Cova Software Founder's POV: Where Cannabis Retail Is Headed in 2026
By Gary Cohen on Jan 26, 2026 5:04:52 PM
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 5:57:21 PM
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 10:30:00 AM
Retailing is hard and dispensaries are the hardest retail.
Cova & Canadian Cannabis Retailers Challenge MasterCard Fees
By Gary Cohen on Nov 6, 2023 9:49:29 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 11:43:00 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 2:46:02 PM
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 …
10 Things to Consider When Choosing Tech for Your Maryland Dispensary
By Gary Cohen on Sep 21, 2023 1:55:52 PM
Choosing the right cannabis technology for your Maryland dispensary can be a game-changer in the complex world of cannabis retail. In our recent webinar, we shared valuable insights on what to consider when selecting the right software solutions for your dispensary. Once you have appl …
How Much is California Dispensary Sales Tax? (Breakdown)
By Gary Cohen on Sep 7, 2023 9:00:00 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 …
How to Open a Dispensary in New York: Step by Step Guide
By Gary Cohen on Aug 25, 2023 9:09:54 PM
If you want to open a dispensary in New York, you must obtain the relevant New York retail Cannabis license. This guide covers the 5 key steps you will need to work through to obtain your license and successfully open a dispensary. New York’s cannabis industry is growing fast with the …
Best Practices in Cash Management for Cannabis Dispensaries
By Gary Cohen on Aug 3, 2023 10:15:14 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 Succeed as a CAURD Cannabis Dispensary in New York
By Gary Cohen on Jun 12, 2023 11:06:51 PM
The recent legalization of adult-use marijuana sales in New York has opened up exciting opportunities for entrepreneurs in the cannabis industry. As the state prioritizes awarding dispensary licensees to social equity candidates, New York is setting a great precedent for the rest of t …
How to Open a Cannabis Dispensary in Maryland
By Gary Cohen on Apr 11, 2023 1:42:26 PM
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 …