Candid Med
An e-commerce app focused on medical cannabis users
An e-commerce app focused on medical cannabis users
Candid (now part of Growflow) is a well-established company in the cannabis e-commerce industry, offering a platform for managing storefronts, inventory, and lab data. Candid Med's primary focus is on medical cannabis users, many of whom may not have much knowledge about cannabis, including different strains, brands, and methods of ingestion. Even for experienced users, it can be difficult to distinguish between cannabis products, apart from obvious potency metrics. Candid Med is an Android app designed to provide personalized assistance to medical users. It combines a user-friendly purchasing interface focused on accessibility with a journaling feature for reporting to medical professionals, all within a single integrated experience.
The discovery phase was founded on secondary research into industry reports on medical users and competitive analysis.
There is a lot of academic and journalistic work available on medical cannabis users. Although it is a relatively new field, it is a dynamic and committed field with numerous excellent research sources. My research provided many insights referenced later on. A few notable sources are:
There are several sophisticated competitors in the recreational and medical cannabis space that I learned from. In the medical space, companies like Strainprint provided valuable insights into medical onboarding and customer education.
Additionally, Leafly and Weedmaps were especially instructive in designing apps and responsive websites, as 80% of our users will order via phone.
Medical cannabis is an emerging industry with a variety of products and a diverse range of customers.
The wide range of cannabis products available leaves customers feeling overwhelmed, as they struggle to comprehend the differences between various strains, dosages, and potency. While part of the issue lies in the lack of education, unnecessary complexity further exacerbates the problem, making it difficult for customers to make informed choices.
Cannabis effects can be inconsistent due to various factors, including differences in cultivation methods, plant genetics, growing conditions, and post-harvest processing. As a result, products with the same name or strain may vary in their chemical composition and overall effects. This variability can make it challenging for consumers to predict how a specific cannabis product will affect them.
In some countries like the United Kingdom, Germany, and New Zealand, medical cannabis users must report their usage and experiences to medical professionals for ongoing monitoring. With the growing number of users, there is a need for reporting tools to facilitate communication between patients and doctors. However, there are currently very few solutions in the market that integrate shopping with journaling.
Why not build a simple, responsive store instead of a native app? It appears that a lot of user validation is required before a medical user can make a purchase. A native app provides the best user experience for collecting this data and keeping the user logged in between sessions. Additionally, a native app makes capturing feedback more seamless.
Medical cannabis users are often older or have disabilities, which can significantly increase the likelihood of experiencing accessibility challenges.
Despite changing attitudes, there is still a social stigma associated with cannabis use. Marijuana users are often stereotyped as engaging in criminal behaviour, being "lazy," or lacking ambition. There is also a lack of understanding about the effects of cannabis on the body, which leads to fears of overconsumption and general health and safety concerns. Educating users about potential risks, responsible use, and health considerations is essential. However, joining a community can help dispel stereotypes and enable users to recognize that they are not alone in their experiences.
The solution brings together my insights to create a shopping, journaling and educational experience for a medical user who needs support at every step.
Most states in the USA have legalized medical marijuana in some form. A growing number of states permit recreational marijuana use for adults, except those under 21. It is necessary to confirm a users age before shopping. We include this step during on-boarding & login/signup.
Cannabis products can be difficult to differentiate. Just imagine going on Amazon and trying to pick between 500 different types of AA batteries. It's important to ask users questions about their needs before they start shopping. Delaying this step may lead to a loss of their confidence.
The product page hides intimidating chemical compound information, presenting it as effects, medical benefits, and flavours instead. This is a common practice in the industry, with THC and CBD being the exceptions as many users understand these compounds.
Medical cannabis users, especially those new to it, often need a tool to track and understand their symptoms. Many individuals feel frustrated when doctors ask about their symptoms, as recalling them accurately can be challenging. A symptom tracker app can be invaluable, allowing users to record and monitor their symptoms effectively. This not only aids in memory retention for doctor visits but also enhances communication with healthcare providers, leading to better-informed treatment decisions.
Seniors aged 55 and older make up 10-15% of the cannabis user base. With shifting attitudes and growing awareness of its health benefits, more seniors and individuals with medical conditions are turning to cannabis for therapy. Accessibility is crucial to cater to these groups, given challenges like limited mobility and lack of technological fluency.
