In honour of the annual smokey celebrations that take place every April 20th, we here at MobileSyrup have put together a helpful list of apps aimed at improving the lives of anyone who happens to be cannabis-inclined.
Of course, it must be mentioned that the ownership of cannabis — and cannabis-related products — for non-medical purposes is still illegal in Canada, even if the federal government plans on formally legalizing the drug by the end of summer 2018.
Additionally, even though the Cannabis Act (also known as Bill C-45) has successfully passed through its second reading in the Senate, it’s currently being reviewed by the Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology.
Canada’s provincial and territorial governments have all acknowledged the Cannabis Act in some way, with some provinces (like Ontario) debuting store branding for where cannabis will eventually be sold.
This is all to say that the following apps operate in the murky territory in which cannabis has dwelled for the past few years. Still, if you or someone you know is looking for cannabis-themed apps, the following selection is sure to help with those OG hits.
Weedmaps wants to connect you with your local dispensary
The essential app for stoners, growers, smokers and cannabis enthusiasts of all creeds, Weedmaps bills itself as the world’s “most comprehensive marijuana directory” — and it shows.
The Android and iOS apps, as well as the powerful web app, provides information on nearby dispensaries, doctors, delivery services, deals and everything in-between. The app also provides users with a rotating selection of featured brands to ensure that consumers stay savvy.
Weedmaps is one of the most popular cannabis-related apps on the market for a reasons. Its clean interface, simple design and unintimidating method of delivering information make it a welcome companion to anyone looking for their cannabis fix.
AuroraMJ helps Canadians access safe and affordable medical cannabis
Homegrown Canadian medical cannabis company Aurora prides itself on contributing to the “healing power of nature.”
The company operates as an online medical marijuana delivery service, and users can now download an iOS and Android app that connects directly to Aurora’s services.
The app itself is fairly streamlined and minimalist in its design, giving users information on various Aurora-grown strains through a simple, clean menu. Users can browse THC and CBD information, and even get a full breakdown of the terpenes present in each product sold by Aurora.
A recent update includes fingerprint authentication, allowing users to log in securely without needing to remember their username and password.
The only downside is that users need to download the app directly from Aurora’s website. It’s not available on the iOS App Store or the Google Play Store just yet.
High There! will help you find a best bud to smoke your best bud
While most of the apps on this list are resources aimed at easing access to cannabis and cannabis-information, High There! might be the only one that can truly be classified as a lifestyle application.
In short, High There! advertises itself as a “cannabis social network,” though it operates a little bit more like a version of Tinder for cannabis enthusiasts.
After creating an account, iOS and Android users are prompted to input their interests, as well as whether they’re looking for friends, a relationship or smoking buddies. The app even asks how users typically like to consume cannabis to help connect users with the best matches.
It’s a great app for connecting with new friends and new smoking buddies — and it could even lead to love. What could be better than that?
Leafly aims to keep you informed on the best strains
Leafly reportedly holds the position of the world’s largest cannabis website, with over 13 million monthly visitors.
The platform allows users to rate and review cannabis strains and cannabis dispensaries. It also has a strong medical angle, placing an emphasis on helping patients determine which cannabis strain is the best for their particular set of symptoms.
Countless marijuana strains ranging from Indicas like Bubba Kush, Purple Kush and Grape Ape, to Sativa strains such as Sour Diesel, Jack Herer and Lemon Haze, all feature detailed reviews, including local dispensaries that offer that specific strain.
Leafly is available on desktop and also offers a dedicated iOS and Android app.
Lift is a rewards system for medical cannabis users
Toronto-based Lift describes itself as ‘Canada’s largest database of cannabis product reviews” by medical patients. Similar to Leafly, but with a focus solely on the medical side of the burgeoning marijuana industry, the platform allows users to explore reviews on strains, oils and various accessories from licensed producers.
In total, the platform currently features 50,000 product reviews. Lift also features a list of licensed Canadian producers and clinics.
More interestingly though, Lift also offers a reward system that can be used on prescription cannabis. For instance, writing product reviews, completing surveys and attending Lift events, earns users points.
Lift is available on desktop but doesn’t feature a dedicated mobile app. That said, Lift’s website is optimized for mobile devices.
Grobo brings IoT to marijuana growing
While not exactly an app, Waterloo-based Grobo aims to make the process of growing marijuana easier with the company’s hydroponic, internet-connected grow box.
Once users have inputted information about the specific plant into the Grobo One’s app, the system monitors, waters and gives the plant the appropriate amount of nutrients, all automatically. The plant is also kept at the correct temperature and is given the appropriate amount of light because the grow box’s front glass can alter how translucent it is.
The high tech grow setup even features filters designed to prevent the smell of marijuana from filling your home.
The Grobo One is currently priced at $1,993 USD (about $2,461 CAD).
Photography by Patrick O’Rourke.
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