Leafly Introduces a Visual Cannabis Labeling System

The Leafly platform has developed a visual cannabis labeling system called the “Leafly Cannabis Guide.” This system uses laboratory data, user reviews, and generative design to make it easier to find the right cannabis strain.

Features of the Leafly Cannabis Guide

The chemical composition of cannabis is displayed as a diagram featuring circles and diamonds of various shapes and sizes. A circle represents CBD, while a diamond stands for THC. The diameter or length of each shape indicates the concentration of cannabinoids. Each color corresponds to one of eight terpenes, which interact with THC and CBD and influence the effects of cannabis. As a result, the system generates unique diagrams for each cannabis strain, allowing users to visually assess the plant’s characteristics.

Based on user reviews, the guide compiles a list of effects in three categories:

• Sensations
• Medical effects
• Negative side effects

For example, consider the Gelato strain. Most users report that this strain provides relaxation and euphoria (sensations), helps with stress, depression, and anxiety (medical effects), and may cause dry mouth and dizziness (negative side effects).

On each strain’s description page, users can read and write reviews, find information about similar strains, view photos of the cannabis, and see the plant’s genetic map. The Cannabis Guide is available both in the Leafly mobile app and on the Leafly website.

Leafly’s System: Simple and Functional

Leafly’s CEO, Tim Leslie, explained the project’s goals: “Cannabis has a unique physiological effect on each of us. That’s why we need a comprehensive yet intuitive way to describe the plant’s characteristics. Indica, sativa, and hybrid are a starting point for understanding cannabis, but this form of categorization doesn’t reflect the full spectrum of compounds in cannabis. The Leafly team of scientists and designers translated chemical information into a visual language to help people find the right cannabis strain.”

The Leafly Cannabis Guide was developed in collaboration with laboratory staff who provided data on the plant’s chemical content. Leafly experts worked with lab technicians from American companies such as Confidence Analytics, SC Labs, CannTest, ChemHistory, and others. As a result, the project’s authors guarantee the accuracy of the information provided. Leafly’s lead scientist, Nick Jikomes, stated that the company has created the most understandable and effective way to study cannabis strains. He believes the development will be appreciated by consumers, businesses, doctors, and researchers alike.