Dispensaries Archives

Responsibilities as a California Cannabis Retail Business Owner

Posted on January 18, 2019February 17, 2022 by Jonathan Wigodsky

Being a cannabis retail business owner in any industry comes with a tremendous amount of responsibility—the safety of your employees and customers, proper legal compliance, and facilitating a space that has a purpose are among a few to mention. The cannabis industry is no different and your responsibilities as a cannabis business owner actually increase due to the simple fact that cannabis is a heavily regulated substance, whether or not people use it for medical benefits or recreationally.

More than that, cannabis retail has its own track record of negative connotations and it’s been a battle to get to the point we’re at currently. From being a Schedule I drug to being used in medical applications around the world, cannabis has been and continues to go through it all.

Owning a cannabis retail business that handles product means that these responsibilities lie in keeping forward progress at the forefront of why you’re in the industry. It means that a focus on monetary value not only destroys the potential for advancement in a social setting, but in a medical setting by reinforcing positions against cannabis. More though, it means that you ought to take culture into consideration and examine those that are affected by what you are seeking to accomplish in this industry.

WebJoint’s team breaks the stigma by hosting networking events and connecting the cannabis industry!

Negative connotations which stemmed from the Reefer Madness era are constantly being challenged and making an active attempt to engage in dialogue that flips the script is undoubtedly important. Taking pride in the industry that you work in and being the conversation starter to break that stigma and educate consumers—new or old—is a duty that business owners should take seriously.

This is to say that as a cannabis retail business owner, you are part of a community that is fighting an uphill battle—and we all can use as much help as we can get.

Be patient and take the time to educate newcomers or those of opposing viewpoints that cannabis has a lot to offer. Mentioning the legitimization of the industry through check and balances systems put in place such as METRC integration, testing procedures, and the research that is being completed helps paint a picture of the realistic situation in the industry.

As an owner of a company in the industry, it’s pivotal to be able to converse with fellow businesses owners, potential employees, and consumers to push the cannabis industry forward. It means networking should be a priority so as to work collectively and contribute to an overall positive cannabis experience.

Point consumers in a direction that contributes to an overall positive cannabis retail experience, without frustration (though it can be difficult). For some, this is done simply by extending an invitation to your location for a tour. For others, it’s by providing resources that individuals can grasp for on their own time such as product information brochures and graphic pamphlets.

Everyday conversations are going to make this industry succeed and in-turn make you succeed.

Source: SWC Dispensary by Basile Studio

Prior to legalization, dispensaries have historically been seen as dirty, unprofessional, “pot shops” that have nothing positive to offer to the public. Locations with rod-iron bars, dark windows that sport the typical green “stoner” cross, and improper check-in techniques do nothing but reinforce this narrative. This script, although fading slightly in younger generations, is still alive and well in various parts of the country.

As an owner, aiming to flip the script and take the lead in promoting a new narrative should be a top priority. Creating an inviting environment that aims to impress your customers at first sight is a sure fire way of being able to participate in an overall positive experience.

Simple aesthetic upgrades to your dispensary such as clean furniture to relax on in the lobby, inviting color schemes, and well-lit displays that are organized with intent can be the difference between making a positive impact and losing a customer before they can look around. This goes for the brands that you carry as well.

Adhering to new regulations such as enforcing employee badges adds a subtle, but effective way of welcoming consumers.

But that’s not everything—your staff needs to be top-notch too!

Not only should your employees strive to be the best, but they should certainly look and act like it! Responsibilities in training your staff properly on available products and new technology will help you separate from the illicit market that cannabis is oftentimes paired with. This includes online ordering (if available) and the advantages of using software to increase efficiency. Providing your staff with knowledge in biological subjects they need to answer questions about things such as terpenes, grow techniques, and various strains is critical.

It’s rare that your budtender or a first-time customer knows everything about cannabis other than what they have heard or been told, but everyday creates an opportunity to expand a knowledge base. Encounters with customers should be seen as an opportunity for your budtenders to either teach or learn something new at the end of each day.

Promoting ethics that takes something positive away from every transaction and creates an overall positive impression is oftentimes a priority that is overlooked if focusing solely on the monetary value that your business has.

And this is where curating an experience for your customers can make a world of difference—don’t miss this subtle, yet effective way of engaging consumers.

WebJoint is METRC certified and can produce all mandatory seed-to-sale reports.

There’s no worse way to put your license at risk in this industry than to ignore compliance. Not only does this put your business at risk, but it in-turn promotes a negative narrative which has been losing traction in recent times. An active effort to legitimize this industry, put a professional face to it, and knock the overarching stigmas that have been associated with cannabis use for generations is a central part to being a businesses owner.

Proper training on a cannabis retail point-of-sale. which incorporates inventory management facilitates a simple, yet effective way of maintaining compliance. As a team, the ability to leave lasting impressions as a compliant and professional business can take your business far!

Social media outreach plays into this line of thought as well. Think about some ways that your business can utilize social media to promote responsible consumption instead of overconsumption.

Chris, CEO & Hilart, COO at the inaugural California Cannabis Awards hosted by WebJoint.

If your answer the above question is “I don’t,” then what exactly are you doing? This isn’t to say that a large portion of proceeds ought to be distributed to any singular organization, but urges you to look at yourself as a part of your surrounding community. It is to say that as a business owner, selflessness with respect to the community can provide priceless benefits.

