MassRoots: The Medical Marijuana Community, is a mobile platform for "discovering cannabis."
The app was pulled from the iTunes App store for failing to comply with the stipulation that apps should not "encourage excessive consumption of alcohol or illegal substances." However, the app has returned under a mandatory geolocation system, meaning that only people living in the 23 states that have legalized marijuana will be able to access to the app.
The app's main function may be social -- users can share photos and connect over a mutual love of cannabis -- however, the app's creators have also incorporated their strong advocacy of marijuana legalization into MassRoots, encouraging businesses and distributors to become involved with its network.
Cannabis Social Apps
MassRoots Returns to the App Store with Location-Based Restriction
Trend Themes
1. Location-based Restrictions - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop a social app that uses geolocation to restrict access based on legality or other criteria.
2. Advocacy Integration - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Combine a social app with a strong advocacy component to rally businesses and supporters around a cause.
3. Niche Social Networks - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create social platforms that cater to specific communities or interests, like the cannabis community.
Industry Implications
1. Mobile App Development - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Build mobile apps that incorporate location-based restrictions or advocacy features.
2. Legal Cannabis - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Explore ways to leverage technology and social networks to enhance business and community engagement within the legal cannabis industry.
3. Social Media - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Introduce new social media platforms that cater to specific niches or communities, diversifying the social landscape.