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DISPENSARY LOSS PREVENTION 101, Track Every Action and Every Gram with Audit Log, Team Permissions & Cycle Counts

DISPENSARY LOSS PREVENTION 101

## **Accountability Drives Profitability**

Dispensary security is more than security guards and cameras—it’s about having full visibility into every gram, every transaction, and every adjustment. Shrinkage, unauthorized discounts, and inventory discrepancies can add up quickly, impacting revenue and compliance, and eroding team trust.

That’s why Meadow’s Audit Log, Cycle Counts, and Team Permissions work together to help dispensary owners take full control over their cannabis dispensary security, ensuring accountability, accuracy, and compliance.

[![Meadow Press](//images.ctfassets.net/6kwu1u6s8j23/2NHcpYjuECisQum4b0YsSe/4a5d8e9a64a89d8be4bd21a6feafeb36/Blog_Social_Proof_Banners__9_.png)](https://www.g2.com/products/meadow-meadow/reviews)

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## **The Overlooked Side of Dispensary Security: Internal Controls**

**Cannabis retail** is heavily regulated, with strict security requirements in place for dispensaries to protect against external theft, including security personnel, surveillance, limited-access areas, and alarms. Many dispensaries even exceed these required security regulations to protect against external theft. 

But __internal risks__—like misplaced inventory, unauthorized price changes, mismanaged discounts and employee theft—aren’t just a concern; they account for the vast majority of dispensary losses, far exceeding external theft. 

- Who changed product pricing without approval?
- Who applied a 50% discount on a high-ticket item?
- Why are key compliance settings altered without documentation?
- Are blind cycle counts being properly conducted to prevent theft and shrinkage?
- Who made adjustments to inventory?

Without clear tracking and accountability, shrinkage, errors, and theft can spiral out of control. To prevent loss effectively, dispensaries need more than just reactive measures—they need proactive controls that work together seamlessly. That’s why __Meadow’s Audit Log, Team Permissions, and Cycle Counts are built into the system at no extra cost__, ensuring dispensary owners have full transparency, controlled access, and real-time oversight. 

Let’s break down how each tool strengthens security on its own—and how, when combined, they create a comprehensive loss prevention strategy that actually works. __*PLUS! Download our Dispensary Internal Controls Checklist below!*__

<callout>
##### According to a report from MJBiz Daily, __90% of dispensary losses come from employee theft.__ 

##### Strong internal controls are essential.
</callout>

---

## **How Meadow’s Audit Log Increases Accountability & Prevents Shrinkage**

Think of the **Audit Log** as your **digital security system**—tracking and recording every significant action within your dispensary’s **POS system**.

### **What Can You Track?**

Meadow’s **Audit Log** provides full transparency on **who did what, when, and where**, including:

✅ **Product price changes** ✅ **Discount creation & edits** ✅ **Inventory adjustments** ✅ **Admin access changes** ✅ **Compliance setting updates** ✅ **Customer profile modifications** ✅ **Shifts and cash drawer changes** ✅ **Employee login activity and session details** ✅ **Bulk inventory modifications** ✅ **Audit trails of financial transactions**

Each log entry captures:

- **What action was performed**
- **Who performed the action**
- **Exact timestamp (to the second)**
- **IP address of where the action was taken**
- **A direct link to the affected page**

This level of **cannabis dispensary security** ensures that any unauthorized changes can be quickly identified and corrected—**stopping loss before it happens.**

![Meadow Admin Audit Log](//images.ctfassets.net/6kwu1u6s8j23/3NAbGDRWqQwetxc6yI1ezH/ab51fa2f0b615d647c9898e6d750ee29/Meadow_Admin_audit_log.gif)

### **Real-Life Scenario: Catching Unauthorized Price Changes**

A dispensary manager notices a high-demand cannabis product was sold at a deep discount. Instead of playing detective, they check the **Audit Log**:

🔍 They instantly see that an admin applied a manual 50% discount. 

🔍 The discount was unauthorized and not part of any scheduled promotion. 