The state of California is not only a recreationally legal state but is a state where local jurisdictions hold the power to outlaw cannabis. Citing concerns for the safety of children, disrespect for the community, and potential increase in crime, local communities oftentimes feel like they will be left out of the big picture.

We would argue that one essential method of breaking this barrier is to show your worth to the surrounding environment by giving back to the community. Monetary donations for outreach programs, playgrounds, basic donation of school supplies, and participating in all local government activities plays out in two ways:

I. It brings the community a source of engagement with a cannabis organization in an ancillary manner, thus not violating regulations for age restrictions and zoning requirements.

II. Giving back to the community helps steer the conversation in a way that centralizes the professionalization of the cannabis industry while highlighting an important part of ethics with respect to social equity.

WebJoint’s Integrations with Tookan, Zodaka, and Xero provide a dynamic cannabis software solution for cannabis businesses.

Although cannabis culture has a lot to offer to patients in need and individuals looking to utilize cannabis to positively influence their lifestyle, it is also home to responsibilities as a business owner. Accepting responsibility and critically thinking about the wholesome meaning of your role in the industry is simply a task that cannot be ignored.

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4 Quick Tips for Sourcing Products for Your Cannabis Delivery

Posted on January 17, 2019February 17, 2022 by Jonathan Wigodsky

Let’s be honest here: picking products for your delivery service isn’t an easy task. Your cannabis delivery products can make or break your business. It goes beyond the monetary value that items can bring to your location and right into the ethos that your location represents.

Walking into a dispensary can be a daunting task for customers. The immense variety of products that are available for purchase can be overwhelming. With new brands and products coming out every day, it Is important, now more than ever that the products you carry and where you source them fit your cannabis retail brand.

Source your products by using these steps!

Example of CannaSafe’s Certificate of Analysis (COA). CannaSafe Analytics leads the industry’s laboratories with ISO accreditation.

Starting January 1, 2018 testing became mandatory for all cannabis products that are commercially sold. Using three phases to roll out new regulations, the BCC has given a solid chunk of time to brands for adjusting to the policies put in place and are looking to compete for marketshare. This means that there is no excuse for the lack of testing on any product that you’re looking to stock.

Cannabis testing provides the necessary information on present cannabinoid content, pesticides, heavy metals, and solvents.

As the government holds companies responsible for making sure their products are safe for customers, you should too! Running the risk of offering unsafe products on your shelves for the sole purpose of raising revenue is not worth the punishment.

Certificates of Analysis (COA) are another necessary piece of the puzzle. Double checking the way that a brand stores its COAs might be an indicative precursor to the type of relationship you will be able to maintain. Meaning that brands who fail to consistently provide these COAs shouldn’t be an option—no matter what their product is. Reputable sources of products should be at the top of your list as you flesh out your inventory.

Ask these questions about the test results for brands:

– Where was each product tested?

– Do you have the necessary COAs for each product?

– What was the date of the testing?

– Was remediation part of the manufacturing process?

Source: Lowell Herb Co.

Companies want you to feel something and there’s no better way to do so than to have a backstory that encapsulates the driving force of brands.

Customers buy brands, not products. Few things make this more apparent than the recent shift in consumer attitudes towards cannabis. The days of giving credit to a dispensary for having the best flower, instead of the cultivator, are gone. The same can be said for just about any other category of product that can be found on your shelves.

Furthermore, the core values of a company can inspire individuals to feel empowered. A story drives the purpose for all decisions being made including the driving force for the inspiration behind getting into the industry to begin with! Getting an understanding of the core philosophical beliefs of a company gives you a competitive advantage in marketing the product to your customers. After all, our society pays attention to companies that practice good ethical standards.

Authentic stories create brand loyalty and brand loyalty creates revenue. They create an emotional response, connect to the customer, and force consumers to engage with values that a company holds. Laughs, smiles, and intrigued reactions retain customers—pay attention to the brands that do this with successful repetition.

Inquiry into the philosophy of a company puts your staff one step ahead of the consumer that asks questions such as where the product is grown, what the brand stands for, and the influential factor behind the packaging.

Check out these three questions to ask about a brand’s backstory:

– What are the company’s core values?

– What is the main target audience?

– Is there a fun fact that each customer should know about your product?

Atlas Edibles gives consumers insight on their website about the artists that design product packaging.

Ultimately, it doesn’t matter how much money you are making if the state comes into your location and realizes that you aren’t practicing a culture of compliance. Staying compliant with packaging is definitely a way to maintain your good standing with the BCC.

Here are some important questions to ask about the brand’s packaging:

– Is the product child-resistant?

– Is packing tamper-evident?

– Do the illustrations fall under compliant requirements?

– What’s the brand’s policy on sustainability?

– Is the Universal Cannabis Symbol for CA on each product?

– Where’s the general surgeon’s warning?

– Are the test results clearly marked?

WebJoint’s first-to-market Brand Platform gives live analytics on sales made by retailer and product type.

You wouldn’t make an investment without knowing the ins and outs of what your future ROI might look like, would you? Didn’t think so! The world of cannabis is no different.

The numbers don’t lie. Brands that move a lot of product are a perfect target for a steady stream of income. Bringing in new products should be done with the intent of adding value to your business and a foolproof way of getting the “dirt” on brands is to ask for the hard numbers.

Reading sales reports before sourcing product can act as a way of providing insurance for your investment and give you an idea of how valuable a brand’s product could be to your businesses.

