As previously announced in November, the MAD Displays/ICS interactive content network, which is powered by a partnership between HIGH TIMES and Canna-net, is on track to install its first 50 dispensary locations by the end of the month. On the way to stores, five of the highly engaging floor-stands will be showcased at the HIGH TIMES Business Summit during the Big Industry Show at the LA Convention Center, January 19 – 20.
The first of its kind digital network will provide a comprehensive interactive video and touch-screen environment driven by both small screen/intimate and larger format displays placed in leading dispensaries in Colorado and California, with more than 750 dispensaries expected to be launched through the first half of 2017. Marketed and installed by MAD Displays of Denver and Integrated Compliance Solutions of Las Vegas, it is different from other recently announced networks that charge dispensaries for the service, as the MAD Display units are absolutely free to the retailers, and in many cases provide incremental revenue opportunities to the stores.
HIGH TIMES will be creating the advertising and content in the Canna-net network and Canna-net will be handling the infrastructure and content distribution of the partnership. The parties are all deeply rooted in Cannabis, with HIGH TIMES known for over 40 years for all things cannabis; ICS as a leading seed-to-bank hardware and software provider; MAD Displays, the first fully integrated advertising, visual merchandising and product placement supplier to the trade.
The Canna-net displays are designed either in a smaller format touch screen environment, where consumers can watch, learn and ask questions or in larger screen video for pure brand building.
“HIGH TIMES has always been at the forefront of brand building for the diversity of cannabis businesses over the last half century,” said Matt Stang, Chief Revenue Officer of HIGH TIMES. “With cannabis legalization on a meteoric rise, and literally thousands of dispensaries open, now is the time to continue building out the HIGH TIMES marketing platform by delivering critical information and content all the way to the point of purchase. With our partnership with Canna-net, we can introduce brands and educated consumers in our magazine, website, at the Cannabis Cups and now right in the store where millions are making the first legal cannabis purchases.”
“And now that they are beginning distribution, our advertisers are already anxious to participate, and many dispensaries we are talking to cannot wait to have floors-stands, monitors or counter units installed,” Stang continued. “Plus, product marketers are excited about getting guaranteed, off-the-shelf merchandising opportunities on the displays. MAD tells us they have already signed up some very impressive brands, including Caviar Gold in California and Incredibles in Colorado.”
“Canna-net was born out of effective shopper marketing programs within drug stores, cosmetics environment and salons,” said Pete Dugan, EVP of Business Development for Canna-net. “Having studied the ways that consumers learn and interact with video displays in those environments, and the vast impact it has on sales, we know that interactive displays within cannabis dispensaries are well timed. We are thrilled to partner with HIGH TIMES—who bring both the content and the advertising relationships that are essential to the network. And even more thrilled now that MAD and ICS are delivering on our distribution objectives.”
According to Dugan, 50 units will be in place by the end of January, and up to 200 a few weeks thereafter with an anticipated network size of over 750 by year end.
Check out the displays at the HIGH TIMES registration desk booth at the HIGH TIMES Business Summit, or reach out to mstang@nullhightimes.com for more information. For advertising sales call 212-387-0500. For display placements go to maddisplays.com/contact-us or call Dan at MAD Displays at 303-699-1437; or email cody.hershey@nullicslv.com or call 702-888-1777 ext. 301.
Get Tickets for the HIGH TIMES Business Summit HERE!