Rebud: Empowering Cannabis Experiences through Cardano NFTs

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Christopher Roldan

[GENERAL] Are you delivering this project as an individual or as an entity (whether formally incorporated or not)

Entity (Incorporated)

[GENERAL] Please specify how many months you expect your project to last (from 2-12 months)

5

[GENERAL] Please indicate if your proposal has been auto-translated into English from another language

No

[GENERAL] Summarize your solution to the problem (200-character limit including spaces)

We will create a Cardano NFT project based on our working model on Ethereum, integrated with our POS, offering token-gated discounts, onboarding Web2 customers, and increasing blockchain exposure. 

[GENERAL] Does your project have any dependencies on other organizations, technical or otherwise?

No

[GENERAL] If YES, please describe what the dependency is and why you believe it is essential for your project’s delivery. If NO, please write “No dependencies.”

no dependencies

[GENERAL] Will your project’s output/s be fully open source?

No

[GENERAL] Please provide here more information on the open source status of your project outputs

Our project outputs will not be open source. The integration between our proprietary POS system and the Cardano blockchain, as well as the associated artwork, are key intellectual property assets that we seek to keep proprietary. This approach ensures that we maintain control over the unique technology and creative elements we’ve developed. While we aim to share insights and best practices with the Cardano community, the specific code and assets related to this project will remain private to protect our competitive advantage and brand identity.

[METADATA] Horizons

NFT

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

We aim to create a new NFT project within our ecosystem, integrated with our proprietary POS and the Cardano blockchain. This innovative project addresses the pressing need for effective use cases for NFTs, bridging the gap between Web2 and Web3 users. Currently, many businesses struggle to engage with the growing Web3 audience, often missing out on valuable opportunities to enhance customer loyalty and retention. 

Our approach focuses on offering digital memberships that provide real-world utility. By delivering actual dollar discounts on products through our LogicKit POS system, we ensure that customers see tangible benefits from their NFT ownership. This unique feature sets our project apart, as it transforms the traditional concept of NFTs into practical tools for everyday transactions. 

Our project will engage cannabis retailers and their customers, effectively onboarding Web2 users into the Web3 space. We will create a seamless experience that encourages customers to explore the benefits of blockchain technology while receiving valuable discounts. This engagement will foster a sense of community among NFT holders, further incentivizing participation and loyalty. 

To demonstrate our impact, we will track user adoption, discount utilization, and overall sales growth attributable to the NFT program. By analyzing data and customer feedback, we can refine our offerings and showcase the value of integrating NFTs into a retail environment. 

This project is important to Cardano as it not only leverages its blockchain capabilities but also contributes to the ecosystem's growth by promoting the adoption of NFTs in real-world applications. By providing a clear and practical use case for NFTs, we aim to inspire other businesses to explore similar integrations, thereby enhancing the overall utility and appeal of the Cardano platform. 

[IMPACT] Please define the positive impact your project will have on the wider Cardano community

The success of our project will bring real value to the Cardano community by creating a tangible use case for blockchain in retail, specifically in the legal cannabis industry. We’ve already proven this concept with our working NFT model on Ethereum, integrated with our proprietary POS system. By launching a similar project on Cardano, we’ll demonstrate the practical utility of NFTs beyond art and collectibles, using them to offer token-gated discounts and loyalty rewards. In our current working concept, we offer our Ethereum NFTs in the form of a one–time payment – digital membership to our everyday web2 customer base that shops with us online or walks into one of our 4 physical locations. 

Positive Impact on the Cardano Community: 

• Expanded NFT Utility: Our project will extend the utility of Cardano NFTs into real-world retail, offering automatic discounts for NFT holders. This proves how blockchain can be applied in everyday business. 
• On-Chain Activity: By integrating our Cardano NFT project with our POS, we will increase on-chain transactions, driving activity on the Cardano blockchain through NFT sales by our web2 customer base and web3 community members. 
• Partnership Opportunities: Our platform will offer other Cardano NFT projects a way to collaborate with us and provide rewards to their holders, expanding the ecosystem. 
• Cannabis Industry Exposure: We will educate and demonstrate to our cannabis industry partners the practical use cases and benefits of blockchain technology, offering them a pathway to explore and adopt similar innovations in their own businesses. 