Analytics provide you with a sneak peek of what to expect in terms of profit and expected sales, meaning that you can focus your attention on stocking cannabis delivery products that are going to make you money!

Check out these questions to ask about sales data:

– What’s the average number of sales per product in 5 locations?

– What’s the top-selling product in your brand lineup?

– How frequently are locations placing additional orders?

– What’s the general availability of each product and how fast can we receive an order?

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5 Ways to Kill Your California Cannabis Business

Posted on January 15, 2019February 17, 2022 by Jonathan Wigodsky

Being successful in any business comes down to establishing Standard Operating Procedures and daily practices that put you in a primary position to succeed. There are similar echoes in the cannabis industry, but as a business that deals with a Schedule I Substance, the regulations to stick by are incredibly stringent. The competition in the industry is heating up at a rate that nearly no other industry has experienced, forcing there to be a bit of a learning curve for everyone involved. Standing out against the rest of the retail businesses that offer the same products you do, comes down to being able to successfully engage and retain your customers.

Let’s check out 5 business practices that are sure to kill your cannabis retail location!

via Giphy

Following the BCC proposed set of regulations is no easy task for any cannabis business and requires a tremendous amount of effort. If you think that you are in a position to operate a dispensary and operate as lead compliance officer, I’ve got some bad news for you—it’s a lot harder than it sounds. Understanding each aspect of the regulations should be a collective effort as a location and with the aid of a designated compliance officer. Taking the effort to hire a compliance officer is not only pertinent to the success of your business, but also to legally operating within the regulated cannabis industry.

Operating with a non-compliant attitude can result in fines, days lost due to suspension of your license, or entire revocation of your right to operate a cannabis retail location.

Compliance issues range in severity from simple things like lacking name tags & selling the last of a display item, to the distribution of cannabis to an underage person and lacking the appropriate licensure. Our Definitive Guide to California Cannabis Laws covers all of the necessary aspects of licensing and regulations for staying compliant.

A sleek & intuitive back-end makes inventory management a breeze!

Inventory management is a key part of operating a successful retail location. Not only is your business at-risk for compliance issues without proper organization, it’s subject to severe loss of profit if your stock isn’t kept up-to-date. Make sure that you re doing inventory reconciliation once every 30 days at a minimum.

Your customers enter your location expecting to purchase their favorite brand’s items. It’s not uncommon for your customers to settle on a second choice option should the situation permit, but the point is that you shouldn’t need to have a second choice! Your stock should reflect the amount of business that your retail location experiences on a daily basis.

Using the data that your point of sale system provides you with can provide a foolproof method of making sure that you are up-to-date on what is flying off the shelves! Convert the maximum amount of sales by keeping your inventory up-to-date.

Streamlining the way that your business operates is critical for two reasons—it reduces the overall cost of operations and keeps your staff on the same page across the board. Being able to eliminate the need for service hopping by consolidating operate service providers for your website, point-of-sale, inventory management system, and compliance reports puts your retail location in the best position possible for success.

Having a service provider for each of aspect of your business not only complicates the process for organizing your business, it actually costs you more money than having a “one size fits all” software solution for your retail location.

Eliminate service hopping, save money, and streamline operations with a point-of-sale that offers e-commerce, inventory management, and compliance reports.

Not using Instagram to market your brand or retail location? You’re losing—there’s no other way to put it. We can’t stress this enough; in order to be successful and maximize the potential for converting sales, you need to have a social media presence. With over 1 billion active users, Instagram has made a name for itself as the mobile platform.

Instagram is a subsidiary of the largest social media platform in existence, Facebook. See where this is going?

Branding your business in a way that is capable of being disseminated across social media platforms gives you an advantage. With roughly 80% of adults in North America using social media platforms, it’s easy to see how you’re losing potential revenue by not tapping into this exponential audience.

B2C relations are important and all, but what about social media being used with B2B in mind? Enter LinkedIn. LinkedIn has established itself as a professional networking platform. With the ability to effectively be a conversation-starter between cannabis professionals, using this platform in conjunction with Instagram is a no-brainer.

Did I mention that LinkedIn hasn’t restricted cannabis professionals from networking or brands from posting on their sites? Unlike Instagram and Facebook, who have tricky algorithms to navigate in order to keep an active account, LinkedIn has made it clear that their priority is connecting professionals from a variety of industries. After all, we’re all on the same team, right?

Customer satisfaction is the driving force behind successful business operations. And in a space where competition has saturated the market, you’re going to want to make sure that your customer service is top-notch. This begins with your budtenders and goes as far as curating an experience that your customers won’t forget. For additional ideas, check out how loyalty programs work to your advantage.

Ignoring the small factors that keep customers coming back such as developing a solid relationship with them and listening to their needs is sure to keep customers from choosing your dispensary over the one next door. If your location operates solely as a dispensary that converts sales, rather than offering value in the form of experience, you’re not providing the best customer service possible.

No one wants to watch their business fail and those that don’t implement best practices are going to have no choice but to witness the downfall of their business. Keeping a culture of compliance, consolidating the services you use, taking advantage of social media audiences, and provide your customers with an experience to remember are all ways that you can be proactive in fostering progressive growth for your business.

Stay on top of it and claim your stake as a main competitor in this industry. What are you doing in your locations to make sure that your business can be as successful as possible?

Comment below!

