Skip to content
Search AI Powered

Latest Stories

SXSW: How Will Dispensaries Look and Feel in the Future?

As cannabis becomes more mainstream, dispensaries need to create better experiences for customers.
As cannabis becomes more mainstream, dispensaries need to create better experiences for customers.

Sign Up for The Bluntness Newsletter for Your Weekly Dose of Cannabis News


The days of purchasing marijuana in a cold, steel, and heavily secured dispensary may be coming to an end. With the legalization of marijuana on the rise and cannabis becoming more mainstream, so are the industry’s retail business practices.



When creating and designing dispensary layouts; consumers, their needs, and comfort are all being considered throughout the entire business development phase. During SXSW’s “The New Age Dispensary” panel, designers, retail planners, and business leaders within cannabis discussed the future of dispensaries and what consumers really want.


Create an Experience


As cannabis becomes more accessible, there will new types of customers.


“For many of your customers, this will be their first time visiting a dispensary so you want to make sure their experience is memorable,” says Megan Stone, owner of Royal Highness Cannabis Boutique. “Considering your customer’s personality goes a long way.”


Providing mindful touches such as an open consultation space with views of the product puts the customer’s mind at ease while also breaking down intimidation and fears.


Consider Familiarity


When customers experience a new product with a familiar layout, their shopping experience is automatically put at ease.


“In Canada I have seen a dispensary with a record store layout, it did not look or feel like a dispensary,” added Anne Forkutza, a brand strategist with Cova. “Music was playing and all of the different strains were placed on albums, just like a record store.”


Other familiar touches could include offering customers light refreshments such as water, coffee or tea.


The Power of Visual Merchandising


“Engaging the five senses and creating an amazing layout for your dispensary goes a long way with your customers,” added Stone. “Learning technology also offers an element of comfort to the new cannabis consumer. Having choices and learning about different products visually through technology not only speaks to the customer but gives them a sense of power and control over their experience.”


The new dispensaries should also explore innovative branding practices. “Get away from brands that start with ‘Canna,’ using the color green, and also the leaf.”


Easing POS Pain


The location of the cash register within a dispensary has the potential to be a pain point.


With Cannabis being a cash only business, your customers will spend anywhere from 3-5 minutes at the register. The point-of-sale area of a dispensary should be one of the most consciously-designed.


Ensuring that this area has messaging is a great way to connect with your customers. Moreover, mentioning specials, sponsored events, and future product offers are great conversation starters.


As Cannabis the continues to grow, the dispensary customer will become more dynamic. Additions such as educating and training staff to be mindful and compassionate of every customer from the casual user to the cancer-patient creates customer loyalty.


In all, when designing the new-age dispensary, it is not always about budget. Design, thought, effort and an innovative mindset go a long way.

More For You

Store your psilocybin mushrooms properly for best results.
Store your psilocybin mushrooms properly for best results.
Photo by Marco Allegretti on Unsplash

Psilocybin 101: How to Store Magic Mushrooms to Maximize Potency and Shelf Life

Magic mushrooms, or psilocybin mushrooms, have been embraced for their transformative effects and potential therapeutic benefits. However, like any organic material, they are perishable and can lose potency—or worse, become unsafe—if not stored correctly. Whether you're healing depression or having trippy sex to hallucinatory entertainment, understanding how to properly store your mushrooms can help you preserve their effects for months or even years.

This comprehensive guide outlines best practices, advanced techniques, and essential tips for safely storing magic mushrooms to maintain their potency and avoid spoilage.

Keep ReadingShow less
Certo aka fruit pectin is intended for marmalade or jam products. But can it help you pass a drug test?
Certo aka fruit pectin is intended for marmalade or jam products. But can it help you pass a drug test?

Can Certo Help You to Beat a Drug Test

In the quest for a sure-fire way on passing a drug test, you’ve probably come up with a variety of uncanny methods ranging from outrageous to reliable. In the long list of possible options is the Certo detox method, and it's supposed ability to help you pass a THC drug test on short notice. 

Does it work, and is it safe? And, just what is Certo, and why do internet forums promote it as a trusted detox method? Are there other trusted brands worth a try? Let’s take a look. 

Keep ReadingShow less
How to Make a Cannagar Without a Mold: A Comprehensive Guide. - The Bluntness

How to Make a Cannagar Without a Mold: A Comprehensive Guide. - The Bluntness

How to Make a Cannagar Without a Mold: A Comprehensive Guide

There are so many different ways to consume cannabis, and each method speaks to the kind of consumer you might be. If you're the type of cannoisseur to opt for a blunt, chances are you like your weed with a little kick, which is why a cannagar is the perfect product for you.

What Is A Cannabis Cigar? aka Cannagar

Made from a cannagar mold, cannabis oil, cannabis leaves, and about 4-12 grams of ground flower (depending on how hard you’re willing to go), cannagars are designed to knock you on your ass with sophistication.

Keep ReadingShow less
Getting you ready for your first magic mushroom trip - The Bluntness

Getting you ready for your first magic mushroom trip - The Bluntness

How Long Do Shrooms Last? Magic Mushroom Guide for Beginners

In 2022, general interest in magic mushrooms has spiked to unprecedented levels not seen since the 1960s. Thanks to research showing promising results for patients, lawmakers a handful of states and cities already have or are considering loosening psilocybin restrictions.

A few states such as Oregon have fully legalized psilocybin treatment for all adult patients, while others want to limit it to veterans or others with PTSD.

Keep ReadingShow less
What to do with all that kief at the bottom of your grinder? Coffee! - The Bluntness

What to do with all that kief at the bottom of your grinder? Coffee! - The Bluntness

DIY: How to Make Kief Coffee

If you’ve been consuming cannabis for a while now, you’ve heard of kief – in fact, you might be scrounging around at the bottom of your grinder for some as we speak. Kief is derived from the trichomes of the cannabis plant, making it a concentrated substance that contains cannabinoids and terpenes.

There are many ways to utilize this part of the plant, but infusing it with coffee is one of the tastiest and most effective methods. If you want to know how to make kief coffee, this one’s for you.

Keep ReadingShow less