🔍 They take corrective action, preventing future revenue loss.

This is how **cannabis businesses** can **increase accountability, improve security measures, and grow a team they trust.** 

---

## **Tighten Controls with Meadow’s Precise Team Permissions**

While the Audit Log helps identify who did what, Precise Team Permissions allow dispensary owners to control who has access to sensitive actions in the first place.

By **customizing permissions** for each team member, **dispensary owners** can:

✔ **Limit access to sensitive actions**, like price changes and inventory edits 
✔ **Ensure budtenders only have the access they need** (e.g., processing sales but not modifying inventory) 
✔ **Allow purchasing managers to edit inventory** without giving them full admin privileges 
✔ **Restrict customer data access** to maintain privacy and compliance 
✔ **Secure financial reports**, ensuring only authorized personnel have access 
✔ **Prevent unauthorized promotions or discount applications** 
✔ **Ensure only authorized staff can edit compliance settings and tax rates**

**Suggested Permission Levels for Common Roles**

<sidebar padding="no" side="right">![Meadow Dispensary precise Team Permissions](//images.ctfassets.net/6kwu1u6s8j23/6Psfs6CqNhrAxd4Rid8cMu/18773d8fd3ae8d61fa1daa38af7cbe5f/__10_x_16_in__Blog_Image__1_.png)</sidebar> 

- **Owner:** Full permissions.
- **General Manager (GM):** Full permissions or permissions tailored to manager duties, including access to products, inventory, shifts, orders, and customer settings.
- **Floor/Shift Manager:** Order access, edit order access, customer access, and manager privileges. May also require shift permissions for POS access.
- **Purchasing Manager:** Can view and edit inventory, create purchase orders, and adjust inventory levels. Requires edit price permissions if modifying product details.
- **Inventory Manager:** Similar to purchasing managers but focused on inventory control and reconciliation.
- **Marketing Manager:** Requires marketing permission to access promotions and campaign tools.
- **Front Desk (Customer Intake):** Needs customer access to create and edit customer profiles.
- **Budtenders:** Order access, edit order access, and customer access to process transactions and manage profiles.
- **Order Fulfillment (Packing):** Order access and edit order permissions to mark orders as packed.
- **Delivery Dispatch:** Order access, edit order access, and customer access to manage deliveries and driver assignments.
- **Delivery Driver:** Requires only order access to view assigned deliveries.
- **Other Roles:** Custom permissions can be set based on specific needs, such as limited reporting access for accountants or auditors.

By **setting strict access areas**, dispensary owners ensure that **only authorized personnel can make key changes**, significantly reducing operational risks.

💡 Read More: [**Team Permissions: Streamlining Dispensary Operations with Meadow**](https://getmeadow.com/blog/team-permissions)

---

## **Track Every Gram with Cycle Counts**

A **Cycle Count** is a routine check to ensure that the actual **physical inventory matches what’s recorded in Meadow**. It’s a powerful tool for preventing loss, catching errors early, and maintaining compliance.

### **Why Cycle Counts Matter**

- **Regulatory Compliance** – Many states, including California, require dispensaries to complete a full inventory count every 30 days.
- **Loss Prevention** – Regular cycle counts **reduce shrinkage** and make it easier to spot discrepancies before they become costly problems.
- **Better Inventory Accuracy** – Keeping inventory counts accurate **reduces operational issues**, ensuring seamless sales and reporting.
- **Fraud Prevention** – Prevents employees from covering up inventory discrepancies or theft by ensuring blind, independent counts.

### **Best Practices for Cycle Counts**

There are different ways to conduct a cycle count, but not all methods are equally effective:

🚫 **Printing a list of expected inventory** – This allows discrepancies to go unnoticed if staff manually adjust numbers to match expectations.

🚫 **Hiding expected quantities from counters** – While better, this method still has blind spots, especially if inventory is spread across multiple locations.

✅ **Blind Counts (Best Practice)** – Assign employees specific sections to count independently without knowing expected quantities. This ensures accuracy and accountability.

