(SeaPRwire) –   ANAHEIM, Calif., April 2, 2026 — BLAZE, the premier retail technology suite for cannabis dispensaries, has introduced Herbie AI Budtender, an innovative virtual cannabis assistant created to transform online shopping. This release marks a strategic shift for BLAZE towards AI-powered automation, focusing on reducing labor costs and boosting digital returns for cannabis retailers.

With dispensary menus often featuring over 1,000 products, Herbie AI addresses “choice paralysis” by serving as an around-the-clock conversational guide. It differs from standard, inflexible chatbots by employing a foundational large language model that is enhanced with extensive cannabis knowledge and live catalog updates. Herbie interprets user intent, subtlety, and colloquial language to deliver expert-level, human-like responses to intricate sales questions, thereby increasing conversions.

“Herbie signifies the evolution of the BLAZE platform,” stated Scott Roehrick, VP of ECOM and AI at BLAZE. “This is more than a simple chatbot; it’s a sophisticated virtual budtender that mimics human interaction. Integrating Advanced Product Knowledge with Hyper-Personalization makes Herbie a powerful sales tool that closes the confidence gap between browsing online and shopping in-person, effectively converting visitors into customers.”

The Herbie AI Toolkit Includes:

• AI Recommendations: Leveraging the BLAZE AI Recommendation service, Herbie tailors each suggestion by evaluating a user’s past purchases alongside current trends in their local store.
• Enriched Catalog: Automatically supplements product information with details on terpenes, flavors, and anticipated effects to clarify why a particular strain suits the user.
• Deal Expert: Actively clarifies intricate deals to assist users in obtaining the best value.
• Cart Awareness & In-Chat “Add to Cart”: Streamlines the process by enabling users to add items to their shopping cart directly within the chat.
• Purchase Memory: Remembers a customer’s previous three orders to facilitate easy reordering.

Herbie is built for effortless implementation throughout BLAZE’s complete customer-focused platform, delivering a consistent experience on BLAZE Sites, E-commerce platforms, Mobile Apps, and Self-Serve Kiosks. This introduction underscores BLAZE’s dedication to rapidly implementing state-of-the-art technology, keeping its clients ahead in cannabis retail innovation.

Herbie AI is currently accessible to all BLAZE partners. Dispensaries aiming to improve their digital storefront and raise their Average Order Value can find more information and book a demonstration at blaze.me.

About BLAZE: BLAZE offers an all-in-one technology platform for cannabis dispensaries and delivery services, including point-of-sale systems, payment processing, and e-commerce tools. BLAZE is dedicated to pioneering new solutions and developing the resources retailers require to grow effectively within a challenging regulatory environment.

Media Contact: Press@blaze.me

SOURCE BLAZE