Measuring Impact: 

• Number of NFT Holders Using Discounts: We’ll track how many NFT holders link their wallets and use discounts, showing direct adoption. We’ll also track discount amounts and percentages saved. 
• Number of Customers Onboarded: We’ll track how many web2 customers we onboard to the Cardano blockchain through our online and instore sales of NFTs. 
• Increased Transactions and Retention: We’ll monitor transaction volume from NFT holders, looking at how this impacts customer retention. 
• Growth in On-Chain Transactions: We’ll track the increase in Cardano wallet connections and interactions with our POS system. 
• Partnerships with Other NFT Projects: We’ll measure how many NFT projects partner with us for exclusive rewards. 

Sharing Outputs: 

• Community Engagement: We’ll share our results and insights through presentations, spaces, and community events, helping others adopt similar solutions. 

In summary, this project will increase the utility of Cardano NFTs, drive more on-chain activity, and provide a practical blockchain use case, encouraging broader adoption within the retail sector. 

[CAPABILITY & FEASIBILITY] What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability? How do you intend to validate if your approach is feasible?

Our company is uniquely positioned to deliver this project successfully due to our existing experience and infrastructure. As a legal cannabis business, we have developed and operate a proprietary Point of Sale (POS) system, which is already integrated with the Cardano blockchain. This integration allows us to offer token-gated discounts to Cardano NFT holders, authenticating their ownership via a seamless connection between their digital wallets and their rebud.com accounts. This existing infrastructure proves our capability to manage blockchain technology effectively, particularly in a regulated industry like cannabis.

To validate the feasibility of our approach, we will build on this established foundation, using proven methodologies and technologies that we already leverage. The creation of a Cardano NFT project is a logical extension of our current operations, as it enhances the existing discount mechanism and promotes wider adoption among NFT holders and cannabis consumers. This will not only increase customer loyalty but also provide a scalable model that other cannabis businesses and Cardano NFT projects can adopt.

Steps demonstrating trust and accountability:

1. Track Record in Compliance and Operations: As a regulated cannabis business, we operate within strict legal and compliance frameworks. Our ability to navigate these regulations ensures that we maintain high levels of transparency and accountability in all our processes.
2. Blockchain Integration Experience: Our successful integration with the Cardano blockchain demonstrates our technical capability and commitment to innovation. We have the expertise to manage blockchain-based systems and handle token authentication securely and efficiently.
3. Financial Management and Reporting: We have established internal financial controls and reporting systems, ensuring that all funds are managed responsibly. This includes regular audits, budget oversight, and milestone-based progress tracking to ensure transparent use of grant funds.
4. Continuous Feedback and Iteration: We will gather feedback from users throughout the project lifecycle to ensure the system functions as intended. This process of testing and iteration will help us deliver a solution that meets both technical and business requirements.

In summary, our experience with blockchain technology, regulatory compliance, and financial accountability positions us as a trusted and capable partner to deliver this project. Through the creation of a Cardano NFT project, we aim to further develop the token-gated discount system, offering a valuable use case for the wider cannabis and NFT ecosystem.

[PROJECT MILESTONES] What are the key milestones you need to achieve in order to complete your project successfully?

Milestone 1: Creation and Completion of Art for Cardano NFT Project 

A: Milestone Outputs: 

• Development and finalization of original artwork for the Cardano NFT collection. 
• All NFT assets will be completed and ready for tokenization on the Cardano blockchain. 

B: Acceptance Criteria: 

• A complete set of unique digital artworks finalized and reviewed by internal stakeholders. 
• Art meets technical requirements for tokenization and integration with our proprietary POS system. 
• Art is visually cohesive, aligns with project goals, and meets pre-set quality standards. 

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion: 

• Presentation of final NFT artwork to the team and partners for approval. 
• Delivery of design files ready for minting, including metadata, to be submitted to the development team. 
• Documentation confirming the assets are prepared for integration with the Cardano blockchain. 

