTs that users can buy, trade, sell, or exchange for exclusive smoke accessories.

The partnership has launched with a limited edition drop created in collaboration with Junk Yard – a Los Angeles-based graffiti artist – designed to cater to trends and expectations of Gen Z cannabis users.

Why It Matters

With a third of Gen Z cannabis users relying on smartphones to shop for their weed, WEEDAR seems to be a perfect solution, Jonathan Bohun, founder and CEO of WEEDAR, told Benzinga.

“WEEDAR caters to their needs, offering products at the touch of a screen while taking the shopping experience to the next level,” he said. ”Users can visualize exclusive cannabis products in 3D and claim NFTs which they can swap for crypto, delivering the fun factor and fostering repeat purchases and loyalty.”

Meanwhile, the recession and regulatory issues are just some of the challenges that the cannabis market is facing nowadays, which have led to a drop in sales. To tackle the growing trend, cannabis businesses have to utilize a different approach, Bohun continued.

“We believe that the future of cannabis hinges on tech-driven retail experiences and that’s where WEEDAR comes in,” Bohun explained. “Not only does the platform engage cannabis users at a time when they’re reluctant to spend, but it also serves as a source of entertainment that Gen Z customers, in particular, crave.”

Why is Gen Z a top priority for cannabis brands?

Bohun says that marijuana is “a lifestyle” for them, touting their “unwavering connection” with the plant.

Moreover, GenZ seems to be the only consumer category that doesn’t show signs of slowing down regarding their cannabis purchasing habits.

“Gen Z is the only consumer group among which sales are increasing,” he explained. “With impressive growth of 12.2% in the past year, they now account for 16.6% of all industry sales.”

What’s Next

Following The Cure Company’s initial limited edition WEEDAR drop, Bohun says they are searching for new artist collaborations.

He said it “was a big hit,” adding it was sold out “within just a few days.”

Since launching in 2021, WEEDAR has opened five delivery hubs in California. Following the completion of its $1.5 million seed round of funding in January, which took its total funding to $2.3m, the company plans to expand to Washington, New York, Florida and Michigan in 2023.

Meanwhile, to learn more about cannabis brands spearheading the expansion of the industry in pop culture, destigmatizing the plant and offering value to stakeholders and investors, come and join us at the upcoming Benzinga event.

The Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference, the place where deals get done, is returning to Chicago this Sept 27-28 for its 17th edition. Get your tickets today before prices increase and secure a spot at the epicenter of cannabis investment and branding.

Photo: Courtesy of GRAS GRÜN on Unsplash