I’ve learned working with cannabis retailers that things never stay the same for long in this industry. You’ve probably noticed it too - every time you think things might settle, the market shifts or a new technology arrives on the scene. At Cova, we walk this path alongside you, so let’s talk not just about surviving the next few years but truly thriving. Here are five bold predictions that’ll shape how cannabis retail runs by 2030.
Let’s talk numbers before diving into predictions. While the world’s eyes are on cannabis, the industry is quietly transforming into an unstoppable machine. Analysts predict legal cannabis sales will hit $71 billion by 2030, and according to MarketsandMarkets, the global industry could reach a staggering $125.76 billion. That’s nearly double from the $44.6 billion reported in 2025, growing at a sizzling rate of 18% per year. Huge growth - and that means both opportunities and curveballs for folks like you running dispensaries.
Those early "mom-and-pop" days of cannabis retail are already on the fade. It’s not just me saying this. Take it from Boris Jordan at Curaleaf, who told Investopedia that the near future will see a few large fish swallowing the smaller ones. High compliance costs and tight margins can be overwhelming for smaller operators. The writing is on the wall – mergers and acquisitions will keep ramping up. The best way to stay in the race? Be willing to scale, adapt, and embrace the tools that let you keep moving forward, no matter what new regulations come your way.
Running a dispensary today looks worlds apart from even a handful of years ago, right? As we look to 2030, artificial intelligence and automation aren’t distant dreams – they’re becoming your best team members. Imagine AI-powered budtenders personalizing every recommendation, software that predicts what stock you’ll need before you run short, and checkout kiosks that zip customers through the process.
With an advanced POS system like Cova POS, you can tap into these smarts today – everything from painless inventory management to automated compliance checks. Forget spending late nights puzzling over spreadsheets; your technology can do the heavy lifting, making sure you never miss a beat.
Handling wads of cash at the register feels as out-of-date as a flip phone. More and more customers reach for their cards than dig into their wallets for bills. At Cova, data from our retail network shows that dispensaries offering digital payments can see up to 3× higher revenue than cash-only stores. As banking laws ease and digital commerce becomes the norm, the performance gap between these models will continue to grow.
With Cova Pay, ACH, debit cards, and branded gift cards are all part of a seamless checkout. You’ll not only enjoy safer, faster transactions but also see up to 25% more per sale while removing the stress of daily cash runs.
The rules are constantly being rewritten. New markets, stricter requirements, endless paperwork – it’s enough to make your head spin, I know. That’s why compliance technology is moving from "nice-to-have" to absolutely essential. Global demand is soaring for platforms that track everything – from seed to sale – and automate the details.
Systems like Cova Compliance handle age verification, purchase limits, and integration with state tracking like Metrc or BioTrack, so you can breathe easier and focus on your customers instead of red tape. Staying ahead today means investing in these tools before they become mandatory everywhere.
As we march toward 2030, what’s going to set your shop apart isn’t just your shelves - it’s the way people feel in your store, both online and in person. Augmented reality for product education and tailored experiences are turning cannabis retail into a destination.
To keep up with these rising expectations, something like Cova eCommerce keeps your inventory live and your promotions clear, so you never have to apologize for an oversold product. Looking into self-serve kiosks, loyalty programs, and AI-driven recommendations will help you create memorable shopping journeys that people actually talk about.
Cannabis retail is sprinting toward a future where professional tools and customer experience rule the day. There’s still uncertainty at the federal level, but with more states opening up and established markets setting higher bars, those who lean into technology and put customer joy front-and-center will rise above the competition.
Our team at Cova is here to guide you every step of the way. Start future-proofing by integrating smarter systems and embracing the tools that will let you grow confidently. If you’re ready to set the pace for 2030, check out some customer success stories or drop us a line today for a free consultation. The future is bright - let’s make sure you’re leading it, not just following!