A Definitive Guide to Compliance — California Cannabis Dispensaries

Posted on December 5, 2018February 17, 2022 by Jonathan Wigodsky

Cannabis Retail License Types:

M: Allows for the sale of cannabis products to those aged 18 or older.
A-U: Adult-use license types allow for the sale of cannabis products to adults ages 21 or older.
Combo: Allows for both consumer-types to be serviced by one location. The tax regulations pertaining to each consumer-type doesn’t change for those operating under a combination license.

Individuals interested in opening a delivery service must consider the two different licenses that are offered to the public by the BCC. These two license types are broken down into M (Medicinal) and A-U (Adult-Use) licenses.

Those with a class M license may service individuals that have a state-approved MMICP enrollment. MMICP allows for individuals ages 18 and older to engage in the purchasing of cannabis products from retailers without paying the sales & use tax. However, this does not meant that they are exempt from the 15% state excise tax.

A-U license holders may engage in the recreational sale of cannabis products to individuals that are aged 21 and older. These clients must pay the excise tax of 15%, local tax, and sales tax. They are not exempt from taxes in the way that MMICP holders are.

Annual License Fees

Associated fees to obtain a cannabis retail license in California.

The latest regulations do not require for the entirety of the annual license fee to be paid until a business license for the applicant has been approved. Moreover, the fees associated with annual licenses have changed and are now based on a tiered system that depends on the amount of estimated annual revenue that is to be made.

The modification of any premises must be recorded and submitted to the BCC. This includes, but is not limited to the modification of entryways in a building, relocation of doorways, and serious modifications such as wall creation or removal. To stay safe on and err on the side of caution, be sure to record all of the modifications and have professional diagrams which show the progression of these changes.

Note: The latest regulation changes require submission of a Notification and Request Form, BCC-LIC-027

You can never have too many video cameras to protect your dispensary.

Cameras used to monitor the premises must do so 24 hours a day at a minimum of 15 frames per second with a time and date stamp. Cameras should produce an image of 1280×720 pixel quality and be installed in permanent locations which have a 20-foot clear line of sight of each entrance/exit. Perspectives of the cameras should be from both the interior and exterior of the building. Limited access areas must be capable of being sen in video recordings as well as locations where cannabis products are packed, stored, loaded and unloaded for transportation, prepared, or moved on the dispensary premises.

5 Habits of Highly Successful Cannabis Dispensary Locations

Posted on November 20, 2018February 17, 2022 by Jonathan Wigodsky

Top-notch dispensaries are capable of providing their customers with an experience that is consistent time and time again. This means that best practices in every aspect of daily operations are fulfilled from the minute doors open to the time that they close. The best dispensaries provide value to consumers by way of curating a thoughtful purchasing experience that makes customers wishing they had more time and money to spend.

It’s no easy task to be the best dispensary in the area so be sure to pay attention to the habits formed by some of the top producing dispensaries out there!

Moxie 710’s eCommerce Simplifies Purchasing

Utilizing eCommerce to process online orders works to a retail location’s advantage by streamlining the purchasing process for consumers. What this means is that impulse buys can be converted without worry of losing a sale. In a world where e-commerce dominates purchasing situations of goods and services, it’s no surprise that cannabis is starting to fall under the same purchasing methods.

See, the cannabis industry is quickly emerging and changes are being made day in and day out. The industry isn’t slowing down anytime soon and with e-commerce penetrating traditional purchasing methods, it’s no surprise that the top dispensaries are capable of taking orders online and fulfilling the cart before the consumer arrives.

It’s a pretty simple formula: online orders streamline the ordering process for your customers while giving you the opportunity to list all of your available retail items. Let the results of online ordering speak for itself!

WebJoint offers live inventory adjustments for dispensaries.

Finding cannabis products that consumers enjoy and want to purchase comes down to being able to read the trends as they stand and adjust to the changes in purchasing habits. Trends in the industry are in a constant flux with new technology constantly being developed that customers want to get their hands on.

By updating your menu on a consistent basis or even better, live-syncing your inventory with your website, customers can be assured that they are able to get the product they want without having to organize a search party! Retail operations are centered on being able to provide satisfactory customer service and what better way than being able to guarantee your customer the product they are looking for?

Take influence from the best of the best—update your menu throughout the day and live-sync your inventory.

Competitive rewards programs play on cannabis dispensary customer loyalty.

Creating a unique way to make sure that your customers return to your dispensary starts with the ability to offer a simple rewards program. Loyalty points, tiered rewards, and an MVP program are all ways to build customer retention.

Loyalty points can be used by customers to “bank and save” to put towards the purchasing of things like vape pen batteries, brand merchandise, and offer discounts on wax, eights, or joints. Tiered rewards allow for an initial customer retention method to be used by offering a way of “buying into” special offers that are exclusive to the selected tier membership at your dispensary. Some of the top dispensaries have begun to use MVP programs that allow members to take part in exclusive launch parties, networking events, and sneak-peeks into major adjustments being made!

Offering your customers a rewards program that is easy to understand and realistically tangible is an effective method of building your consumer base.

WebJoint’s resource guides keep everyone from operators to consumers up-to-date on regulation changes.

When customers come into your retail location, your staff better be able to answer the questions that they have. Questions might range from a general cannabis topic about the state of the industry to particular regulations and even stretch to the source of origin for the cannabis product that they are purchasing.

Moreover, it’s critically important to be able to give customers resources to use in order to do additional research on cannabis, the available delivery methods, and brands that promote various practices to ensure a quality product.

