Dispensary Products: What to Carry & How to Stand Out

May 18, 2021 Cannabis Business, Entrepreneurs

Dispensary operators need to stock the best-selling adult-use and medical marijuana products; there’s no way around that. But what should you carry, how can you make your operation stand out, and which cannabis product will increase sales the most?

We hope that after reading this post, you’ll enhance your dispensary’s operations with the cannabis products you stock.

dispensary products marijuana flower cannabis flower

1. Marijuana Flower

One of the many staple products that consumers are looking for is cannabis flower. Dried marijuana flower actually makes up 49 percent of transactions.

Many different marijuana flower strains are available for purchase at wholesale prices, so it’s important to know what will work best with your demographics.

Generally speaking, some of the most popular strains for medical and recreational use include:

– OG Kush

– Girl Scout Cookies

– Green Crack

But to make sure your business stands out, you’ll need to carry the hottest, newest, and rarest strains from the most reputable growers. For example, it’s always a good idea to stock a wide variety of the rarest and highly sought-after strains, such as Dr. Grinspoon, Panama Red, Jamaican Lion, and Lasqueti Haze.

Also, make sure to stock organic and sustainably grown flower whenever possible. Besides being free of harmful chemicals, these buds are cultivated with the environment in mind, and that’s something everyone can get behind!

2. Recreational and Medical Marijuana Edibles

Edibles are becoming increasingly popular throughout the US. These cannabis-infused foods and drinks make up around 13 percent of all dispensary sales because they’re a great way for non-smokers to get their cannabinoid fix.

Some consumers choose to eat these infusions because they don’t like the stigma of smoking. Others may have trouble with lung capacity or respiratory issues, which makes it difficult for them to smoke.

Headset.io reported this list of the best-selling cannabis edibles in California based on trailing 90 days units sold:

  1. Camino – CBN/THC 1:5 Midnight Blueberry Gummies from Kiva
  2. Indica Marionberry Gummies from WYLD
  3. Raspberry Gummies from WYLD
  4. Hybrid Huckleberry Gummies from WYLD
  5. Camino – Watermelon Lemonade Gummies from Kiva
  6. CBN/THC 2:1 Elderberry Gummies from WYLD
  7. Camino – Pineapple Habanero Gummies from Kiva
  8. Camino – Wild Berry Gummies from Kiva
  9. CBD/THC 1:1 Pomegranate Gummies from WYLD
  10. Camino – Wild Cherry Gummies from Kiva

Of course, the cannabis infusions available will vary from state to state as shipping across state borders is still prohibited federally. But each state has its own brands producing these products, and conducting a bit of research before stocking your shelves is highly recommended.

Since taste is subjective, you might not know which infusions will sell well in your store until you’ve displayed some stock. Be sure to offer an assortment of different types. For instance, medical marijuana gummies and CBD products are always popular, but so are chocolate bars and lozenges.

To make sure your operation stands out,  try to offer some unique medical marijuana infusions. For example, if you notice a lot of gummies, chocolate, and lozenges at another local dispensary, try making or sourcing baked goods or infused drinks.

If you’re still unsure about restrictions and regulations on cannabis-infused food sales in your area, conduct some research. Stay up-to-date with any new regulations concerning the manufacturing, distribution, and sale of food products containing cannabinoids in your region to ensure you steer clear of compliance-related liabilities.

For example, in California, edible cannabis products are limited to 10 milligrams of THC per serving. Each package, regardless of whether for medical or recreational use, is allowed to have up to 100 milligrams.

Interested in expert guidance navigating your state’s regulations to ensure compliance? LET US KNOW! Our experts are ready and waiting to assist you every step of the way.

3. Cannabis Concentrates

Concentrates ranging from wax to alcohol-based tinctures are also available at dispensaries. These products are highly potent and feature impressive terpene profiles, making them appealing to patients and recreational connoisseurs alike.

Concentrates are a preferred way for cannabis patients to get an even higher dose of cannabinoids as they’re made from pure resin extracted from the flower and trim. These products can contain up to 80% THC content, and consumers love them because they’re more discreet than other consumption methods.

