Picture this: cannabis from a vending machine.
That is essentially the concept behind “anna” (yes, all lowercase), a new product being rolled out by a Boston-based cannabis tech company of the same name. Here’s how it works, per a demo on the company’s website: a customer walks into a dispensary, where they are met by an “anna.agent”; after completing the check-in, which includes verification of the customer’s drivers license, the agent then wirelessly unlocks the machine, a self-checkout kiosk through which purchases are made.
The kiosk allows customers to browse the selection of cannabis or CBD products by using a touchscreen and complete the purchase by selecting “checkout.” The agent then is notified of the checkout, reviews the purchase and asks for payment from the customer. Upon verification of payment, the agent dispenses the products wirelessly.