StrainBrain is revolutionizing cannabis retail for consumers and retailers

Missouri cannabis consumers are finding assistance in shopping for their cannabis from an unexpected new source.

StrainBrain’s AI Budtender® software is now assisting shoppers online and budtenders in-store at dispensaries across Missouri.

The technology offers personalized product recommendations by translating customer preferences into tailored options, eliminating the need for extensive cannabis knowledge or intimidating in-store experiences.

“People shop for cannabis because they’re looking for a particular effect—whether it’s help sleeping, feeling energized, or staying focused,” said Dina Rollman, CEO of StrainBrain. “It can be very difficult to translate those goals through the terminology and menu options at a dispensary. What StrainBrain does is improve that customer journey by removing the need for specialized knowledge.”

The AI Budtender® product recommendation tool asks a series of simple, intuitive questions to understand the customer’s needs, explained Rollman, “StrainBrain will ask what product type you’re looking for—flower, a pre-roll, a vape, a concentrate, or an edible. Next, it asks what effect you want, with options like energized, focused, or relaxed—easy-to-understand words.” Customers can also specify flavor preferences, such as fruity or skunky, and use a slider to indicate the strength they want, from mild to heavy. “When you hit submit, the AI-powered algorithm goes through the store’s existing inventory and matches products to the criteria you selected,” she added.

Enhancing the customer and retailer experience

For consumers, StrainBrain simplifies the shopping experience, especially for those new to cannabis. “It takes the pressure off,” Rollman said. “Even if you don’t know the right product for focus or relaxation, StrainBrain provides an easy way to find what works for you.”

Retailers also benefit significantly. The tool improves both customer satisfaction and sales metrics. “A happier, more comfortable customer results in a higher conversion rate,” Rollman said. “We’re seeing that customers spend about 23% more when using StrainBrain compared to shopping without it.”

Additionally, StrainBrain’s “boost” feature allows dispensaries to highlight specific products, such as in-house brands or items nearing expiration, without compromising customer preferences. “The product still has to meet the customer’s criteria, but it gives retailers the ability to promote certain items,” Rollman told Greenway. “We’ve seen a 27% increase in sales of in-house brands when the boost feature is used.”

Easy integration for dispensaries

StrainBrain’s simplicity extends to its implementation. “Dispensaries can install StrainBrain by dropping one line of code into their menu header,” Rollman said. “It’s less than a five-minute setup. We’ve had meetings where the head of IT joins to vet the process, and within minutes, they’re confident there’s no impact on their tech stack.”

   

The platform’s flexibility makes it a fit for dispensaries of all sizes. While StrainBrain’s largest in- state partner is Greenlight, which has implemented StrainBrain at all 33 of its locations, Rollman noted its potential as a competitive differentiator for smaller, independent retailers. “Until StrainBrain is in every store, it’s a way for smaller operators to stand out by offering a unique customer experience,” she said. “Many people aren’t just looking for the best deal of the day—they want a better shopping journey.”

Building loyalty and gaining insight

Beyond enhancing sales, StrainBrain helps dispensaries foster customer loyalty. “Retailers can program StrainBrain to gamify the shopping experience.” Rollman continued, “For instance, when someone gets a recommendation, they could earn loyalty points. If they purchase the recommended product, they could earn even more points. It’s a creative way to build customer engagement with your loyalty program.”

StrainBrain also provides valuable insights for dispensaries. “The backend dashboard builds a picture of what your customers are looking for,” she explained. “Customer preferences l aren’t uniform; they are specific to each location. One store might see more customers that want high-potency flower, while another might see customers preferring low-dose edibles. These insights help retailers refine their inventory and marketing to meet customer needs.”

Looking ahead

StrainBrain’s technology is poised for growth, with new features expected in 2025. While Rollman didn’t disclose specific timelines, she emphasized the platform’s potential. “The underlying tech is very robust,” she said. “There’s a lot more market insight and opportunity to improve the customer experience under the hood, and we’re excited to bring these features to market.”

Missouri consumers and dispensaries are experiencing industry innovation in real-time, seeing firsthand how AI is transforming cannabis retail.

As StrainBrain continues to expand its capabilities, it’s set to redefine how customers shop for cannabis and how cannabis retailers do business – making the process more intuitive, personalized, and enjoyable for everyone involved.