As the industry is still fairly new to the recreational market, it’s important to remember that not all users have an incredible amount of experience. By being able to explain the role that THC, CBD, and terpenes play in cannabis products, your staff helps alleviate some of the overwhelming feelings that a first-time consumer may experience. Moreover, touching upon sublinguals, topicals, and the appropriate dosing for an enjoyable experience helps illustrate your concern for a customer’s well-being. And guess what—customers pay attention to this!

Consumers buy into what you represent as much as they buy into the actual products on your shelves. With this being said, it’s pertinent to the success of your dispensary to ben able to answer any and all questions on a level that satisfies your customer and leaves them wanting to return for more information.

The cannabis industry is on the ground floor and as an operator, you have a responsibility to your consumer to engage, educate, and empower individuals day-in and day-out.

A culture of compliance is effective in satisfying the BCC during dispensary inspections.

Maintaining a “culture of compliance” is not only one way to ensure that you are capable of staying in business, but is pertinent to the overall “vibe” that your retail location carries with it on a daily basis. Avoiding simple compliance violations such as wearing name tags and having pre-packaged goods for your customers to choose from not only keeps you entirely “legal,” it says something deeper about the integrity of your retail location.

Consumers pay special attention to detail and although not every consumer is an expert on compliance, they notice the little things. Your dispensary’s characteristics should trickle down from a branding standpoint all the way to your staff and extend into the way that products are displayed. Compliance is certainly no easy task so as long as your staff is all on the same “wavelength,” chances are, you’re setting yourself up for success.

Be the type of location that provides customers with a clean, compliant way of purchasing cannabis goods!

Competition in the cannabis industry is ramping up faster than anyone could’ve expected. Forming positive habits for your dispensary location solidifies your position as one of the top in the industry. Customers take note of these habits and gravitate towards those locations that can provide an online ordering platform, guarantee inventory, and use their rewards points as they wish! Be the type of dispensary that can educate consumers while boasting a culture of compliance and be ready to see customer retention increase!

We know that retail location habits extend further than this list. With that being said, what are some of the best habits that your retail location has formed in order to stay successful?

Comment below!

4 Regulations Changes for Dispensaries in California

Posted on November 20, 2018February 17, 2022 by Jonathan Wigodsky

Dispensaries have long been the kings of cannabis and as things turn up during the regulatory transition period, the BCC is slowly inching towards a final set of rules to adhere by. The competition is hotter than ever. Are you prepared to stay compliant and be one step ahead of the rest of the field?

As a storefront retailer, you have the opportunity to make a lasting impression on customers that come into your dispensary and keep them coming back by curating an irresistible experience each and every time. But, you can only do this if you’re a compliant business

Check out these 4 regulations changes for dispensaries in California!

Associated fees to obtain a cannabis retail license in California.

Before July 1, 2018, to service both medicinal and recreational customers, two separate applications were required with the attached fees for each being due at the time of application submission. One of the major changes to this process since July 1 is the ability to submit a single application that encompasses both the medical and recreational market with cost of application not being due until the approval of an application.

This not only simplifies the application process for these looking to service both sides of the market, but allows for a little bit more of economic freedom to take place and a smaller overhead for any potential business owner.

Be sure to specify which category of business—A-U, Medical, or both—you’d like to participate in on your application!

Dispensary security staff must be 21 or older.

The old regulations on security personnel didn’t have a set age limit or qualification for staff. This meant that almost anyone you hired over the age of 18 years old could play a part of your security team.

But those were the good old days; things are different now!

The BCC has ramped these requirements up to a minimum age requirement of 21 years of age and made it mandatory for all security personnel to be licensed/ accredited by the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services.

This is unfortunate for those under the age of 21, but there is something to be said about the level of maturity that comes with life experience and the 3 years of difference in age. As someone 21 and older, you not only are of age to legally consume cannabis (at will) but are capable of dealing with any legal situation that might arise at your dispensary.

After all, you wouldn’t want to leave the security of your business in the hands of someone that is bound to be younger than the majority of your customers, would you? Make sure your dispensary security is adequately aged and fit to perform whatever duty is necessary.

Cannabis goods displays cannot be sold to consumers in CA dispensaries.

11 months ago, your customer could walk into your dispensary and pick out any jar of cannabis they wanted to smell or touch with the expectation of being sold what was about to be weighed out in front of them. Well, those days are long gone and the BCC has made it very clear that there are display standards to uphold when customers come into your location.

Check out our simple do’s and dont’s for cannabis displays below:

Do:

–Ensure that cannabis not used for displays is locked and inaccessible to the general public.

-Display cannabis and report the display as use in METRC.

-Allow customers to smell samples and get hand-on with what they are going to purchase.

-Dispose of all cannabis on display in accordance to regulations.

Don’t:

-Sell cannabis that isn’t pre-packaged.

-Give samples to customers in-store.

-Sell the display package to a customer even if its the last one on shelves—this is a blatant violation and is sure to get a fine tacked onto your monthly expenses.

In a nutshell, cannabis can be displayed insofar as it is not to be offered for retail sales at any point. Cannabis not for display that is intended to be sold should be stored in a way that is not obtainable by the general public.

A-U customers must be 21 years of age or older while medicinal patients can be 18+

Each customer needs to be checked in at the front of your dispensary on each visit. Age requirements are 21+ for recreational users while those holding a valid MMID card can be 18 years of age and older. Appropriate forms of identification are state or government issued forms of identification including driver’s licenses and passports.