💡 **Pro Tip:** Perform **smaller, more frequent cycle counts** to reduce labor costs and prevent large inventory discrepancies. Meadow allows dispensaries to conduct cycle counts while remaining open, making the process seamless and efficient without interrupting sales.

![Meadow Cycle Counts for better inventory management ](//images.ctfassets.net/6kwu1u6s8j23/6ApV7dvlicGUJSRfCBJSII/562ce0fa36e1ee94fd116b8a4048fdd6/Cycle_Counts.png) Cycle counts help dispensaries track every gram without disrupting sales. In this image, the inventory location is set to 'Retail Floor,' and employees are assigned specific sections to count independently. Blind counts ensure accuracy, accountability, and prevent shrinkage in real time.

### **How Cycle Counts Work in Meadow**

Meadow’s **Cycle Count tool** streamlines the entire process:

<sidebar padding="no">![Meadow x LA Kush Dispensary Inventory Management ](//images.ctfassets.net/6kwu1u6s8j23/1PLbWsFVl1TnSet4V1uCcy/7f00d7182e9d422339be97c5fe7a95da/Blog_side_bar_images___18_.png)</sidebar> 

1. **Select a location to count** – Retail floor, back stock, or specific inventory areas.
2. **Conduct a blind count** – Employees count without seeing expected quantities, reducing the risk of errors or manipulation.
3. **Use barcode scanning** – Quickly scan products to enter quantities accurately.
4. **Submit for review** – Managers compare counted totals with Meadow’s recorded inventory, investigating discrepancies as needed.
5. **Resolve conflicts** – If there are mismatches, inventory managers can investigate missing products, misplaced stock, or possible shrinkage.
6. **Finalize the count** – Once verified, Meadow updates the inventory to reflect accurate quantities.

By implementing **regular, structured cycle counts**, dispensaries can dramatically **reduce shrinkage, improve compliance, and protect their bottom line**.

---

##### 💡 Read More: 

[Cannabis Recalls Are Rising: Avoid Six-Figure Fines with Cycle Counts](https://getmeadow.com/blog/cannabis-recalls-are-rising-avoid-six-figure-fines-with-cycle-counts)

[5 Reasons Your Dispensary Inventory is Inaccurate
](https://getmeadow.com/blog/5-reasons-your-dispensary-inventory-is-inaccurate)

[Cycle Counts for Smarter Dispensary Inventory Management
](https://getmeadow.com/blog/cycle-counts-for-smarter-dispensary-inventory-management)

---

## **Combining Audit Log, Cycle Counts & Team Permissions: The Ultimate Loss Prevention Strategy**

- **Step 1:** Set **permissions** so employees only have access to what they need.
- **Step 2:** Monitor all actions with the **Audit Log** to catch and correct unauthorized changes.
- **Step 3:** Conduct regular **Cycle Counts** to track every gram and prevent discrepancies.
- **Step 4:** Optimize operations by fine-tuning permissions and maintaining controls.

Together, these tools create a **powerful internal security system** that minimizes **financial losses, protects sensitive data, and ensures compliance with industry regulations.**

![Meadow x Green Earth Woodlands Hills Inventory Management & Cycle Counts](//images.ctfassets.net/6kwu1u6s8j23/5Qc8cHdhcEpC3tkFbTlcLD/b877c99b62ff6da6763c6c86284c3ac4/Blog_Images_-_Dispensaries__27_.png)

---

## **Stronger Dispensary Security Starts Now**

The days of **blind spots in dispensary operations** are over. **Meadow’s Audit Log, Team Permissions, and Cycle Counts** put you in full control of your dispensary’s security measures, ensuring:

- **Full transparency over every action in your POS**
- **Protection against unauthorized changes and shrinkage**
- **Controlled access to sensitive business data**
- **Stronger compliance and operational efficiency**
- **Higher staff accountability and improved operational trust**
- **Peace of mind knowing your business is protected from internal risks**

Whether you operate a single storefront or multiple locations, these tools help safeguard your business and maximize long-term profitability.

