Rob Kleiman

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No Matter Your Mood, Machine Learning Can Tell You What Cannabis is for You

An algorithm recommends marijuana for whether you’re ‘happy’ or ‘relaxed’

WoahStork seeks to modernize the cannabis purchase process using machine learning, gamification, and a simplified user interface. Like other marketplaces, the platform provides patients and consumers access to an extensive network of local cannabis providers at a single web destination. The company claims the site is powered by an advanced machine learning algorithm.

WoahStork’s Strain Genie offers recommendations for users based on their reviews of past purchases, medical conditions, and current mood, suggesting the strains and infused products that are most likely to produce the desired effects. Users can order their cannabis online by searching menus across all dispensaries via Web platforms, iOS, and Android. Then, using Strain Genie, the platform suggests the perfect strain for your current need. Users can filter by strain hybrid weeds, sativa or indica; they can also use keywords such as ‘stress,’ ‘pain,’ ‘happy,’ ‘euphoric,’ ‘relaxed’ and ‘uplifted.’ Standout strains include OG Kush, Blue Dream, Sour Diesel, White Widow, AK-47.

Using purchase history, personalized product-specific reviews, self-identified medical information, and current mood and situational factors, WoahStork’s Strain Genie generates recommendations for the particular strains and edibles that are the ideal match for each user. As they make purchases and provide feedback, the platform is able to learn users’ preferences and make recommendations with ever-increasing accuracy.

The Los Angeles-based online cannabis ordering platform owns no commercial growing operations, employs no fleet of delivery drivers, and doesn’t stock a single gram of marijuana. Rather the company says it intends to revolutionize the process by which medical marijuana patients and recreational cannabis users procure their herbs. It provides one-time verification, account encryption, and claims to be private and secure and HIPAA compliant.

WoahStork

Image: Farmer in field using a touch screen tablet via Shutterstock

Originally published at www.psfk.com on February 19, 2016.