Checking in customers is a basic requirement that has been set by the BCC and the importance of this goes beyond just the regulations. Checking in customers works in more ways than just staying compliant. It helps keep track of the amount of foot traffic your dispensary is generating, resulting in an accumulation of wealth in data that should be used to your marketing department’s advantage.

One slight hiccup can send your cannabis business tumbling.

Breaking down the cannabis regulations in California is a lot like trying to keep up with a toddler that is making their mind up at the dinner table—exhausting. Our goal is to provide you with an easy-to-digest list of the essentials that make your business run seamlessly in a time where everyone is struggling to understand the BCC changes.

Breaking Down CA Cannabis Taxes to Your Customers

Posted on November 9, 2018February 17, 2022 by Jonathan Wigodsky

Cannabis taxes don’t have to be confusing! Use this guide to break taxes down in an easy way!

This market looks nothing like what it used to a year ago. The newly regulated California cannabis industry has been through ups and downs with taxes taking a central position in the conversation. Information on recent changes for the entirety of the industry can be found in our Definitive Guide to California Compliance.

Taxation on cannabis goods means that there are “certain sales and cultivation taxes” (BCC) which have been implemented; and we all know Uncle Sam doesn’t let anything slide. This has caused some turmoil for those within the industry and in particular, for consumers. Reports show that after all of the taxes attached to cannabis—state excise, regular, and local business taxes—the black market is thriving more than ever as the result of tax percentages on a spectrum of 25-40%.

It’s not rare for customers to purchase a product and look at the bottom of the receipt to have their jaw drop at the breakdown of the taxes that have been tacked onto their most recent purchase. We all know what comes next—questions about who, what, when, where, why, and how these tax amounts came to be.

Be prepared by gaining a solid understanding of how taxes work (or don’t) in the CA market.

Let’s keep it simple.

Excise tax is the state’s mandatory cannabis tax.

Excise tax is collected by distributors from retailers, which retailers then pass onto consumers. To complicate the matter, it isn’t concretely explained as to whether or not this tax should be listed onto the retail price of the product, resulting in confusion when the time to collect money from your customer comes.

The BCC has proposed that the revenue collected from this tax gets put towards cannabis research at UCSD and social equity programs for high-risk areas that have previously been affected by drug use. Law enforcement research with the purpose of developing an accurate way to measure intoxication for drivers and a program that takes environmental cleanup as its subject are among the other places that excise tax dollars are allocated.

Sales tax is only used for non-medicinal transactions.

Generally speaking, the state sales tax is dependent upon your location in California. This tax typically varies from 8-12 percent in some areas and is collected at the time of purchase for Adult-Use (A-U) customers.

MMIC/MMICP patients that adhere with the state’s medicinal program are entirely absolved of this tax category and funds collected for A-U customers are allocated with public safety and local transportation improvements.

The countdown to finalized BCC regulations has started!

We sure hope not! The percentage of taxes currently hurts the legitimate market more than helping it succeed. Running a legal operation that has to compete with the illicit market as a result of taxes has proven to be a difficult task for everyone involved. Consumers don’t want to have to pay taxes upwards of 40% when they can go down the street to an illicit shop and receive the same product for that much less.

In one way, taxes have aided in the allocation of revenue to programs that look out fo rate public’s best interest and with future development of the industry in mind. In another, it has allowed for the illicit market to thrive more than ever.

Explaining the way that these taxes are allocated not only educates your customer on how complicated the regulated cannabis market is, but also helps illustrate the reason that illicit shops are still up and running with a high success rate. Taxation is part of the legitimization of the industry and although more complicated than it needs to be, it’s what we all have to work with at the time being.

Educate your customers, push them to petition for change, and know that everyone is riding the same tax wave that you are!

How have California taxes impacted the way that you do business?

Comment below!

5 Simple Compliance Violations Dispensaries Don’t Really Think About

Posted on November 9, 2018November 21, 2023 by Jonathan Wigodsky

Lowell Farms takes sets the standard with their brand displays.

California legalization has made it increasingly difficult to maintain a standard of compliant practices. It’s not uncommon for the display package of a particular item to be the last one in stock. What should be as simple as selling your customer the last of the products available, is actually not so easy!

Selling the display product of anything your dispensary carries is a violation of BCC regulations that can cause you to be fined and puts your license at risk of being suspended. You may want to try hiring an inventory manager that maintains the integrity of your stock so that you never run into a situation where your customer is left disappointed. Make sure your staff is well-informed of this violation so you can continue to operate in a way that satisfies the Bureau and keeps your customers happy!

Let’s be clear— there are to be no displays sold, regardless of how badly your customer wants the product.

Daily sales reports, pending orders, and customer information in one location.

Running a dispensary currently on a temporary license? Don’t worry—it seems like everyone is too! As we wait for METRC to go live, it’s a good idea to start to think about the ways in which you can “get a jump” on practicing good inventory management practices.

Keeping records of all movements of cannabis starting with a change in custody from a brand’s distributor in a room-to-room, sale-by-sale basis is an effective way to roll out good habits. Verifying licenses, shipping manifest information, and making sure that inventory management is taken seriously puts you in a position that protects your shop.

Inventory management is a full-time job and treating it like this as you await the issuance of your permanent license will make things easier by a factor of 10—guaranteed! Furthermore, there are 3 ways that your inventory needs to match up once every 30 days:

1. Physically in your cannabis dispensary storage areas.

2. Within your point-of-sale system.

3. In the California Cannabis Track-and-Trace (CCTT) as it is in accordance with METRC.

Starting early will make your business transition as smoothly as possible when things really go ‘live.’

