Cova Software Founder's POV: Where Cannabis Retail Is Headed in 2026
By Gary Cohen on Jan 26, 2026 12:00:00 AM
I’ve been in the cannabis industry for about nine years now. In that time, I’ve been deeply involved in the day-to-day reality of this business — talking with retailers, operators, tech partners, and yes, even competitors, almost every single day.
What Marijuana Rescheduling Means for the Cannabis Industry
By Gary Cohen on Jun 14, 2024 12:00:00 AM
The steps now being taken to reschedule marijuana mark a transformative moment for the industry that will allow retailers to make real strides. This shift promises not only to revitalize businesses but also to reshape the regulatory landscape in profound ways. Here’s why the reschedul …
How to Calculate ROI for Cannabis Dispensary Technology
By Gary Cohen on Dec 20, 2023 12:00:00 AM
Retailing is hard and dispensaries are the hardest retail.
Cova & Canadian Cannabis Retailers Challenge MasterCard Fees
By Gary Cohen on Nov 6, 2023 12:00:00 AM
In the rapidly evolving landscape of Canadian cannabis retail, business owners constantly struggle to maintain a competitive edge and protect their slender profit margins. However, there's an added burden that is levied unfairly and applied without cause – the annual US $500 special m …
How to Apply for a Cannabis Retail License in 2023
By Gary Cohen on Oct 24, 2023 12:00:00 AM
In the rapidly evolving landscape of the cannabis industry, the process of applying for a cannabis retail license has seen significant developments and changes. With growing acceptance and evolving cannabis laws and regulations, the opportunities for prospective cannabis dispensary bu …
How to Open a Cannabis Dispensary in Minnesota
By Gary Cohen on Sep 28, 2023 12:00:00 AM
With the recent legislative changes, Minnesota is on the cusp of a burgeoning cannabis market. Opening a cannabis dispensary in the Land of 10,000 Lakes can be a lucrative venture, but it requires careful planning, adherence to regulations, and a well-thought-out business strategy. In …
How Much is California Dispensary Sales Tax? (Breakdown)
By Gary Cohen on Sep 7, 2023 12:00:00 AM
Various reports in industry publications have cited cases of “sticker shock” among California cannabis consumers. Between California’s excise tax, regular sales tax, and local business tax, adult-use customers are paying anywhere between 28 and 40 percent cannabis retail taxes on ever …
Best Practices in Cash Management for Cannabis Dispensaries
By Gary Cohen on Aug 3, 2023 12:00:00 AM
Running a cannabis dispensary involves handling substantial cash transactions, which makes implementing effective cash management practices critical, especially with the recent crackdown on cashless ATMs and digital payment methods. Neglecting proper cash management exposes your busin …
How to Open a Cannabis Dispensary in Maryland
By Gary Cohen on Apr 11, 2023 12:00:00 AM
Opening a cannabis dispensary in Maryland could be complex if you don’t follow the laws and best practices. With strict regulations dictating the legal cannabis industry, it's important to have a clear understanding of the process of opening a dispensary before embarking on this journ …
What Is Cannabis Compliance? All You Need to Know
By Gary Cohen on Nov 10, 2022 12:00:00 AM
The cannabis industry is growing daily, and many business owners are considering opening a dispensary in the cannabis space. In the first half of 2022, the cannabis industry provided half a million full-time jobs, a 33% increase compared to 2021. Even the pandemic couldn't stop the sa …