Updated October 16th, 2023
What is a POS? Do dispensaries need a POS? Here’s an inside look including 7 of the best dispensary POS software platforms available today.
What is a POS system?
A POS system is a type of retail software that allows you to collect customer payments, track store inventory, and maintain accurate records for compliance with the imposed regulations.
Dispensary POS vs Traditional POS
Cannabis retailers cannot use traditional POS software because while they typically include things like inventory & sales management, loyalty management, and data & analysis functionality, traditional POS systems will not be able to account for compliance and seed-to-sale tracking.
The Best Dispensary POS Systems in 2023
Dutchie POS is a “powerful yet intuitive cannabis dispensary POS, with the ability to support any operation, big or small.”
Key features:
- Unified Order Management: Consolidate ecommerce, in-store, and delivery orders within a single payment platform.
- Seamless Payment Integration: Boost revenue and cut down on cash-related expenses with the support of in-store debit and Dutchie Pay integrations.
- Sophisticated Customer Interface: Provide an unparalleled shopping experience with intuitive transaction tools for your customers.
- In-depth Analytics: Monitor sales, top-selling items, peak traffic times, average basket value, and more via a personalized dashboard.
- End-to-End Traceability: Seamlessly track your cannabis items from cultivation to consumer, ensuring compliance via integrated systems like Metrc, BioTrack, and beyond.
Greenbits has been a popular POS system in the cannabis space because its ease-of-use and versatile compatibility. Greenbits was purchased by Dutchie in March of 2021, so while many dispensaries still use Greenbits as their POS, Dutchie’s main solution is Dutchie Point of Sale.
Key features:
- Effortless Inventory Management: Navigating product management has never been simpler. Seamlessly oversee your stock from acquisition to point of sale.
- Instant Business Intelligence: With automated reporting, empower your decision-making using insights about sales trends, product effectiveness, and beyond.
- Streamlined Payment Solutions: Simplify transactions with integrated, cashless payment alternatives. Dutchie delivers versatile payment methods for a smooth checkout, irrespective of how customers place their orders.
Flowhub was founded in 2015 and has remained a popular option for dispensary retailers looking for a scalable yet simple POS solution that still comes packed with a robust set of features and the ability to customize your experience.
Key features:
- Integrated Tracking: Seamless integration with seed-to-sale tracking systems.
- Intuitive Design: User-friendly interface.
- Enhanced Features: Robust set of add-ons like multi-location management functions and mobile analytics.
- Broad Customization: Fully customizable and integrates with numerous platforms; refer to their partners list for details.
Jane POS is a newer solution that was released by Jane Technologies in June of 2023. The Jane POS is “another extension of the Jane platform, and was built with the same commitment and focus on empowering our retail partners and their customers” – PR Newswire.
Key features:
- Instant Inventory Sync: Sync inventory instantly & start accepting in-store and online orders right away, without manual entry.
- Easy Product Intake: Intake new products quickly & easily from the Jane Universal Product Catalog which contains millions of products.
- Centralized Updates: Update your entire digital ecosystem with new discounts, updated product info & more, all in one place.
- Smooth Online Payments: Integration with Jane Pay allows online payments to be accepted seamlessly.
Treez was formed in 2016 by cannabis retailers for cannabis retailers. The platform offers a powerful POS solution that allows dispensaries to better manage inventory, find new upsell opportunities, increase sales and reduce losses with streamlined retail operations using SellTreez POS.
Key features
- Optimized Inventory Control: SellTreez streamlines inventory tasks and highlights top-performing products.
- In-depth Analytics: Gain a holistic view of store performance and access region-specific tools like AZ MET-1 tax dashboard.
- Unified Multi-Store Oversight: Centralize operations, delegate tasks, and enhance security with efficient user management.
- Effortless Compliance: Integrate with state trackers, streamline reports, and maintain bidirectional POS links.
- Enhanced Customer Management: Streamline check-ins, foster loyalty, and reduce wait times with tailored interactions.
- Robust Cash Management: Secure funds, ensure easy cash reconciliations, and manage vendor payments efficiently.
- Intuitive Product Management: Offer detailed, up-to-date product cards and ensure consistent, accurate product data.
- Seamless Omni-channel Experience: Merge online and in-store shopping with accurate fulfillment and unified product listings.
Formed in 2017, Blaze offers cannabis retailers a robust set of tools include a Dispensary POS solution. They have a iPad & iPhone Dispensary POS App made with budtenders & delivery drivers in mind. Boasting a quick & intuitive experience for all involved, Blaze offers a unique solution for retailers.
Key features:
- Self Check-In Capabilities: Let your customers take the lead with Blaze’s intuitive Check-In app
- Seamless Omni-channel Selling: Their robust set of integrations empowers your dispensary to navigate multi-channel sales effortlessly.
- Flexible Sales Processing: Whether on mobile or desktop, Blaze offers you the convenience to process sales online or through their dedicated iOS app.
- Comprehensive Barcode Support: Experience seamless product tracking with barcode integrations, be it logging a product into a purchase order, executing internal transfers, or ringing up sales.
Cova is considered one of the best dispensary POS systems and has actually won several awards for things like exceptional customer service and ease of use. The Cova POS system is relatively robust, offering features like built-in customer queue management, on-demand product information, and a flexible discount and loyalty program.
Key features:
- Easy ID Verification: Cova’s POS seamlessly verifies ages with its integrated ID scanner and links to loyalty accounts to add shoppers to the queue.
- Streamlined Customer Queuing: The system allows customers to freely explore while budtenders access key purchase details for a tailored experience.
- Empower Your Budtenders: The POS provides budtenders with comprehensive product information, ensuring informed sales.
- Robust Loyalty and Discount System: Convert visitors into regulars with easy loyalty point viewings and tailored member discounts.
- Uninterrupted Service with Offline Mode: Despite Wi-Fi issues, Cova’s offline mode ensures smooth transactions, retaining customer satisfaction.
What to Look for in the Best Dispensary POS Systems
There are lots of dispensary POS solutions available today, and each of them have their own unique set of pros & cons. A few important features to look for include:
- Integration with local compliance & regulations
- User interface that is easy to use for employers and employees
- Seamless integration with online menu and other pieces of your tech stack
- Facilitates secure & fast payment processing
- Offers built-in tools for business analytics
- Provides bonus features like loyalty program capabilities, delivery tracking, etc.
Need some assistance? Let’s Talk
At Canna Planners, we’re a full-service partner for cannabis dispensaries. While digital marketing may be our primary focus, our team of professionals is well-versed in dispensary technologies, including POS systems. Need some guidance? Reach out to start a conversation.
VP Digital Marketing, CMO
This post was written by Zach Santarsiero.