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What Is a Dispensary?

A dispensory is a place where cannabis products are sold. Most dispensaries source products from other manufacturers and must excel at inventory management.

Developing strong dispensary standard operating procedures (SOPs) is an essential part of running a dispensary. SOPs help create efficiencies, maintain compliance, and mitigate risk.

BOPIS is a dispensary workflow that allows customers or patients to browse product online and then select which items they want to purchase in store. This is a great way to increase sales and improve customer experience.

Flower

A flower is the smokable portion of a cannabis plant. It contains the terpenes and cannabinoids that give cannabis its potency and effect. Most dispensaries have several types of bud to choose from, including loose flower, pre-rolls and more. Loose flower is typically dried and cured before it is sold. It can be purchased in whole form or ground into a powder, which is usually easier to smoke than a whole piece. Loose flower can also be infused into edible products or placed into a pre-rolled joint.

Despite being one of the oldest cannabis product categories, flower continues to hold a prominent place in most dispensaries. This is likely due to its versatility and the wide variety of ways that it can be consumed. For those new to cannabis, flower is the perfect introduction, as it is available in many different forms that are affordable and easy to use. It can also be used to experiment with different consumption methods and find what works best for the individual.

Shake

Often thought of as the bottom of the barrel, shake is the leftover pieces of weed that were separated from frosty nugs during the processing of cannabis buds. Shake can be a useful option for consumers without a grinder or those looking to save money on expensive flower.

However, like with any weed product, shake varies greatly in quality. In some cases, it can be rife with unsmokable stems and seeds and may not provide a good psychoactive experience. In addition, since shake is typically a mix of several strains, the effects of each individual strain won’t be as predictable as with higher-quality flower.

Still, for those who enjoy the convenience of rolling joints or making edibles, shaking can be a worthwhile investment. It can be easily mixed into joints or pre-rolls, and it can also be used to make tinctures. It also provides a more mild option for those who don’t want to get too high.

Shatter

Shatter is one of the most popular forms of cannabis concentrate. It is known for its glass-like clarity and brittle consistency. This type of extract is made using butane extraction and typically has a high THC content. It is also known for its potent effects and terpene profiles.

Unlike wax, which has a gooey texture due to agitation during the extraction process, shatter is crystal clear and hard like a rock. It can be consumed by dabbing it with a special dab rig or inhaled through a vaporizer that is designed for concentrates.

Because shatter is so potent, it is recommended that consumers start with a small dose and then gradually increase their intake over time. Users should also be aware that certain medications, such as blood thinners and antidepressants, may interact with shatter. It is best used in a safe, comfortable environment. Using shatter is a great way to enjoy the unique flavors and intense effects of cannabis concentrates.

Edibles

If you’re shopping for cannabis edibles, the choices are vast. You can find sweet and savory options, from chocolate bars to gummies. They can be infusions of THC, CBD or a combination of the two. The labels for these products often list the amount of THC in each serving, but you should be sure to read it carefully.

When consumed, THC travels through your stomach, liver, and bloodstream, then crosses the blood-brain barrier to interact with your endocannabinoid system. This interaction affects mood, sleep, appetite, and pain response.

Unlike smoking or vaping, the effects of edibles take longer to kick in and last for up to 8 hours. They also vary from person to person, depending on their tolerance levels and the amount of food or alcohol consumed beforehand. This variation presents a challenge for consumers, but with proper education and understanding, edibles can be safe, effective and enjoyable.

Topicals

Designed to target specific skin conditions, cannabis topicals are infused lotions, balms and oils that can be applied to the body for localized relief. They are typically non-intoxicating and can deliver a wide variety of therapeutic benefits including pain relief, muscle relaxation, skin health and more.

While traditional topical creams and lotions may feature THC or CBD as the primary cannabinoids, advanced extraction technology has enabled wellness brands to add additional cannabinoids like CBN, THCa & CBDA to their formulas. The result is a diverse array of product options for every skin need and tactile experience.

With the exception of THC topical patches, most topical products don’t penetrate the bloodstream enough to intoxicate users or show up on drug tests. Instead, the cannabinoids in a topical formula are absorbed into the dermis and interact with the body’s endocannabinoid receptors to offer targeted effects. When using a topical, apply generously and massage it into the skin to get the most out of your experience.

Pre-rolls

Infused pre-rolls are a popular option for cannabis consumers that are looking to try new flavors and potencies. These ready-to-smoke options are also one of the fastest growing segments in the marijuana industry. However, a high-quality preroll isn’t easy to make. To ensure a good product, you’ll need to establish standard operating procedures (SOPs) for your manufacturing and packaging process. These SOPs can help you identify efficiencies and savings in your operations while ensuring quality control and consistency across your products.

Traditionally, pre-rolls are made from ground cannabis flower and a paper cone or tube. The cannabis is either mixed with a concentrate, like THC distillate, or injected directly into the cone. These options allow you to experience the full flavor and potency of premium flower blends without having to roll your own.

BOPIS

BOPIS, or buy-online-pickup-in-store, is a retailing trend that provides customers with convenience and brand loyalty. It bridges the gap between online and in-store shopping and optimizes operational efficiency. However, the system isn’t without its challenges. In order to avoid customer frustration and backlogs, retailers need to be prepared for the increased workload.

In addition, it is important to make sure that the process is seamless for your customers. Make sure your website and mobile app are easily accessible on any device, and that the BOPIS option is clearly marked on product pages and in checkout flows. This will help to reduce confusion and improve the overall experience.

Finally, it is important to communicate with your customers when their orders are ready. You should send SMS, email, and push notifications to remind them about the system and to keep them updated. This will ensure that your customers have a great experience and don’t feel let down.

BCC

BCC stands for blind carbon copy, and it allows an email sender to include additional recipients without the primary recipient knowing they’ve been included. When used judiciously, BCC can help email senders manage their communications more efficiently. For instance, BCC can be useful for sharing newsletters to a wide audience that does not want their contact information to be public.

A dispensary point-of-sale system is a key component of a cannabis store’s technology ecosystem. A good POS system can integrate with inventory, state seed-to-sale tracking systems (such as Metrc), loyalty programs, and debit card payment processors.

Using a POS system can also help budtenders better manage inventory by identifying when items are below par levels and need to be ordered. This can help avoid running out of products and losing potential revenue. In addition, a POS system can automate and streamline the checkout process for customers and patients.

SMS

SMS (Short Message Service) is an effective way to communicate with your customers. Dispensaries can use this channel to send promotions, announcements, and marketing content directly to their audience’s mobile devices. SMS marketing can be especially useful in the cannabis industry because it can help dispensaries connect with consumers in a manner that is compliant with regulations.

However, dispensaries should be careful not to over-saturate their audience with text blasts. Too many text messages can lead to unsubscribes and irritate your customers. The best way to avoid this is to test your marketing strategy on a small group of subscribers before sending it out to your entire list.

To maximize the benefits of your SMS campaign, consider targeting high-value customers with exclusive promotions and rewarding them for their loyalty. This can help increase engagement and strengthen the customer-business relationship. Similarly, messaging about new products can drive conversions, so be sure to segment your audience and target them with relevant offers.