BLAZE Launches Herbie AI Budtender for Cannabis E-Commerce

ANAHEIM – BLAZE, an AI-powered retail technology suite specifically designed for Cannabis dispensaries, delivery services, payments, and e-commerce has introduced Herbie AI Budtender – the virtual assistant providing personalized product guidance to customers shopping online.

The announcement describes Herbie as a conversational interface embedded directly in BLAZE’s consumer platforms, including websites, mobile apps, and self-serve kiosks. It draws on a large-language model trained with Cannabis-specific knowledge and maintains real-time synchronization with store inventory and promotions. Customers can ask questions in natural language [for example, about desired effects, mood, or budget] and receive advice that factor in their purchase history, current local trends, terpene profiles and available deals. The system also tracks items already in the shopping cart and recalls a user’s previous three orders to simplify repeat purchases.

Company officials positioned the feature as a response to the complexity of modern Cannabis menus, which frequently exceed 1,000 stock-keeping units. In pilot programs cited by BLAZE, the AI recommendation engine has accounted for roughly one-third of items placed in online orders. Scott Roehrick, vice president of e-commerce and AI at the company, said in the release that Herbie functions more like an expert staff member than a standard chatbot, aiming to convert browsers into buyers by closing the gap between digital menus and in-store service.

BLAZE, which serves dispensaries across multiple states, has spent the past year rebuilding its core platform around artificial intelligence. The Herbie rollout follows the creation of BLAZE Labs, an internal unit focused on rapid development of AI tools. The product is available immediately to existing BLAZE clients.

Here at Highly Capitalized Network-HCN, we note growing interest in AI assistants for Cannabis e-commerce, where online channels now represent a majority share of technology-driven sales and large product selections can overwhelm shoppers. Tools like Herbie address decision fatigue without requiring additional human staff, a consideration for retailers operating under tight margins and regulatory limits on marketing.