Weedmaps offers in-app ordering; launches partnership with NBA star
An online cannabis marketplace is easing mobile purchases and expanding into a content venture that includes NBA star Kevin Durant.
Weedmaps, an Irvine, Calif.-based cannabis marketplace from WM Technologies, is revamping its iOS mobile app. Enhancements include new functionality allowing for orders to be submitted directly with licensed Weedmaps retailers via a single, seamless, in-app experience. Previously, Weedmaps customers were only able to browse and discover products and licensed retailers before completing orders on a mobile web browser, away from the native app. An updated policy from Apple now allows Weedmaps customers to conduct their entire cannabis shopping experience from within the iOS app on their mobile device.
Along with ordering on the Weedmaps iOS app, consumers will be able to review their order history and can chat with a customer support representative in real-time. Additional in-app features include a streamlined experience for browsing local cannabis deals, sales and promo codes; product information and reviews, including by strain; personalized notifications about price drops on favorite items and new products and neighborhood retailers; and interactive maps to locate retailers and delivery services, as well as live menus, prices, and business hours.
“Our ability to enable ordering functionality through our mobile iOS app is a game-changer that will improve accessibility for both our customers and business partners alike,” said Justin Dean, CTO at Weedmaps parent company WM Technology, Inc. “We commend companies like Apple that work with industry leaders to find solutions that drive innovation in our space. It’s encouraging to see policies and attitudes toward cannabis shift in a way that promises remarkable growth, and we look forward to introducing an even simpler way to order cannabis from retailers through our platform.”
Digital retailing is increasingly becoming a mainstream channel in the retailing of cannabis and cannabis-related products. Major retail-focused cannabis corporation High Tide Inc. recently purchased Daily High Club, one of the five most popular global consumption accessories e-retailers.
In addition, Weedmaps is entering a multi-year agreement with Brooklyn Nets player Kevin Durant and Thirty Five Ventures, as well as a sponsorship deal with Boardroom. Weedmaps will become an official sponsor of Thirty Five Ventures’ sports business media network, Boardroom, as part of the agreement.
Along with its sponsorship agreement, Boardroom will collaborate with Weedmaps to produce an original content series, which is tentatively slated for debut in 2022. The multi-year agreement also comprises ongoing integrations with Boardroom, including the “Out of Office” podcast, development and distribution of original content, co-branded collaborations and events, exclusive merchandise, and more.
“Now more than ever, there is so much opportunity for growth in the cannabis industry as well as the removal of any remaining stigmas around its use,” said Kevin Durant, two-time NBA champion and president of Thirty Five Ventures. “As the technology leader in the industry, Weedmaps has consistently been at the forefront of change over the last decade. In partnering with Boardroom and Thirty Five Ventures, they’ve shown an even bigger commitment to innovation.”