🔎 [Ready to take control? Learn more about Meadow’s loss prevention tools today.](https://getmeadow.com/#upgrade-now)

<callout>[Click here to Download our Internal Controls Checklist!](https://5072152.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/5072152/Blog%20Checklists/Internal%20Controls%20Checklist%20Prevent%20Loss%20Before%20It%20Starts.png)</callout>

Learn how to protect your inventory and profits with Meadow's security tools. 

Dispensary Loss Prevention 101

Cannabis retail operations need tight cannabis security protocols, security guards and cameras to protect their dispensaries from theft and robberies

Dispensary security systems

Retail cannabis operators continue to face serious and growing threats to safety and security. A well-developed dispensary security plan isn’t just a compliance requirement—it’s a critical tool to protect your team, your customers, and your investment.

At Meadow, we’ve seen firsthand how devastating security incidents can be—not only financially, but emotionally and operationally. As we enter our second decade supporting cannabis retailers, we know how essential it is to have the right systems, training, and partners in place.

That’s why we’re bringing back this incredibly valuable guest post from Chris Eggers, originally published in 2021. Chris is a former law enforcement officer and the founder of Cannabis Compliant Security Solutions, with deep expertise in cannabis industry compliance and dispensary security planning.

Whether you're launching a new dispensary or upgrading your current operations, these seven strategies are a powerful foundation for building a comprehensive dispensary security plan.

<callout>[Click Here to Download our Dispensary Security Plan Checklist!](https://5072152.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/5072152/Blog%20Checklists/Dispensary%20Security%20Plan%20Checklist%20.pdf)</callout>

![Rated the #1 POS by Dispensary Operators](//images.ctfassets.net/6kwu1u6s8j23/3Wl9QZILEIDCkMXAjW9Vox/8eb154d80f7e3f488c3a68e843accb3d/1.png)

---

Guest Author: [Chris Eggers](https://www.linkedin.com/in/christophereggers/ "Chris Eggers")

*Chris Eggers is an experienced former law enforcement officer (Oakland PD, San Francisco PD), and serves as the Los Angeles Department of Cannabis Regulation’s Subject Matter Expert (SME) in cannabis security. He is the Founder & CEO of [Cannabis Compliant Security Solutions](https://ccsecuritysolutions.com "Cannabis Compliant Security Solutions"), a full-service security services firm founded in 2021 with a mission and vision dedicated to re-defining and significantly improving cannabis industry security for all licensed cannabis operators, including social equity operators and applicants. Chris has a deep understanding of cannabis compliance, and is increasingly relied upon and a trusted resource within the cannabis community and for local and national media outlets on cannabis industry security matters.*

---

Burglaries and robberies of licensed cannabis dispensaries are increasing in frequency and offenders often carry weapons. These experiences are inherently scary and frightening. While dispensaries may operate for years and never have an incident take place, it is very important that cannabis retail staff understand the risks and be prepared for a worst case scenario. Protection of human life is paramount, and staff should be trained to never do anything to jeopardize their ability to survive an incident. Because robberies can take various forms and have many variables, all team members, staff, and security guards should be on the same page to ensure all are able to survive the incident. Although it may be nearly impossible to prevent a criminal act at or on your facility, here are seven ways to protect your cannabis dispensary from break-ins:

## 1. Create Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
Security plans are typically a requirement of the California cannabis dispensary application process. SOPs and equipment need to be specific to your business and risk profile. The DCC has very specific rules and regulations surrounding security at your facility. These need to be followed and implemented. Don’t cut corners when it comes to your security system. This doesn’t mean you need to spend outrageous amounts of money, but you do need to meet local and state requirements as well as have a system that works for your facility. Understandably, many operators are eager to get through this process and get their doors open. However, your security plan is much more than a box to check for the application process. Take time to understand the needs of your business and make sure your security plan reflects those needs. Your businesses’s SOPs within your security plan will help you and your staff understand how to deal with certain incidents. Even common tasks such as open/closing procedures need to be well thought out. Each business is different and has different needs and risk profiles. No two security plans should be the same. Ensure that your security plan and SOPs meet the needs of your business.