This milestone ensures that the creative foundation for the project is complete, serving as a critical step toward launching the Cardano NFT collection. 

Milestone 2: Smart Contract Completion and Marketplace Integration Testing 

• Objective: Finalize and test the smart contract for the new NFT project, ensuring the proper integration with the token-gated discount marketplace. 
• Key Deliverables: 
• Smart Contract Development: Complete the development of the smart contract for the Cardano NFTs, enabling features like ownership verification and token-gated access to discounts. 
• Integration Testing: Conduct thorough testing of the NFT project with the token-gated marketplace, ensuring that discounts are applied correctly when customers use their Cardano NFTs. 
• Bug Fixes and Improvements: Identify and resolve any issues discovered during testing, ensuring smooth functionality and a seamless customer experience at checkout. 
• Acceptance Criteria: 
• Successful deployment of the smart contract on the Cardano blockchain. 
• Verified functionality of the NFT integration with the marketplace, demonstrated by successful test transactions using NFTs for discounts. 
• Resolution of any issues uncovered during testing, with a fully operational marketplace. 

Milestone 3: Allocation of Tokens for Whitelist Spots, Mint Preparation, and Mint Release 

A: Milestone Outputs: 

• Allocate 60% of the total NFT tokens for whitelist spots, ensuring a transparent distribution process. 
• Develop a comprehensive communication strategy to inform potential whitelist participants about eligibility, benefits, and instructions. 
• Create a user-friendly registration platform for whitelist sign-ups, with clear guidelines and requirements. 
• Finalize preparations for the mint launch, including the smart contract deployment and minting interface. 
• Execute the minting process and officially release the NFTs to the public. 

B: Acceptance Criteria: 

• Successfully allocate the designated 60% of NFT tokens for the whitelist, tracked through a transparent system. 
• Share clear communication about the whitelist process through social media and community channels. 
• Complete all technical preparations for the mint, ensuring a fully functional minting interface and smart contract deployment. 
• Successfully execute the mint launch, with real-time data on token sales and participant engagement. 

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion: 

• Public announcement detailing the whitelist allocation and process, including metrics such as the number of tokens allocated and registration guidelines. 
• Confirmation of successful smart contract deployment and functionality of the minting interface, verified through testing and community engagement. 
• Post-mint analysis that includes sales data, participant feedback, and overall community reception. 

This milestone will establish a structured approach to token allocation, community engagement, and the successful release of our NFT project. 

Final Milestone: Project Close-Out Report and Video 

• Objective: Wrap up the project with a detailed report and video highlighting the key accomplishments, lessons learned, and future potential. 
• Key Deliverables: 
• Close-Out Report: A comprehensive report detailing the outcomes of each milestone, technical successes, community engagement metrics, and the overall impact of the project. 
• Project Video: A professional video summarizing the journey of the NFT launch, including behind-the-scenes insights, customer and community testimonials, and the technical integration. 
• Post-Launch Analysis: Review of the NFT mint results, marketplace activity, and feedback from token holders. 
• Acceptance Criteria: 
• Delivery of a thorough, data-driven project close-out report. 
• A compelling video that showcases the project’s success and highlights the benefits of the NFT utility. 
• Completion of a post-launch community AMA or presentation to discuss the results and gather feedback for future improvements. 

[RESOURCES] Who is in the project team and what are their roles?

Project Team Members:

Christopher Roldan – Project Administrator

X: x.com/apeGeneral_

Role: Christopher will manage the overall execution of the project, ensuring that each milestone is achieved on time and within budget. He will coordinate communication between the team, oversee project logistics, and maintain relationships with external stakeholders, such as the NFT and Cardano communities. Christopher will also lead the post-launch analysis and reporting, ensuring that the close-out report and video are delivered.

Hayk Karapetyan – Lead Developer

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hayk-karapetyan-4925a371/

Role: As the lead developer, Hayk will oversee all technical aspects of the project, including the smart contract development and ensuring the integration between the POS system and Cardano blockchain operates flawlessly. He will lead testing for the NFT project with the token-gated marketplace, troubleshoot any technical issues, and ensure the system's security and scalability.

