In today’s cannabis retail environment, live menus have become an essential tool for enhancing customer experience and boosting sales. But not all consumers interact with these digital menus in the same way. As cannabis becomes increasingly normalized, two key demographic groups—Millennials and Gen Z—are shaping how dispensaries present products online and in-store. While their age gap may be relatively small, their habits, expectations, and motivations around cannabis live menus are markedly different.
Millennials: Informed and Experience-Driven Shoppers
Millennials, born between 1981 and 1996, tend to approach cannabis with a sense of curiosity and caution. They often prioritize quality, safety, and reputation when browsing live menus. For this generation, the live menu serves as a research tool before stepping foot in a dispensary or confirming an online delivery order.
Millennials are more likely to compare strains, read lab results and filter options based on THC/CBD content or terpene profiles. They frequently use filters and categories to explore edibles, topicals, and vape products, favoring in-depth descriptions and verified reviews. This generation often grew up with the stigma surrounding cannabis, so transparency and credibility matter greatly.
Live menus that integrate detailed product information, lab test results, and user testimonials resonate strongly with Millennials. They appreciate interfaces that allow for customization, whether it’s by price, potency, or brand preference. Dispensaries catering to Millennials often see success when they combine tech-savvy presentation with education and trust-building elements.
Gen Z: Mobile-First, Impulsive, and Socially Influenced
Gen Z, typically defined as those born after 1997, takes a faster and more fluid approach to cannabis consumption. Raised with smartphones in hand, they expect digital interactions to be intuitive, personalized, and quick. For Gen Z, a cannabis live menu is less about research and more about instant gratification.
These younger consumers are drawn to visually engaging, mobile-optimized menus with bold images, emojis, social media integrations, and quick “add to cart” features. Gen Z is also more likely to experiment with new brands and products based on TikTok or Instagram trends, even if the product details are sparse. Influencer culture plays a substantial role in their purchase decisions.
Rather than clicking through dense filters or lengthy descriptions, Gen Z prefers smart recommendations real-time popularity tags, or “what’s trending now” banners. Menus powered by algorithms that track preferences and suggest products based on behavior are particularly effective with this crowd. Gamified rewards systems and in-app cannabis quizzes also appeal to Gen Z’s desire for interactive experiences.
Designing for Two Generations
Dispensaries and cannabis tech platforms need to recognize that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. While Millennials want thoughtful, data-rich menus that mimic the shopping experience of a high-end wellness brand, Gen Z wants speed, flair, and social validation.
The most successful cannabis live menus today are those that offer dual-track design: robust filters, educational tooltips, and loyalty features for Millennials, alongside minimalist layouts, trend-driven tags, and quick-buy functionality for Gen Z.
Ultimately, understanding how each generation interacts with cannabis menus can help dispensaries craft better user experiences, boost engagement, and build long-term loyalty. By blending education with excitement, and transparency with trendiness, cannabis retailers can meet both generations where they are—and keep them coming back.
Related article: Integrating Live Cannabis Menus with Mobile Apps and SMS Updates