Leafly Launches Unique Data-Sharing Program to Advance Cannabis Research

Rhea-AI Summary

Leafly Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: LFLY) has launched a new initiative, the Leafly + University program, allowing accredited cannabis researchers to access extensive cannabis datasets at no cost. This program aims to enhance research surrounding cannabis, which is vital as the cultural and legal landscapes evolve. The data includes cannabinoid and terpene profiles and consumer reviews, ensuring privacy by excluding identifiable customer information. This move follows a successful collaboration with the University of Colorado Boulder, which highlighted inconsistencies in cannabis product labeling.

Positive

• Launch of the Leafly + University program provides free access to large cannabis datasets for researchers.
• Focus on enhancing cannabis research aligns with industry needs as access and consumption laws evolve.
• Successful past collaboration with the University of Colorado Boulder adds credibility to Leafly's research initiatives.

Negative

• None.

The Leafly + University program allows accredited cannabis researchers to access proprietary data from one of the world's largest cannabis information resources, at no cost

SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Leafly Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: LFLY), a leading online cannabis discovery marketplace and resource for cannabis consumers, today announced a new program that allows accredited cannabis researchers to supplement their work with a large cannabis dataset that would otherwise not be available.

The Leafly + University program allows accredited cannabis researchers to access proprietary data from one of the world's largest cannabis information resources, at no cost. (Graphic: Business Wire)

Leafly is the informed way to shop for weed and its cannabis data library includes tens of thousands of cannabinoid and terpene strain profiles from the Leafly-Certified Labs Program, subjective strain effects from consumer reviews, and cannabis popularity metrics. This data does not include identifiable customer information and is curated to be of the most use to academic researchers that study the various scientific compounds of cannabis.

“As the cultural and legal landscapes of cannabis access and consumption continue to evolve, the need for more intensive research cannot be understated,” said Nick Jikomes, PhD and Director of Science & Innovation for Leafly. “After several successful partnerships with university institutions, we decided to open up our data library to the rest of the cannabis academic community. We hope to help play a role in creating universal understanding of this magical and mysterious plant.”

Earlier this year, Leafly and the University of Colorado Boulder co-published research on the chemical composition of marijuana products. The study - the largest analysis of its kind - found that commercial cannabis labels “do not consistently align with the observed chemical diversity” of the product, demonstrating a need for a standardized labeling system across the cannabis industry.

Brian Keegan, a co-author of the study and Assistant Professor in the Department of Information Science at the University of Colorado Boulder said that partnerships like Leafly + University are critically important as the industry continues to mature and that the need to unlock more information about cannabis, its chemical compounds and the effects it can have on users will only continue to increase.

“Leafly was an outstanding research partner in an area that desperately needs less hot air and more empirical research. Leafly provided its one-of-a-kind dataset and made their experts available to answer our questions,” said Brian Keegan, Ph.D. and Assistant Professor in the Department of Information Science at the University of Colorado Boulder. “We went from a research question and design to executing agreements, shared data, and submitting a collaborative manuscript in the space of nine months. That is less time than I wait on most grant proposals and journal manuscript decisions.”

For more information on the Leafly + University cannabis research program, visit: www.leafly.com/research.

About Leafly

Leafly helps millions of people discover cannabis each year. Our powerful tools help shoppers make informed purchasing decisions and empower cannabis businesses to attract and retain loyal customers through advertising and technology services. Learn more at Leafly.com or download the Leafly mobile app through Apple’s App Store or Google Play.

Source: Leafly Holdings, Inc.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220728005269/en/

Media

Callie Driehorst

pr@leafly.com

Source: Leafly Holdings, Inc.

FAQ

What is the Leafly + University program?

The Leafly + University program allows accredited cannabis researchers to access proprietary cannabis datasets at no cost, facilitating enhanced research.

What types of data are included in the Leafly + University program?

The data includes cannabinoid and terpene strain profiles, consumer reviews, and cannabis popularity metrics, while ensuring privacy by not including identifiable customer information.

How does the Leafly + University program benefit researchers?

The program provides critical access to extensive cannabis research data, supporting the growing need for empirical studies in the evolving cannabis industry.

What was the previous collaboration between Leafly and the University of Colorado Boulder about?

The prior collaboration involved a study on the chemical composition of marijuana products, revealing inconsistencies in commercial cannabis labeling.

What is Leafly's main business focus?

Leafly is an online cannabis discovery marketplace that helps consumers find cannabis products and provides cannabis businesses with advertising and technology services.