Mark Herburger – Product Manager

X: https://x.com/tacosnsmoke

Role: Mark is responsible for aligning the project with business goals and user needs. He will oversee the NFT launch strategy, ensuring a seamless user experience from minting to token redemption in the marketplace. Mark will also coordinate with the marketing team to ensure the project's value is communicated effectively to both cannabis customers and the Cardano community.

Evan Hilton – Artist

X: https://x.com/hiltonvision

Role: Evan Hilton will serve as the lead artist for our proposed Cardano NFT project, bringing his unique artistic vision and expertise to create compelling, high-quality NFT artwork that resonates with our target audience and reflects the core values of our cannabis brand. Evan has worked for Coca-Cola, Disney, Vans etc. and has a very robust portfolio inside across legacy web2 and web3 brands.

Planned Recruitment:

• Smart Contract Developer: We will hire an additional smart contract developer with experience in Cardano's blockchain ecosystem. This role will support Hayk in refining and optimizing smart contracts for the NFT project. The ideal candidate will have proficiency in Plutus and Haskell to ensure robust, secure contract deployment.
• Community Manager: A community manager will be hired to oversee engagement on platforms like Discord, Telegram, and X. This person will interact with community members, gather feedback, and ensure that the messaging around the project and NFT utility is clear and consistent.
• Cardano-Based Artists: We plan to collaborate with Cardano-based NFT artists to work alongside Evan Hilton on the development of the NFT artwork. These artists will bring their experience within the Cardano ecosystem to ensure the visual design aligns with the culture of the blockchain community while maintaining the brand identity of the project.
• Minting on an Existing Platform: To ensure a smooth and efficient minting process, we aim to mint the NFT collection on an established Cardano NFT minting platform. This approach will leverage existing infrastructure to streamline the minting process and allow us to focus on marketing and community engagement while ensuring a secure and widely-recognized minting experience for our users.

Engagement and Communication:

We have already engaged our key team members, who have committed their time and expertise to the project. We are actively recruiting for the additional roles and have been in discussions with candidates who understand the project's scope and are prepared to contribute immediately upon approval of the funding.

We also maintain active engagement with the Cardano technical community, participating in group channels (e.g., Discord, Telegram) and having direct communication with relevant developers. This ensures that we have technical support and insights needed for the smart contract deployment and NFT integration.

All necessary permissions and agreements have been obtained to include team members and third-party collaborators in the proposal.

[BUDGET & COSTS] Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources

Milestone 1: Community Building, Brand Awareness, and White Paper Creation 

Requested Funds: 30,000 ADA 

Objective: Build a strong community foundation, raise brand awareness, and communicate the utility of the NFT project. 

Budget Breakdown: 

• Community Engagement & Marketing (5,000 ADA): 
• Influencer & Partner Collaborations: Engaging influencers and forming partnerships within the Cardano and cannabis industries to drive attention to the project. 
• Community Manager: Compensation for managing Discord, Telegram, and social forums to foster discussions and increase engagement. 
• White Paper Creation (5,000 ADA): 
• Professional services for technical writing, editing, and design of the white paper, ensuring it clearly communicates the technical architecture, integration with the Cardano blockchain, and project vision. 
• Brand Positioning & Public Relations (30,000 ADA): 
• Running extensive marketing campaigns to help position the brand within the cannabis and Cardano spaces, highlighting the differentiators of the NFT rewards program and company values. 

 

Milestone 2: Smart Contract Completion and Marketplace Integration Testing 

Requested Funds: 30,000 ADA 

Objective: Complete the development and testing of the smart contract and integrate it with the token-gated discount marketplace. 

Budget Breakdown: 

• Smart Contract Development (15,000 ADA): 
• Developer Fees: Compensation for developers specializing in Cardano smart contracts, ensuring the proper creation of the NFTs and token-gated discount functionality. 
• Third-Party Code Auditing: Hiring a professional audit service to verify the security and functionality of the smart contracts. 
• Marketplace Integration Testing (5,000 ADA): 
• Integration testing with our proprietary POS system, ensuring seamless interaction between the NFT holders and the discount system. 
• Bug Fixes and Improvements (10,000 ADA): 
• Developer resources for fixing bugs and optimizing the user experience during testing phases. 

