MariGen

MariGen is a platform that aims to enhance cannabis product satisfaction, and thereby demand, by aligning a customer’s genetic markers with their usage goals to create tailored product recommendations. Currently, cannabis users apply trial and error to find the product that meets their objectives. More than 80% of cannabis users have reported bad experiences, likely related to the process of trial and error and the lack of information related to their unique sensitivities. Individuals have different responses to the same product, making it challenging for even knowledgeable sources to provide helpful recommendations. MariGen analyses a user’s genetic markers and cross-references this information to shortcut the trial and error process, increasing satisfaction faster. For dispensaries, generating stable cash flow is crucial, which means attracting new and repeat customers. Marijuana dispensaries cannot use standard digital marketing methods, such as Facebook and GoogleAds, so they look for other mediums to reach out to users. To promote their products digitally, they are reliant on Weedmaps or other marijuana social media platforms. The need to attract new users also drives dispensaries to prepare a broad spectrum of products, which can lead to inventory management issues that accompany a fresh, plant-based product. While the wide selection of products attracts customers, it also makes it hard for the novice user to make the right choice. There are more than 3000 cannabis products on the market, and none of them have clear, validated descriptions of the expected user experience. Our recommendation platform not only helps dispensaries predict the type of product that will be purchased, lowering their operating cost, but also offers a marketplace of users with a high potential for completion of a transaction.