Knowing your cannabis customers isn’t just a nice-to-have anymore - it’s your secret weapon. Maybe you’ve already noticed that the faces walking into your dispensary have changed. They’re not just checking off “male” or “female” boxes, and they're a lot more than just a date of birth in your POS. Your clientele is a blend of stories, lifestyles, and needs, so let’s talk about how you can truly connect and grow along with them.
If you’ve ever summed up your shoppers by age or gender, it’s time to shake things up. Sure, a retiree might want something different from a college student, but that’s just scratching the surface. Dig deeper and you’ll discover that motivations, habits, and lifestyles paint a much richer picture. For example, while you might expect Baby Boomers to come in for classic pain relief, they could also be browsing for new sleep solutions. Or, maybe you’ll spot Millennials, hands full of work and life stress, gravitating toward products that promise a little peace.
Your shelves are stocked with variety, and so are your shoppers. Here’s a glimpse at the main groups you’ll see - and probably have chatted with already:
Age is just one piece. You’ll get much further tuning in to each person’s story and habits.
No one likes to roll the dice with their business. The dispensaries leading the pack aren’t leaning on hunches - they’re using tools like Cova’s analytics and reporting to actually see:
Why does this matter? Because when you know who hasn’t stopped by in weeks, or who’s always picking up pre-rolls, you can send the right message at the right time - and bring them back in.
The game-changer for your dispensary? Out-smarting the old ways and paying attention to your shoppers’ real desires. You could have two customers the same age, but if one’s combating pain and the other’s prepping for a festival weekend, you’re talking about wildly different needs. Get into their shoes. Some want to feel calmer, others crave fun - and your staff should know exactly how to guide them.
If you look closely, you’ll see the trends blending more than before - but there are still quirks worth knowing. Millennials and Gen Z love to try what’s new, but their reasons are unique. Gen Z? Big on social presence and trying what’s trending. Millennials? Often on the hunt for work-life balance products. Baby Boomers are still joining the crowd fast, but they dig detail and safety. Training your staff so they can spot and serve each group is a gamechanger. A TikTok demo for Gen Z might not hit home with your senior buyers, but a friendly guide might.
And don’t forget your online store! Cova eCommerce can help you wow every web visitor, guiding them to what fits best.
Imagine a regular walks in, and you greet them with the latest batch of their favorite gummies - before they even ask. That’s where the best dispensaries are headed, using tools to remember each guest’s preferences and nudge them about new drops or restocks.
Want to see what it looks like to really power up your service? Check out our customer case studies to see how dispensaries like yours stand out using Cova POS.
If you want your dispensary to do more than just ring up sales, get to know your customers - for real. With a dose of the right tools, a dash of curiosity, and a little extra training, you’ll create experiences that keep people coming back. Connect with a real person at Cova, scan our client reviews, and discover why other shops trust us to help them grow with Cova.