 

Milestone 3: Art Completion and Minting Preparation 

Requested Funds: 45,000 ADA 

Objective: Finalize the NFT artwork and ensure that the minting process is set up for a successful launch. 

Budget Breakdown: 

• NFT Artwork Creation (30,000 ADA): 
• Artist Fees: Compensation for Cardano-based artists collaborating with our Art Director, Evan Hilton, to create unique artwork that aligns with the brand and resonates with the target audience. 
• Recruitment of additional talent if needed, including illustrators and graphic designers. 
• Pre-Mint Marketing & Hype (15,000 ADA): 
• Final marketing push, including teasers, interactive community events, and collaborations with influencers to build excitement around the mint. 
• Community giveaways or contests to incentivize engagement and drive participation. 

 

Final Milestone: Project Close-Out Report and Video 

Requested Funds: 45,000 ADA 

Objective: Wrap up the project with a comprehensive close-out report, a professional video, and post-launch analysis. 

• Distribute remaining funds to all project participants for payroll/services rendered 
• Provide comprehensive reporting on all deliverables from the project 
• Launch the official Mint 

Third-Party Services and Tools 

1. Cardano NFT Minting Platform: We will be using an existing Cardano-based NFT minting platform to handle the creation and distribution of NFTs. Costs include platform fees, wallet integration, and minting setup. 
2. Social Media Advertising Platforms: Paid campaigns on X, Instagram, and other platforms for targeted marketing. 
3. Data Analytics Tools: Post-launch analysis will utilize tools to assess user engagement, NFT sales, and overall marketplace activity. 

This cost breakdown aligns each stage of the project with clear financial commitments, ensuring transparency and responsible management of the requested funds. It also demonstrates our understanding of the project's technical and community engagement needs, ensuring successful implementation and post-launch evaluation. 

[VALUE FOR MONEY] How does the cost of the project represent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem?

Value for Money 

The costs associated with our Cardano NFT project reflect a strategic investment in the Cardano ecosystem, offering significant value for several reasons: 

1. Proven Model of Success: We already have a working model with our Ethereum-based NFT project, where we successfully provide token-gated discounts to NFT holders. This track record demonstrates our ability to implement similar functionality on the Cardano blockchain, increasing confidence in the project's success and the effectiveness of our funding request. 
2. Community Engagement and Education: A portion of the budget is allocated to community-building initiatives and educational outreach. By fostering engagement and understanding of blockchain technology among cannabis industry partners and Web2 customers, we will create a ripple effect that promotes broader adoption of the Cardano blockchain. This educational focus increases the long-term value of our project within the ecosystem. 
3. Significant Impact on the Ecosystem: Our project will facilitate the onboarding of traditional Web2 customers into the Cardano ecosystem, increasing on-chain transactions and user engagement. This not only boosts the visibility and utility of Cardano NFTs but also positions Cardano as a viable solution in the retail sector, particularly within the rapidly growing legal cannabis market. 
4. Transparent Fund Management: We have structured our budget to reflect responsible financial management and accountability. Each milestone is tied to specific deliverables, ensuring that funds are utilized efficiently and effectively. This transparency reassures stakeholders that their investment will yield tangible benefits. 
5. Alignment with Market Trends: The legal cannabis industry is on a trajectory of rapid growth, and integrating blockchain technology into this sector represents a forward-thinking approach. Our NFT project aligns with market trends and offers innovative solutions that can inspire further developments within the Cardano ecosystem. 
6. Established and Trusted Business: As a licensed business operating in Los Angeles and the state of California since 2017, we have a long track record of success and reliability. Our established reputation in the cannabis industry enhances our credibility and demonstrates our capability to manage funds effectively while delivering on our commitments. 

In summary, the costs of our project are justifiable and reflect the value we aim to create for the Cardano ecosystem. Our proven success, commitment to quality, community engagement, and strategic positioning within the cannabis industry ensure that this investment will yield significant returns, not only for our project but for the broader Cardano community as well.