Investigation reveals AI crypto vape Gudtrip does not pay Bitcoin per puff
Despite marketing slogans promising Bitcoin for every hit, the California-sold device pays a lump sum upon setup. Regulators and researchers raise concerns over the product’s claims and health implications.
An investigation by The Verge has confirmed the physical existence of Gudtrip, an AI-powered cannabis vape marketed by Puffpaw, while simultaneously debunking its core advertising claims. The device, which retails for $67 at California dispensaries including NUG Cannabis in Oakland, was promoted with slogans such as "every hit delivers Bitcoin" and "Invest while you puff." However, testing and corporate correspondence reveal that the crypto rewards are decoupled from consumption.
Gudtrip’s Chief Technology Officer, Rishi Kommuri, stated that Bitcoin rewards are paid as a one-time lump sum upon device activation, ranging from $2 to $60 in Bitcoin equivalent. Kommuri clarified that the reward does not scale with puff duration, session count, or daily use, noting that a customer who never uses the device after activation receives the same reward as one who uses it regularly. He described the structure as a standard consumer loyalty mechanic, asserting that offering financial incentives per consumption type would be illegal.
The discrepancy between marketing and reality was further highlighted by the Gudtrip app, accessible via TestFlight. Initial screenshots and promotional material suggested a progress bar for "Gudtrip Points" linked to puffing. Kommuri identified this as a legacy feature from other hardware products, clarifying that the points are non-monetary, not redeemable for cash or cryptocurrency, and no longer active. The app’s promise of "ongoing crypto rewards over time" was also redefined as a future, non-existent portfolio management feature for crypto investment planning.
Following the investigation, Gudtrip removed or altered social media posts and website content that previously tied crypto rewards to the number of puffs taken. Indexed versions of posts containing phrases such as "every hit earns crypto" and "Invest while you puff" now return unavailable errors. The company’s website has been updated to remove these claims, with blank space remaining where the text previously appeared beneath the company logo.
The product has drawn scrutiny from regulators and health experts. Jordan Traverso, deputy director of public affairs at the California Department of Cannabis Control, stated the agency was unfamiliar with the product and had contacted the manufacturer to learn more about its features. Meanwhile, researchers speaking to crypto outlet DL News warned that encouraging daily cannabis use for financial incentives could be dangerous and habit-forming. Puffpaw, the company behind Gudtrip, also markets a gamified smart vape for nicotine, though its mechanism for incentivising quitting remains unclear.
