While some brands are gearing up for Cyber Monday and Black Friday, others are preparing for Green Wednesday. "Weed Wednesday," as it is sometimes called, is "the perfect confluence of people wanting weed," Weedmaps culture editor Nicolas Juarez told Cheddar.
Green Wednesday makes sense, he said, because it's "the day before Thanksgiving, where it's travel-filled, shopping-filled, stress-filled — you're going home to Thanksgiving, where it can be tense."
Weedmaps, founded in 2008, is a technology company that allows users to review cannabis strains, locations, and especially on Green Wednesday, deals.
Juarez said the app sees a 53 percent increase for in-store pickups and a 30 percent increase in users looking at dispensaries on the shopping day. He said there are a myriad of deals offered, ranging from 50 percent off to buy two get one free, which may be especially appealing for California users ahead of the tax increase on Jan. 1, 2020.
Weedmaps is not alone in seeing a jump in the activity on the cannabis-inspired shopping day. Sales on 2018's Green Wednesday was reportedly 63 percent higher than the average Wednesday.
"It's an opportunity to target a new customer, who hopefully will become a returning customer," he said.
While marijuana and CBD gifts may become more popular this holiday season, there still is risk involved. Federal law still prohibits THC, and CBD in food and drink is still illegal. However, more states than ever have legalized cannabis products, leaving gift-givers and recipients in limbo.
But with availability rising, and growing support for legalization, Juarez says the holidays will be "a great time to try a new product."
OpenAI has announced that ChatGPT will soon engage in "erotica for verified adults." CEO Sam Altman says the company aims to allow more user freedom for adults while setting limits for teens. OpenAI isn't the first to explore sexualized AI, but previous attempts have faced legal and societal challenges. Altman believes OpenAI isn't the "moral police" and wants to differentiate content similar to how Hollywood differentiates R-rated movies. This move could help OpenAI, which is losing money, turn a profit. However, experts express concerns about the impact on real-world relationships and the potential for misuse.
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