THE SHORTAGE –
Mitch Alexander , Dispensary Director , ReLeaf Resources
“ Currently , there is a temporary “ shortage ” of product on the market , which is to be expected in any new market . Simply put , the demand has met the supply . Several cultivators and manufacturers are currently in a lull while waiting for more flower to be produced . Given that our market is founded on the medical side , we don ’ t anticipate this “ shortage ” to last longer than the next month or two . We fully expect cultivators and manufacturers to be back up to speed in no time . That ’ s when you ’ ll start to see dispensary menus and product selections really start to expand .”
THE TURNOUT –
Casey Efting , Director of Retail Operations , Greenlight Dispensaries
“ The Adult-Use customer turnout has varied across the state . Dispensaries that border state lines of states that do not offer adult-use cannabis are seeing four to ten times their normal traffic , while some of the more centrally located stores are seeing about three to four times the traffic . The intake of our products is more time-consuming than most people realize . We are accountable for every item that comes through our doors . Every delivery is double-checked for accuracy . Most of our inventory does not show up with barcodes for scanning into the POS system , so we are adding those barcodes to a good amount of product . Simply having the manpower needed to stay ahead of everything is a constant challenge . For every three employees you see on the sales floor , there are two additional in the back room filling orders , checking in inventory , and ensuring that all regulations are being abided by . The size of our deliveries has multiplied , so has the time to get them processed and ready for the sales floor .”
WHATS NEXT –
Kassie Ferrero , Purchasing Director , Kansas City Cannabis Company
“ There will be some growing pains for the next four to six months . With cultivators developing their new facilities ( or expanding to full canopy space capacity ), manufacturers and dispensaries are having to pivot in order to meet everyone ’ s needs as best as possible . This may result in price increases , sporadic inventory numbers ( high and low ), and delayed wait times for highly sought-after items .
There are two ways to make the most of one ’ s experience at the store — order online and get a medical card ! Many locations have dedicated lines for online orders and medical patients , which expedites the wait time in the lobby . As a medical card holder , one is entitled to three major things — a shorter wait time , larger allotments , and a vast selection of products .”
A recreational consumer can only purchase up to three ounces , while a medical patient can purchase between six to 12 ounces depending on their medical card certification . There are also products in the Missouri market that are solely targeted toward medical patients , which certain dispensaries take into consideration and allocate for medical patients . Lastly , keep in mind that we are all waiting for a plant to grow with a three – fourmonth growth cycle . There is a lot of love and care taken to provide the best quality medicine for all before and after that time period .”
FINAL THOUGHTS –
Zach Smith , Director of Marketing , Agri- Genesis ( Farmer G Cultivation and Sunrise Dispensaries )
Zach Smith
“ Something that readers might not understand is the amount of work and stress the staff in dispensaries have gone through since adult use went live . I ’ m incredibly proud of our team for how they ’ ve handled it and leaned on each other during such a wild transition . I really want to put that out there for everyone to consider when you walk into any dispensary , not just our Sunrise locations . These people on the frontlines are working their tails off — a little kindness goes a long way . After all , cannabis is now legal , and spring is here ! What more could we ask for ?
Something to remember as a consumer or medical patient customer , a dispensary is not a Quick Stop convenience store where you can expect to pop in and out quickly . There are several hundred ( or more ) cannabis products to select from , with experienced budtenders to explain how each might help you enjoy or benefit from — rather than wasting your money on something that is not the best for your needs . It ’ s in your best interest to explore the store and ask questions . For now , understand that what you bought last month may not be available this month due to supply and demand . However , if you ask the budtender , there may be a comparable product that fits your needs until the product of your choice is back on the shelf .
Remember what Kassie said , “ We are all waiting on a plant to grow with a three – four-month growth cycle .” It ’ s a plant that needs to grow and be harvested . From there , it takes time to process , trim , and package the flower , and there ’ s an intense manufacturing process to make those yummy gummies , rosins , vapes , and other concentrates you desire . Premium cannabis products for consumers , unlike a potato-chip manufacturing line , take time to safely grow , cultivate , process , and package for dispensary shelves .
Lastly , as Zach said , consider when you walk into any dispensary ; the employees there are frontline workers — working their tails off for you . “ A little kindness goes a long way .”
Clayton Stallings is the Director of Sales & Marketing for
The EVOLUTION Magazine
April 2023 41