Like other sectors, technology-driven transformations in the cannabis industry cannot be ignored. As cannabis decriminalization and legalization efforts gain foot across the globe, cannabis dispensaries and retail markets are becoming a promising market for many. Advancing technology plays a crucial role in shaping the cannabis industry, improving customer experience, compliance, and streamlining general operations. Below are a few ways technology has influenced modern cannabis retail and dispensaries:
1. Online Cannabis Ordering and Delivery Services
The introduction of online cannabis ordering and delivery services has changed how customers interact with dispensaries and retail stores. Traditionally, customers had to visit cannabis dispensaries to buy their favorite products. This was inconvenient, especially for customers who lived far from licensed cannabis stores.
However, this isn’t an issue with cannabis dispensaries and delivery platforms like Ghouse Delivery taking advantage of tech-driven online ordering and delivery services. Online platforms and mobile apps allow customers to order their products from home. Such accessibility benefits cannabis patients and customers who live in remote areas or have mobility issues.
Customers also enjoy the convenience of choosing their preferred payment options. Physical cannabis dispensaries heavily relied on cash transactions, which was limiting. Online platforms allow customers to choose from various payment options. Such variety has reduced reliance on cash transactions and improved customer experience.
Delivery service providers have made online ordering more beneficial to their customers. For instance, providing discreet deliveries to customers’ homes is perfect for those still struggling with the social stigma of using cannabis.
However, while online ordering and home deliveries are beneficial, it presents a common challenge of age verification. Dispensaries have been forced to implement stringent ordering and verification processes to ensure only customers of age purchase their cannabis products.
2. Point-of-Sale Systems
Point-of-sale systems have significantly transformed how cannabis retail stores and dispensaries operate. As mentioned, cannabis transactions have long been cash-based. Cash transactions often had security issues, and it was difficult for dispensaries to track sales. However, the use of POS systems has solved these issues.
Better inventory management is the first benefit of using POS systems in cannabis sales. POS systems automatically track product sales and remaining stock levels by strain and product type. With this, dispensaries can monitor inventory for specific strains and products, eliminating the risk of running out of popular cannabis products.
POS systems allow dispensaries to analyze their sales data and identify their best sellers. Online stores and dispensaries also use POS systems for compliance reasons. Cannabis dispensaries and online stores should adhere to various local and state laws. For instance, they should record all their sales and maintain their purchase limits.
Lastly, POS systems provide insightful data that helps owners make strategic decisions. For instance, data gathered from sales trends helps them identify popular strains, evaluate their marketing campaigns, peak operation hours, preferred payment method, and more. This information helps dispensaries optimize their marketing efforts and operations to meet customer demands.
3. Better Compliance and Security
Technology has also made it possible for cannabis dispensaries to comply with legal provisions. The cannabis industry, right from cultivation, harvesting, and sale of weed, has complicated legal provisions that those involved should adhere to. Fortunately, technology has made it easy for farmers and dispensaries to meet all compliance requirements.
Though not fully developed, the cannabis growing and selling industry is guided by strict local, state, and federal regulations. Ignoring or failing to meet these provisions attracts heavy penalties and other consequences for dispensaries. However, online stores and dispensaries can use technologically-driven solutions to navigate this complicated landscape.
Dispensaries can rely on specially developed compliance software that works with POS systems for tracking purposes. The software automates most compliance tasks, such as sales reporting, tax calculations, inventory management, and age verification for buyers. Streamlining such processes reduces the risks of human error and ensures dispensaries adhere to the law.
Compliance software also eliminates record-keeping and reporting challenges initially faced by online stores and cannabis dispensaries. It maintains accurate records of all transactions, simplifying auditing and inquiries from local authorities.
4. Cannabis Education and Product Information
Technology has also transformed how dispensaries educate and disseminate product information to their customers. Most customers, especially online shoppers, don’t know much about cannabis strains and the best product for their needs. Education provided by online stores and dispensaries is crucial for customers looking to make purchases.
Dispensaries can install interactive kiosks and digital screens to help in-store customers make their purchase decisions. They can use these displays to provide more information on cannabis strains, recommended consumption methods, expected effects, and side effects.
Smartphone applications are also valuable tools for sharing cannabis content. Dispensaries can use mobile apps to educate customers about their products, cannabinoid profiles, dosage guidelines, and more. Providing this information helps customers make well-informed decisions.
Dispensaries can also use social media platforms, websites and host webinars to educate their customers. Providing detailed product information ensures that customers make the right choice of product. It also fosters safe and responsible cannabis use.
5. Seed-to-Sale Tracking
Advancing technology has also made cannabis seed-to-sale tracking possible. Seed-to-sale tracking is important to cannabis growing as it ensures transparency and accountability in the cannabis supply chain. As the name suggests, this involves monitoring cannabis plants from seeds (cultivation) to processing and sale. Seed-to-sale tracking gives consumers and regulators a clear view of the origin, quality, and safety of cannabis strains.
This process begins during the cultivation stage. Those who cultivate cannabis are required to maintain accurate records of the propagated strain and special growing conditions put in place. Handlers of other cannabis production stages, be it harvesting or packaging, should also keep a record of their activities. Doing this ensures that all products are uniquely identifiable and can be traced to their origin.
Endnote
Technology remains at the forefront of most sectors, including cannabis industry growth. Unlike before, cannabis users can trace their preferred strain to its cultivator. Customers can order their favorite weed strains and have them delivered discreetly to their homes. Cannabis dispensaries and online stores can also maintain compliance with various state and federal regulations without much struggle.
MORE ON CANNA-TECH, READ ON...
