IT Support for Dispensaries & The Legal Cannabis Industry

The technology sector’s growth has led to several improvements across the board. From communication to financial transactions and even transport systems. Seeing that the marijuana industry has become mainstream, there have also been notable interactions between the two. What does technology have to offer?

Marijuana as a Legal Business Venture

Cannabis has been one of the most in-demand products in the USA since legalization for medicinal and recreational uses started. Over the years, more states have joined the bandwagon of legalization, totaling over 39, where medicinal use is allowed. This significant growth in number has necessitated the production of marijuana and its products to meet people’s demands.

 To cater to the needs of their customers, investors have set up dispensaries and online stores that stock a range of cannabis-related commodities. Grandview Research reported that in 2021 marijuana sales for recreational and medicinal cannabis were valued at $10.8 billion. They further predict that the amount will increase with a compound interest of 14.9% between 2022 and 2030.

Marijuana sales are expected to spike as more people start using the drug. Also, the advancement of extraction techniques facilitates an increase in its range of products. The future of pot as a legal business seems to be lucrative, necessitating the incorporation of technological systems.

How Technology has Revolutionalized the Weed Industry

Cannabis businesses are expanding, and investors are looking into more significant ventures. Unlike in the past, when the only entrepreneurs in the field self-sourced their capital, now, dispensaries in San Francisco are being funded by large corporations. This means that the enterprises’ scale is growing, necessitating advanced systems. Considering that IT has aided the security and better running of other industries, could it also do the same for weed?

A look at the weed industry today reveals the technological influences that have enhanced its service and product delivery. In analyzing the same, you can divide it into three main parts, growth, production, and delivery. Technology affects these parts, from when the seed goes into whichever medium is used to when the consumer lights a bud.

On growth, technology has been involved in coming up with alternative growth systems as well as improving the quality of the seeds. Take the LED to grow lights, for instance. They have been modified to give crops the needed UV lighting that gives them nutrients. Other systems include hydroponic growth plants and more. Also, combining different breeds to make hybrids has become easier and more refined with technology.

Production involves extraction and mixing with other compounds to form safe products. Mastering the extraction of cannabinoids led to the development of CBD products which have since become a favorite for people. CBD gummies, THC cookies, bath bombs, and more result from technological elements.

Lastly, we have delivery systems. For cannabis to move from the farm to the store, it has to pass through several processes, including transportation. Growers and retailers of the commodity utilize tracking systems and route planning to ensure that deliveries are made on time.

IT Systems That Support Marijuana Dispensaries

It has proven to be crucial in the day-to-day running of things. Hospitals and numerous retail enterprises have incorporated different systems to make their work easier. Since dispensaries are retail businesses, specific IT systems should be in place. The following are some that you may find helpful;

Cyber Security Systems

Security is a fundamental aspect of any business. With weed sales and delivery orders made online, there is an even higher risk of cyber crimes. Cyber terrorists have taken to targeting dispensaries to obtain clientele records and business transactions.

For a cannabis dispensary to thrive in these modern times, it must invest in cyber security. This does not mean installing cameras and vault doors. On the contrary, IT security systems such as Security Incident and Event Monitoring must be incorporated. They ensure the protection of the dispensary records and customer data.

Invest in Backup systems

Having advanced systems without backups is catastrophic. With the increase in cyber crimes and the possibility of losing important files to power outages or system damage, it is a good idea to keep a backup of everything. Some systems back up automatically daily, meaning you will always have copies of your day’s transactions.

Offer Customers IT Support

Since dispensaries deal with customers directly, it is common for them to get inquiries on some issues. An IT support system ensures that some general questions can be answered before a customer care agent gets to the customer. These systems have programmed answers that are readily provided once customers send inquiries.

Conclusion

Dispensaries are soon becoming a staple in neighborhoods where marijuana legalization is a thing. The expansion of these dispensaries has seen them taking on the online scene leading to online deliveries and data intake. While this is a good thing, it also means that they risk falling victim to cyber crimes. The institution of IT systems serves the double purpose of protecting the store and the customers. The day-to-day running of the business also gets enhanced.