Free 60-Minute Risk List Session
Pre-Rolls ▪ Gummies ▪ THC Beverages ▪ Accessories
A strong retail mix drives both discovery and loyalty. Shoppers return to stores that educate them, surprise them, and keep shelves stocked with fresh options (Cannabis Business Times). Strategic inventory management improves turnover and builds long-term trust (McGowan Companies). As cannabis expands into wellness, social, and lifestyle markets, these 10 product categories are fueling retail growth in 2025.
Which cannabis products are most in demand right now?
How can retailers keep customers engaged with variety and education?
What consumable formats are trending with new and returning buyers?
"In cannabis retail, experience sells what price cannot."
— MJBizDaily
Modern cannabis retail is about more than carrying what sells; it's about anticipating what's next. The most successful dispensaries balance fast-moving staples with emerging categories that attract new demographics. Every item on your shelf should either build loyalty, raise average ticket size, or open a new audience channel.
Flower remains the cornerstone of cannabis retail. It's familiar, potent, and offers variety across strains and potencies. In Minnesota, smoking remains the leading method of consumption (Minnesota Department of Health). Premium and craft flower are gaining traction as consumers seek quality, aroma, and exclusivity.
Offer a balance of affordable, mid-shelf, and premium strains.
Highlight terpene profiles and effects in signage or menus.
Use scent-proof displays to engage customers safely.
Pre-rolls are growing rapidly due to convenience and portability. Ready-to-smoke options appeal to both new and experienced users, particularly those who value ease and discretion. Nationally, pre-rolls make up nearly 13% of total cannabis sales (Headset).
Include multipacks for social and weekend buyers.
Feature infused or specialty pre-rolls to raise margins.
Keep displays near checkout to encourage impulse purchases.
THC beverages are reshaping how consumers socialize. Minnesota's beverage market has surpassed $140 million in sales since 2023 (Star Tribune). These products appeal to wellness enthusiasts, sober-curious consumers, and social drinkers alike.
Keep single-serve cans cold and visible near checkout.
Stock multipacks for repeat customers.
Pair with events or tastings to drive trial and community.
Edibles are now a top-selling segment thanks to hemp-derived THC legalization. Gummies and chocolates lead the category, up 16.5% since 2022 (Minnesota Department of Health). Consumers value discretion and control, making low-dose options a core driver of growth.
Focus on gummies and chocolates with clear dosage labeling.
Create sample-size options to attract first-time buyers.
Highlight flavor, consistency, and onset time on packaging.
Vape products continue to expand because they offer portability and low odor. Disposable pens and refillable cartridges are in high demand, especially among buyers who want discreet use or smooth flavor experiences.
Offer both disposable and 510-thread cartridge options.
Stock replacement batteries and chargers.
Emphasize lab-tested, compliant brands to build confidence.
Accessories often have the highest margins per square foot. From grinders to glassware, they enhance the experience and encourage repeat purchases. This category also enables creative merchandising that sets your shop apart.
Bundle accessories with related products (e.g., rolling papers with flower).
Rotate seasonal or limited-edition gear.
Feature artisan or locally made glass for differentiation.
Concentrates deliver high potency and strong profitability. They attract experienced users seeking precision, purity, and performance. Education is key, staff who can explain usage safely build trust and repeat business.
Train staff to discuss safe use and dosing.
Store in temperature-controlled displays.
Bundle concentrate tools or accessories to increase the basket size.
Non-intoxicating products like creams, balms, and tinctures attract health-conscious buyers. Microdosing and recovery use are growing trends, supported by consumers looking for targeted relief without a "high."
Group topicals near wellness or self-care products.
Offer tinctures with printed dosing guides.
Promote natural or locally sourced formulations.
Cannabis-inspired apparel and novelty items connect customers to the culture. Branded merchandise also reinforces awareness outside your store and builds affinity among younger demographics.
Add branded hats, shirts, and reusable totes.
Use lifestyle products for loyalty rewards or event giveaways.
Create displays that reflect your brand identity and story.
The cannabis retail model is evolving. Emerging offerings like delivery, pop-ups, and cannabis-friendly events create new touchpoints that go beyond products and foster long-term loyalty (Axios).
Review local laws for delivery or experiential services.
Host educational events or small tastings to drive repeat visits.
Partner with local brands or hospitality venues for co-branded experiences.
"The most valuable shelf space is in your customer's mind."
— Seth Godin
A strong inventory tells a story that keeps customers curious, confident, and coming back. Bring your management and budtender teams together for a 30-minute retail audit.
This activity helps identify where your current retail mix excels and where expansion or refinement could strengthen sales and brand loyalty.
List your top 15 selling SKUs across all categories.
Identify categories missing from your shelves or underperforming compared to industry averages (e.g., beverages, pre-rolls, topicals).
Review profit margins and reorder frequency for each category.
Select 3 categories to expand, refine, or promote over the next 90 days.
Develop training and merchandising plans to help staff confidently recommend new products.
Retail success comes from intention, not inventory alone. Every shelf, display, and conversation shapes how customers experience your brand. When education, presentation, and variety align, your dispensary becomes more than a store; it becomes the go-to destination for trust, discovery, and community.
Which categories drive repeat visits versus 1-time purchases?
Are your staff confident in explaining dosage, onset, and effects for every major format?
Do your displays and signage make education effortless for customers?
Which product lines have the highest margin potential if bundled or cross-promoted?
How can events, tastings, or demos increase trial and conversion rates?
"The retailers who win don't just sell products; they design experiences that customers can't wait to repeat."
— Nathan Rafter