In the eighth episode of Big Ideas in Cannabis on the Beard Bros Media Network, host Cassie Tomaselli sat down with Jack Blaeser, founder of Mosaic, to explore his background, the company’s mission, and the evolving landscape of cannabis technology.
From Early Investments to Industry Leadership
Jack Blaeser’s journey into cannabis began nearly a decade ago with his first investment in the industry. Reflecting on those early days, he noted that the industry was vastly different and faced numerous challenges, yet the opportunities were immense. Currently valued at around $40 billion in the U.S. alone—potentially reaching $100 billion when including illicit markets—cannabis presents significant growth prospects. Blazer emphasized that despite regulatory hurdles, the industry continues to expand, driven by both recreational and medical use, and opportunities to convert consumers from illicit markets.
The Genesis of Mosaic
Blaeser’s professional background spans over 25 years in technology and industry innovation, including telecom and finance. Recognizing the fragmentation within cannabis retail, he saw a pressing need for integrated solutions that could unify disparate tools and enhance efficiency for operators. Over three years ago, Mosaic was founded to address this gap. The platform offers dispensaries a branded, comprehensive digital experience—including mobile apps, online menus, loyalty programs, payments, and more—empowering brands to maintain ownership of their customer data and brand identity.
The Meaning Behind “Mosaic”
The name “Mosaic” reflects Blaeser’s personal ethos and the industry’s diversity. He explained that the word symbolizes bringing together varied pieces—people, cultures, technologies—to create something beautiful and powerful. His history of integrating technology across multiple sectors informs his approach to unifying the fragmented cannabis landscape.
Addressing Industry Fragmentation
Blaeser highlighted that cannabis’s fragmentation stems from its status as a nascent industry with complex regulations and a multitude of SKUs—potentially thousands—each with unique attributes. Unlike industries like hospitality or retail, cannabis operators must manage compliance, discounts, and inventory variations simultaneously. This complexity makes the technology landscape challenging, with many operators relying on multiple disconnected platforms.
Mosaic aims to simplify this by providing an all-in-one solution that enhances user experience, consolidates management tools, and streamlines digital engagement. As Blaeser pointed out, the digital storefront is often the first impression customers have of a dispensary; thus, a mobile-first, user-friendly platform is essential.
The Power of Mobile and Branded Apps
Blaeser emphasized that mobile is the dominant shopping channel, with nearly 89% of consumers engaging via smartphones. Mosaic’s mobile-first design ensures ease of use, allowing customers to browse, order, and earn loyalty points effortlessly. The platform’s branded apps enable dispensaries to create personalized, recognizable digital storefronts that foster customer loyalty and brand recognition—crucial in a competitive market.
Leveraging Data and AI
A recurring theme was the importance of data. Mosaic’s platform processes millions of dollars in transactions monthly, offering valuable insights into consumer behavior and industry trends. Blaeser expressed enthusiasm about integrating AI to automate processes, optimize marketing strategies, and personalize customer experiences. He highlighted that AI tools like ChatGPT are already being utilized by operators to streamline operations and enhance decision-making.
Overcoming Switching Challenges
Blaeser acknowledged that transitioning to new technology can be daunting for operators. To ease this, Mosaic provides integrations with existing point-of-sale systems and offers white-glove onboarding support. The platform’s architecture, built on Amazon AWS, guarantees reliability, scalability, and minimal downtime—critical factors for dispensaries where operational continuity is vital.
Proven ROI and Industry Outlook
Blaeser cited case studies demonstrating significant growth, such as a dispensary in Illinois generating approximately $8 million annually through Mosaic’s online platform—representing about 60% of their sales. He confidently projected that customers typically see a 25% sales uplift, with potential increases up to 100% when leveraging Mosaic’s full capabilities.
Despite challenges, Blaeser remains optimistic. He praised the resilience and grit of industry participants, likening the industry’s entrepreneurial spirit to America’s foundational history. He stressed that as regulations ease, and technology continues to mature, the industry’s growth potential will accelerate—creating jobs, generating tax revenue, and improving consumer access.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Cannabis and Technology
When asked about long-term visions, Jack Blaeser discussed potential revolutionary changes, including robotics and automation in supply chains within five years. Over the next 40 years, he envisions a cannabis industry increasingly driven by AI, with automated processes reducing human involvement in compliance and logistics.
He emphasized that despite technological advances, the cultural passion and resilience of cannabis industry professionals will remain central to its success. Blaeser underscored the importance of industry players learning and adopting AI tools now, to stay competitive and innovative.
Blaeser closed with a note of optimism, emphasizing that the industry’s growth depends on continuous innovation and collaboration. He also encouraged industry participants to embrace AI and leverage technology to unlock the full potential of cannabis.
