The cannabis industry has always been fragmented, both in terms of geography and politics. Recognizing this, Mark Bonner, the CEO of Cannaverse Technologies and the creator of Cannaland, took it upon himself to address this issue. With a background in renewable energy, Bonner brought a unique perspective to the cannabis industry and saw the potential for a more streamlined, efficient, and secure approach. Thus, he set out to create Cannaland, the world’s first cannabis platform powered by blockchain technology. Bonner is leading the charge for a more unified and sustainable future in the industry.
Given his extensive experience, our team at Cointelegraph felt it was only fitting to have a conversation with Mark Bonner about his vision for the industry and the role that the metaverse plays in it.
Cointelegraph: There’s a lot of talk about the metaverse, but many critics believe it’s only for enthusiasts. Do you agree, or who do you think can benefit from the metaverse?
Mark Bonner: The metaverse provides a platform for pioneers, thought leaders, and decision-makers to innovate and experiment as digital and virtually enhanced worlds continue to evolve. In Cannaland, created by Cannaverse Technologies, the metaverse landscape is designed to offer an immersive experience not only for enthusiasts and consumers but also for the general business-to-business (B2B) community. Whether you are a brand owner, a company involved in a specialized part of the cannabis industry, or a canna-curious consumer, Cannaland caters to a wide range of users.
CT: How do you see an immersive experience adding value to both the cannabis industry and the world?
MB: The transition from today’s 2D Web2 to the 3D immersive experience of Web3 will redefine how we interact, transact, and operate in a virtual environment. It will go beyond the capabilities of our physical world’s Web2. The immersive experience offered by the metaverse allows for a more engaging and interactive way for businesses to connect with their audience. This is especially beneficial for companies in the cannabis industry, both in the business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) sectors.
CT: What areas do you think the metaverse will have the most impact on?
MB: The metaverse has the potential to make a significant impact across various verticals. One example is in the realm of branding and advertising. Businesses can create a 360-degree immersive experience for consumers using the metaverse platform. This allows for more interactive and engaging interactions with businesses, services, and products. The real estate industry is another vertical that can benefit from the metaverse. Consumers can purchase and lease property in a digital environment, and developers can create virtual shopping malls and architectural solutions. The possibilities are endless.
CT: Can you provide a real-world example to illustrate how these areas can be applied?
MB: In the cannabis industry, there were many challenges related to advertising and distributing the product. I saw an opportunity to create a solution to this problem. I wanted to create a space where cannabis-related products could be advertised, transacted with a native token, and delivered, all in one place. This was something unprecedented in the cannabis community.
CT: What is your vision for the cannabis industry?
MB: My vision is to create the world’s first cannabis metaverse and revolutionize the industry. I want to pioneer cannabis product marketing, manufacturing, and merchandising with an innovative blockchain payment system. By doing so, I hope to empower every aspect of the cannabis and hemp communities, from cultivators to retailers, and address the existing gaps in the industry. Cannaland, the digital smart city, will connect all facets of the cannabis industry on a global scale.
CT: What can users expect from the world’s first cannabis-themed metaverse?
MB: Cannaland offers a wide range of experiences for users. It surrounds consumers with businesses, services, products, and digital lifestyle items, encouraging participation and transactions. The platform allows for virtual land and property sales, including purchasing and leasing. Shopping malls and shop-in-shop options can be created, and digital architectural solutions are available for clients. Cannaland also has a mobile app for easy land purchase/lease and its native token, as well as a game app where users can “play-to-earn” and “play-to-learn.”
Education is a key focus for Cannaland, with Cannalearn providing a space for collaboration with educational facilities, doctors, and researchers to study and publish relevant information about cannabis. The platform aims to educate governments, authorities, and universities about cannabis and the industry. In terms of entertainment, Cannaland offers music concerts, sports events, consumption lounges, interactive movies, and socializing in the metaverse. It also serves as a metaverse tourism destination, featuring famous cannabis landmarks from around the world.
Learn more about Cannaland.
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