Imagine scrolling through an article about a newly released marijuana strain or infused drink, spotting a purchase link, and reserving the product for same-day pickup at a nearby licensed dispensary. That scenario, once unlikely in the cannabis sector, is moving closer to everyday retail reality.
Consumers at licensed marijuana stores are beginning to see this shift through a new partnership between High Times, a long-running cannabis publication, and Hoodie Analytics, a Chicago-based data and technology company. The collaboration combines editorial content with an online ordering system, enabling readers nationwide to search for legal products, place a reservation, and complete the purchase in person at approved retailers.
Transactions are still finalized face-to-face, keeping the process aligned with state laws. Even so, the experience closely mirrors how customers shop for many other regulated products online.
Industry leaders say the effort responds to long-standing frustrations among brands and retailers. Wes Shepherd, CEO of Hoodie Analytics, said many businesses struggle with how consumers discover products. He believes the current system makes it difficult for shoppers to find what they want without relying heavily on discounts or promotions.
Unlike existing cannabis marketplaces, the High Times platform allows readers to move directly from an article to a product listing through embedded links. Matt Stang, a partner at High Times, said the model benefits retailers by sending qualified customers their way while keeping the shopping process simple.
Hoodie’s database tracks over 10,000 licensed stores and roughly 9 million individual product listings across the United States. Retailers can also join Hoodie Connect, a no-cost program that offers additional visibility and order referrals through High Times’ audience.
Not everyone is convinced that e-commerce will benefit all brands equally. Dialed In Gummies President Max Vansluys noted that premium producers can struggle in online environments where lower-priced options dominate. He argued that in-store guidance matters, especially for customers unfamiliar with quality differences. Budtenders, he said, play a critical role in helping shoppers understand why a product costs more.
Vansluys added that once an order is placed online, the interaction can become purely transactional. Without personal guidance, consumers may default to cheaper options rather than better ones. Still, he acknowledged benefits, particularly for travelers who want to locate familiar products when visiting another state.
Former LivWell and PharmaCann Executive Chris Mapson echoed that point, noting that cannabis remains highly regional. He said the platform allows readers to quickly see whether a product mentioned in an article is sold in their area.
Beyond digital commerce, High Times is also investing in print. Through a partnership with Colorado-based Cannapages, the company plans to launch High Times Local, a city-specific magazine featuring coupons, advertising, and local coverage. The first editions are set to appear in Phoenix, Denver, and Colorado Springs, with more cities planned for next year.
Cannapages’ Matt Hollingshead said physical publications still resonate with readers. Stang added that younger audiences, much like music fans returning to vinyl, are showing renewed interest in tangible media they see as authentic and lasting.
These developments in cannabis marketing are likely to be of interest to established companies like Canopy Growth Corp. (NASDAQ: CGC) (TSX: WEED) as they could open new avenues to drive sales.
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