At any cannabis dispensary, one constant remains: customer preferences change, and with them, so does the inventory. For dispensary managers, staying ahead of these shifts is essential. What sells out one month might barely move the next, as consumer trends evolve with new products, seasonal moods, and growing curiosity for different formats and experiences.
Cannabis Flower: Strains That Come and Go
Cannabis flower continues to be a mainstay for most dispensaries, but what’s popular on the shelves is anything but predictable. One month, customers can’t seem to get enough of a citrusy sativa like Pineapple Express. The next, demand spikes for a heavy indica such as Granddaddy Purple or a well-balanced hybrid.
Dispensary managers often see patterns tied to the time of year. During the summer, many shoppers gravitate toward light, energetic sativas, while fall and winter bring more interest in calming indicas. Even within these categories, it’s not just about THC percentage anymore. More customers are asking about terpene profiles, seeking out specific aromas and effects—whether it’s the citrus notes of limonene for mood-lifting qualities or the earthy tones of myrcene for relaxation.
Vapes: A Category in Constant Motion
Few product categories change as rapidly as vape products. Not long ago, standard 510-thread cartridges made up the bulk of vape sales. Today, dispensary managers report that disposables have taken off thanks to their convenience—no battery to charge, no extra parts to misplace.
Even more recently, there’s been a surge of interest in solventless options like rosin cartridges, as health-conscious customers seek cleaner extraction methods and full-spectrum effects. Flavor preferences also shift frequently. While classic cannabis-derived tastes hold steady, more shoppers are exploring exotic blends like mango, guava, or dessert-inspired varieties such as crème brûlée and key lime pie.
Edibles: Driven by Seasonality and Novelty
Edibles have their own cycle of popularity. Gummies are a top seller year-round, but which type rises to the top changes. Sometimes customers lean toward high-CBD gummies for wellness. Other times, sleep blends with CBN or microdose THC options take the spotlight.
Dispensary managers see seasonal demand drive edible trends too. In fall, items like pumpkin spice cookies or apple cider chews are snapped up. The winter holiday season brings a rush on peppermint chocolates and other festive treats. Limited-edition collaborations with local chefs or well-known brands also create waves—shoppers love the chance to try something new and exclusive.
Concentrates and Pre-Rolls: Evolving Preferences
Concentrates used to cater mostly to experienced cannabis consumers, but that’s no longer the case. Today, many new shoppers are open to exploring options like wax, sugar, or diamonds, often starting with small trial packs before becoming repeat buyers. Pre-rolls have evolved too. While the classic single joint remains a favorite, infused versions with kief, live resin, or other enhancements often outsell them thanks to the added potency and novelty.
Staying Ahead of the Curve
For dispensary managers, tracking these trends is part of the job. The goal is to anticipate customer demand and work with suppliers who can keep pace with these ever-changing preferences. At the heart of it all are the customers themselves—curious, adventurous, and eager to discover what’s next. That energy is what keeps cannabis retail dynamic and engaging.