WebJoint’s Dashboard gives you data on sales, pending orders, and total revenue.

Time and time again, I hear horror stories being told about failing to implement a satisfactory way of reporting. I’d like to be direct here—cannabis licenses aren’t expensive, so stop acting like reporting shouldn’t take a priority.

This new age of legal cannabis expects a lot from your dispensary as CCTT is being fulfilled with the use of METRC. Reporting sales everyday by hand at the end of the day not only wastes time that you don’t have, but think about what happens when you make an error in your entry. It puts METRC out of balance which then makes you the center of attention; and believe me, it’s not the kind of attention you’ll enjoy.

Investing in a point-of-sale system that automatically integrates with METRC and sends real-time adjustments for sales reports not only eliminates the need for manual labor, but keeps you compliant as a business when the BCC wants on-demand sales & inventory reports.

Put simply: everything that comes in needs to be recorded, everything that leaves your store needs to be recorded, and everything you buy or use for display…you guessed it…needs to be recorded!

STIIIZY is a leader in compliant packaging and a top-notch provider of high-quality products.

If you’ve been in the scene for the entirety of this year, you know exactly why this is an important part of legalization. It’s also easy to understand why this is a common compliance issue in dispensaries and a common source of compliance “tug of war.”

Exit bags are booming in the Nevada marketplace and are being branded for specific companies to use as a way of staying within compliance. In California, it’s no different! Although the latest regulations don’t require child-resistant packaging until 2020, it’s a great idea to get ahead of the game and be prepared for final requirements.

Slap your dispensary name or brand on an exit bag that is opaque and child-resistant that can be re-used by your customers. It not only acts as a tool for compliance, but is essentially a free way to market your brand when customers hang out with people that indulge in cannabis.

As it stands currently, all products in your shop should be lab tested and labeled with the official health warning, California Universal Symbol for cannabis products, and have child-resistant, tamper-evident packaging.

Avoid fines, take your time, and do things right!

Make it easy for budtenders to be identified with name tags!

If you’ve ever had a conversation with someone and forgotten what their name is or never had the opportunity to confirm their identity then you can relate to how nice it is for identification badges of dispensary employees to be mandated.

Each employee is required to have an identification badge. These badges need to have a color picture, company name, license number, first and last name of the employee, and their individual employee number.

Dimensions of the picture on employee badges need to be at least 1 inch wide x 1.5 inches in height and printed on laminated or plastic coated cards which are worn at all times.

Although a small requirement, it is a mandatory one and not only adheres to compliance, but “ups” the game of your dispensary aesthetic. Engage your customers, make them feel comfortable in your shop, and give them reason to come back!

Compliance is a 24/7 job that everyone is responsible for upholding.

Few absolutes in this industry exist, but one that certainly does revolves around compliance. At the end of the day, it keeps your dispensary open and keeps the green flowing by having a cannabis shop that can operate properly.

It’s no secret: fines take revenue from your dispensary, bring a negative light to your shop, and can easily be avoided by paying meticulous attention to detail when compliance takes priority.

California Dispensary Best Practices for Compliance

Posted on November 9, 2018February 17, 2022 by Jonathan Wigodsky

Legal cannabis in the state of California has proven to show that there is a large learning curve for all sectors of the industry. Nowadays, first-time & experienced consumers find value in visiting clean, reputable retail locations which are known for having the best products.

What this means for the future of your dispensary, is the ability to impact a larger number of individuals on a daily basis. If your dispensary follows this shift in cannabis consumer behavior, you have the ability to capitalize on the recent trends and promote lifestyle products that influence a change in culture.

An important question to ask yourself during this time of infinite expansion is whether or not your location is fully prepared to handle the flux of customers when taking compliance into consideration.

Infrastructure starts with the hardware you choose to check in patients & manage inventory or make sales, but it doesn’t end there.

We’ve previously discussed the important questions to consider when choosing a POS, but it’s time to consider how revenue and infrastructure go hand-in-hand with the successful operation of your dispensary!

Cloud-based and physical storage are viable options for protecting your data.

Mandatory video surveillance steps up to the plate when securing your location, but how do you secure your current security program? Cloud drive? Physical hard drive? Both?

The answer to this question can be the difference between staying compliant and falling into the dangerous realm of non-compliance.

What about your physical documents? We’re talking about the entirety of your dispensary records: shipping manifests, request receipts, laboratory testing results, transfer of custody paperwork, certificates of analysis (COA). There’s more— live inventory, sales & purchase orders, METRC reports, permits, insurance paperwork, location diagrams, employee information—you get the point!

An easy way to protect your business is by making sure you have a backup drive (or two) that routinely stores all of this information in a secure location—how you choose that location, is up to you!

As your dispensary grows, so too should your backup drives. Make sure that each is large enough to hold the full capacity of your business documents. You should be aiming to expand your data storage “arsenal” as your business grows, being sure to retain the necessary documents for specified reporting schedules.

Security is just as much of a virtual objective as it is a physical one so double check that your computers aren’t at risk of being jeopardized in case of a security breach. Routinely changing the passwords to accounts and updating them after an employee has left your business can help keep everything organized and avoid unforeseeable issues.

Be weary of “putting all your eggs in one basket” and create a multi-layered approach to accessing documents. It’d be a shame to stop operations for any period of time due to the loss of data.