Headset.io reports these are the best selling cannabis concentrates in California based on trailing 90 days units sold:

  1. Wedding Cake Live Resin (LR) Budder (1g) from Sun Valley Caregivers
  2. Sunday Zookies LR (1g) from Raw Garden
  3. Platinum Zkittles LR (1g) from STIIIZY
  4. Frutti Di Bosco LR (1g) from Raw Garden
  5. Cereal Milk Terp Sugar (1g) from CannaBiotix (CBX)
  6. White Runtz Shatter (1g) from Nepenthe
  7. Hibiscus Shatter (1g) from Nepenthe
  8. Sweet & Sour Rosin (1g) from Kalya
  9. Strawberry Rose Live Resin (1g) from Raw Garden
  10. Banana Pudding Crumble (Half Gram) from Flavor

To make sure your company stands out, make sure it’s fully stocked with potent concentrates with various terpene profiles. Look for small local extractors to build relationships with to ensure you have a revolving door of the best sauce around.

4. Vaporizers (vapes) for Extracts or Dry Herb

Vapes are commonly used by consumers who prefer to avoid inhaling the combusted product. Some prefer vaping extracts while others enjoy dry herbs. Regardless, these devices are some of the best-selling products in dispensaries because:

  • They’re portable. Consumers can take pen-style vape devices nearly anywhere with ease. Desktop vapes are a different story!
  • They’re discreet. Minimal odor means stealthy consumption! Whether a slim vape or a desktop vape, the process doesn’t involve combustion.
  • They don’t mask the flavor in the product. Flower and concentrate terpenoids are easier to taste when the combusted product isn’t convoluting the flavors. This is arguably the cleanest way to consume.

Here’s a list of some dry herb and concentrate vaporizers worth stocking in your dispensary:

  1. PAX 3 Vaporizer
  2. MicroG
  3. Arizer Extreme Q Vaporizer
  4. G Pen Pro Vaporizer
  5. Pulsar APX 2 Vaporizer
  6. G Pen Dash Dry Herb Vaporizer
  7. Storz & Bickel Volcano Hybrid Desktop Vaporizer
  8. Vaporite Solo Digital Desktop Vaporizer
  9. Atmos Jump Vaporizer
  10. Top Vapor VP-100 Desktop Vaporizer

To make sure your dispensary stands out, stock vapes for each tier consumer and educate your budtenders on each device’s benefits. Carry the more affordable brands for those who want to save. But keep the pricier devices like the Volcano on hand for consumers looking for a next-level experience.

dispensary product rolling papers

5. Rolling Papers

Papers are some of the simplest products to carry in a dispensary. These products are discreet, affordable, and the right options will help your customers get the most out of their buds.

Some of the best-selling papers on the market today are made by RAW. These papers are for smokers who enjoy chemical-free bliss with every joint they roll. The company offers unrefined papers as a natural alternative, giving smokers organic hemp papers that are additive-free, as well as chlorine-free papers.

Flavored papers like Juicy Jay’s line also fly off the shelves at dispensaries. The company boasts more than 30 flavors featuring a “triple-dipped” flavoring system that enhances the flavor of cannabis flower.

To list out the numerous popular brands found in dispensaries throughout the U.S. would be overkill. But to make sure your dispensary stands out, carry as many options as possible and make sure your budtenders know the pros and cons of each.

Stocking the Dispensary Products People Love

New dispensaries can find it troubling to figure out what medical marijuana and recreational products people want. It’s nearly impossible to generalize what your customers will want to buy before they walk in the door.

As an operator of this sort of establishment, you know that your customers must be 21 years of age or older. But just because they’re 21 years of age doesn’t mean they know what marijuana products they want!

Older customers might want medical marijuana products like sprays and other innovative forms of products derived from the cannabis plant. But the younger generations may be looking for marijuana flower grown organically off site.

Some consumers like to browse products. This where medical marijuana, recreational marijuana, and CBD products become appealing in accordance with packaging and price point.

One of the best ways to figure out which products your store should carry is through trial and error! Start with some of the most popular brands of a specific edible (like gummies). Then, keep an eye on customer interest each time you restock. Repeat this process until you find the infused snacks everyone just has to have!

Need help managing your inventory and financials? Contact us now! We’ll incorporate excellent bookkeeping practices to ensure your compliance.