This article originally appeared on NisonCo and appears here with permission.
Some may not have anticipated the metaverse and cannabis as a likely pair. However, with the strict regulations surrounding cannabis marketing in more traditional media sources like TV and social media, virtual reality and augmented reality are promising new places for cannabis marketing to grow without stifling restrictions.
What is the difference between virtual reality and augmented reality?
Although the terms are often used interchangeably, augmented reality and virtual reality are slightly different. Let’s go over some of the critical differences with examples to get a clearer picture before moving forward.
Virtual reality is the computer-generated simulation of a 3D image or environment that a person can interact with in a seemingly real or physical way using special electronic equipment, such as a headset with a display inside are handheld controls and body trackers. or sensors. Imagine a classic VR headset like the Occulus Rift made by Meta.
Augmented reality is an interactive experience of a real environment where real-world objects are enhanced by computer-generated perceptual information, sometimes through multiple sensory modalities, including visual, auditory, and haptic (e.g., touch), among others. For example, Pokemon Go uses augmented reality. The player can walk around and interact with real objects in their environment while playing the game.
Cannabis PR and Marketing Challenges and the VR Solution
Cannabis public relations, marketing and advertising has always been a challenge for the industry. Cannabis marketing agencies must take steps to represent cannabis industry clients due to the strict regulations and limitations placed on the marketing of cannabis products.
Virtual reality presents a unique opportunity for cannabis companies and the cannabis marketing companies that represent them to market their products and create interactive consumer experiences. There are already several examples of how the industry is using virtual reality to reach its customer base.
Indianapolis-based CBD dispensary, Higher Life was one of the first companies in the cannabis industry to establish a CBD dispensary in the metaverse. Customers can view products and shop in this virtual environment designed to mimic the actual interior of the physical store.
Recently, a cannatech manufacturer and distribution company partnered with metaverse company Alt Magic to open a virtual dispensary. You can visit the dispensary in virtual reality via your smartphone, VR headset or other internet-connected devices.
Nextech AR Solutions has also designed a virtual dispensary to enhance cannabis industry functionality and provide free consumer education. Growers could capture 3D images of flowers showing trichomes and providing a 360 degree view of the flower.
Such interactive digital experiences facilitate the process of growers marketing their products to dispensaries. They also hope to use the platform to improve consumer education through virtual budtenders who can answer personalized questions.
How Augmented Reality Enhances The Cannabis Consumer Experience
The AR and VR cannabis experience benefits both growers and dispensaries from a marketing perspective. This allows them to reach a wider audience and avoid the strict marketing restrictions imposed on the cannabis industry.
Visiting a virtual dispensary also has benefits for consumers. Many consumers have questions or want to see products, but may be reluctant to visit a dispensary due to privacy concerns.
A virtual experience can provide consumers with useful information, improve the customer service experience, and allow them to view products and ask questions while maintaining anonymity. It can also be a valuable outlet for home consumers.
Is your dispensary running out of VR and AR cannabis customers?
VR and AR are the future. If you are a dispensary owner, you should consider incorporating virtual reality into your dispensary marketing strategy. If you are a cannabis marketing agency, you need to be aware of this trend when helping your clients with their marijuana marketing strategy.
While it’s impossible to incorporate virtual reality or augmented reality into your current strategy, keeping up to date with new industry-specific marketing trends is best practice. Some marketing tactics are still relevant, but with public relations and cannabis marketing restrictions, it’s not a bad idea to look for new tactics.
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