Making a decision about a dispensary point of sales system for your cannabis dispensary can be overwhelming. But, taking the time to do your homework on dispensary point of sale systems can really pay off. The type of dispensary POS software you need boils down to your cannabis dispensary’s needs. To help save your cannabis dispensary time and money, look out for the following characteristics in a dispensary POS system:
Securityis a must when it comes to picking out your dispensary POS system. Keeping your cannabis dispensary and customer data safe should be at the top of your list when you’re on the hunt for a system. When you are considering your options, be sure to inquire about the system’s level of security and whether it is up-to-date with the latest regulations.
Most dispensary POS systems provide sales data to some degree. But when it comes to providing detailed sales reports, some systems blow others out of the water. When looking for a dispensary point of sale system, find out what kind of reports are available. Make a list of the type of report data you need.
You might want a report that can:
- Identify your best and worst selling cannabis items
- Show costs and price margins
- Track sales by item
- Also, find out if you can export reports. With exportable reports, you can easily provide accounting information to your accountant or the person who manages your books.
No one wants a dispensary pos system that is difficult to use and hard to understand. When searching for a dispensary POS system, look for a system that strives for simplicity and effectiveness. Your dispensary POS system should streamline your day-to-day operations, not hold your cannabis dispensary back. To find out a dispensary POS system’s ease-of-use, read reviews online, watch videos, and see if a demo is available. If the system seems difficult to navigate and use, keep looking at other dispensary POS contenders.
When looking for a dispensary POS solution, make sure the system is reliable. You don’t want to spend money purchasing a system and time learning it just for it to go kaput in a few years. Take the time to do your research so you know if a system is worth your time, effort, and money.

Peter Beaumont is a senior reporter on the Guardian’s Global Development desk. He has reported extensively from conflict zones including Africa, the Balkans and the Middle East and is the author of The Secret Life of War: Journeys Through Modern Conflict. Email: peter@thehearus.com