Enterprise-level internet capabilities can help avoid simple issues before they begin.

An increase in customers means an increase in the rate of processing information on sales and reporting to METRC as necessary. Electronic point-of-sale systems do their part in making inventory management and sales more efficient, but ride on the premise of being connected to the internet.

Wireless connectivity for point-of-sale systems are just one half of the equation though.

The second half has to do with video surveillance at your dispensary. Video surveillance must be accessed from a wi-fi source at all times, making it critically important that wi-fi connectivity is ensured. Permanent cameras installed in proper locations keep your dispensary safe and place compliance at the forefront of daily activities, although they do so in a passive way.

Maintaining a live connection to your point-of-sale and video surveillance systems works two-fold:

It keeps you compliant with the ability to ensure practice of proper reporting standards such as METRC reporting.

Connectivity to the internet is what nearly all business operations are rooted in. When’s the last time your dispensary was up and running without the internet? Think about it—your dispensary needs it!

This isn’t brought to your attention to scare you, but instead to illustrate small details that you can examine. Be proactive to growth rather than reactive to failing infrastructure by upgrading your internet services as your business scales.

It might be helpful to research the bandwidth of your internet as you add point-of-sale systems to your location or change the software you are currently using. Enterprise-level infrastructure aids in optimizing your business by being able to support technological features. The increased stacking of tech devices such as video cameras, wireless printers, and point-of-sale systems means that wifi experiences bottlenecks and slows down business.

alt thirty six is backed by DASH and offers cryptocurrency payment options.

Yes, you read that right.

Digital payment solutions are currently being introduced to the cannabis industry by way of alt thirty six, a platform that uses the DASH cryptocurrency as a form of solutions to the cash-only issue.

Now before you start heading down the “I’ve heard this/ that about cryptocurrency” route, let’s explain this in the simplest way possible:

DASH is a cryptocurrency that has the capabilities of transferring between parties in an instantaneous way. This means that there is no need to worry about market fluctuation or volatility of the price of DASH. Which also means that you can be sure you’re receiving $100 when you’re being told you are being given $100.

What’s more is that DASH is easy to setup, fast to use, and rides on the blockchain wave—another term you’ve probably heard of recently.

DASH operates as ‘digital cash’ and is incredibly secure. Each transaction is added to a virtual & unchangeable ledger, resulting in being able to “track-and-trace” each and every single dollar that is brought into your dispensary.

Unlike physical cash, cryptocurrency is federally unregulated and can be accessed digitally on just about any mobile device that has internet connectivity, making it a vital asset to cash-only businesses such as canal is dispensaries. The days of having to sit on cash or find a way to store it are slowly disappearing with the ability to use cryptocurrency.

One other cool thing about digital payment solutions like DASH is that there is simply no physical cash involved with each transaction. This makes your dispensary secure by limiting the amount of cash on-hand and reducing the possibility of employee theft (although we’re not saying every employee would do such a thing).

Stand out by offering a fast, secure, and creative way of taking payments for your cannabis goods! It’s sure to get the conversation going!

Take a multifaceted approach to protecting your dispensary.

Securing your dispensary as one that actively engages compliance and takes proactive steps to ensure a fluid, frictionless experience for your customers is sure to place you among the best of the best. Keeping a stable enterprise-level infrastructure is one way to stay ahead of unforeseen issues and maintain your operating capabilities.

As a business owner, what are some ways that you like to ensure infrastructure is up-to-date? What are other retail “best practices” that every owner should be aware of? Comment below!

Does the “green rush” really exist?

Break the stigma with everyday conversations.

Maintain a professional aesthetic in your cannabis retail operation.

Did someone say compliance?

How do you give back to the community?

Set the bar, be the example, and crush it!

Choose wisely…the success of your cannabis business depends on it!

1. Check the test results for your cannabis delivery products.

2. Get to know the story behind your cannabis delivery products.

3. Compliant packaging matters.

4. Ask for sales data & purchasing trends.

1. Ignorance and arrogance to compliance

2. Failing to manage inventory efficiently

3. Service hopping from one platform to another

4. Poorly using social media

5. Not prioritizing customer service

Cannabis Retail Licensing

Annual License Fees

Zoning:

Modification of Premises

Receiving Shipments

Staff Requirements

Hours of Operation

Limited Access Areas

Alarm System

Locks

Video Cameras

Storing Video Surveillance

Inventory Reconciliation

Where does your loyalty lie?

They take online orders.

Their menu is up-to-date and live-synced.

Rewards programs for their customers make sense!

Budtenders take the initiative to educate clients.

Compliance is a cultural thing!

Good habits means happy customers!

A & M Licenses + Attached Fees

Security Personnel Age Requirements

Cannabis Goods Display Limitations

Verifying Customer Age. Every Time.

The BCC doesn’t play around…

Let’s tackle cannabis tax education.

Adult-Use (A-U) and Medical Tax Differences

15% California Excise Tax

8-12% State Sales Tax

5-15% Cannabis Business Tax

Are taxes going to be this way forever?

Are you selling display products?

Are you using electronic inventory management?

Poor Reporting Habits

Are you packaging properly?

How do your budtenders identify themselves?

Compliance is lurking…

Compliance is up to you –

How are you keeping your backups?

Is your internet as powerful as it needs to be?

Are you taking advantage of digital payment solutions?

Keep a culture of compliance!

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