TJM QUICKIE: LEAFLY PICKUP

“If Blue Dream is in high demand, but is unavailable, we can network”

When we heard that canna-giant Leafly launched its pickup service in Mass last month, we figured we should wait a minute to see how it goes. Such cool things, after all, can get spoiled in Mass, where prohibitionists still run amok. It looks like there’s been progress, though; for starters, Leafly Pickup started with just 12 dispensaries throughout the state using the feature (which gives customers “real-time text updates from the dispensary,” among other perks) and is already up to 15 with more on the way. We spoke briefly with Leafly Mass General Manager Adam Cavanaugh, formerly of the Boston-based Wayfair, about the convenient new options and the slow rollout of recreational.

On what’s new (besides just Leafly Pickup)…

We’re adding shopping pages so consumers can be more educated about cannabis products. Six months into the transition [we’re] setting up networks with dispensaries, like the Skip the Line app. So the consumer can breathe easy.

On access…

Patients can find what will help their comfort. Fifteen stores are live now with potentially 10 more, bridging the gap between physical and digital. [Leafly has applied] a big influence on data to better capture what strains people are looking for, which stores have certain strains. If Blue Dream is in high demand, but is unavailable, we can network.

On the wait and regulation…

Blessing and a curse. We thought we were in a dead sprint towards the initial July finish line. The growth has been a little slower as the legislation stumbles along, but it is giving us a chance to work kinks out. We’ve been able to build better infrastructure and communication.

The CCC Board wanted to create a means for education, hopefully. Initial planning for what a data share would want to see from us. We are starting to figure out how to give them information about the products. The commissioners are coming at the industry with varying knowledge, they form like Voltron. Well-rounded group. They’re looking for the long run.

On public consumption…

There’s places to buy, but not consume. Social consumption lounges are coming down the road. They’re either smoking in their house or out on the streets. Having an environment to smoke would help break down the stigma. It won’t just be a bar/club look.

It’s a calm, quiet. Many people are professional. … [It’s about] destigmatizing from Cheech and Chong and Phish concerts so the community can know what is there. More like WeWork than a club. … If these places are just boxes with chairs and nothing else, no one will want to go there. There needs to be more than that.