## 2. Follow the SOPs
It is critical that you ensure your employees and vendors follow the SOPs laid out within your security plan. Having a well thought out and customizable security plan is not helpful if you or your staff don’t follow it. As the business owner, you are responsible for holding your staff and security vendors accountable. In addition, you may reference your security plan as needed to ensure that your staff and vendors are performing job functions as intended, ensuring that all of your protocols are followed to your liking. Your security plan should be used as a blueprint or navigation tool that will help guide you and your staff through a variety of security related functions. You can use it to onboard employees, hold vendors and staff accountable, and dictate how certain tasks and functions should occur. 

## 3. Conduct Regular Staff Training/Drills
Setting time aside to talk through various scenarios that you may have read about or seen on the news can be extremely helpful. Even if an incident did not occur at your facility, but you read or heard about it through the grapevine, you can learn a lot from it. When your staff and vendors are aware of the threats that exist while operating in the cannabis industry, they are likely to be more mindful, aware, and diligent. Conduct training and drills with your staff and vendors so that all personnel are on the same page. Even sitting down before the store opens and discussing different scenarios that have occurred at other facilities can be very helpful. When new employees join your team, be sure security training is part of their onboarding. When people have security and safety top of mind, you and your staff/vendors are more likely to react appropriately and be on the same page. 

## 4. Choose the Right Vendors & Control Sensitive Information
Not all guard companies are the same, not all installation companies are the same either. Take your time choosing the right vendors to work at/on your facility. Make sure that your vendors are compliant with all of the rules and regulations that govern them. Read their contracts carefully and ask questions if you have them. Some vendors are less reliable than others and that may be reflected in their contract. Ensure that the contact holds them accountable for their actions and work. Picking the right vendor the first time can save you lots of time, money, and headaches. “Inside jobs” are common in any industry and the cannabis industry is not immune. It is important to properly vet your employees AND vendors (especially security personnel) as there have been well documented incidents of guards engaging in criminal activity. 

## 5. Ensure Your Dispensary is Well-Lit
Having a well-lit facility can go a long way in preventing a break-in. Many offenders look for low hanging fruit, and although some will go to great lengths to break into a facility, if your space is well lit, you have a better chance of the offender being seen by a staff member or witness. A well-lit facility also aids in capturing clear video of an offender. Note: Cameras play a big role in your security solution but may not provide the deterrence that they once did.

## 6. Assess & Evolve Your Security
Auditing your security can go a long way in addressing any deficiencies that may arise. Having a trained consultant to your facility to conduct a security assessment can help identify security deficiencies (hardware, SOPs, negligent vendors) and areas of non-compliance. Security assessments provide a great deal of detail and should be shared under NDA. As your business grows and changes, so should your security plan. It is a good practice to audit and review your security plan once a quarter. Some tasks and procedures may need to be changed as your business and the industry evolves. 

## 7. Choose the Right Insurance Policy
It is impossible to predict if your business will be a target or not. But if an incident does occur, it is imperative that you recover on your insurance claim. In order to do that, you must understand what your policy requires of you. Some insurance policies have very specific language about necessary hardware (i.e., multi-point locking entrances). If your facility does not meet the criteria of your policy, you may not recover a cent on a claim.

*If you need help setting up a cannabis retail security plan, consider reaching out to Chris and his team at [Cannabis Compliant Security Solutions](https://ccsecuritysolutions.com/contact/ "Cannabis Compliant Security Solutions").*

---

### More Resources to Strengthen Your Dispensary Security Plan

The strategies outlined above emphasize the importance of clear procedures, consistent staff training, and strong operational controls—all essential components of a solid dispensary security plan.

To help extend these practices into your daily operations, we’ve compiled additional resources focused on loss prevention and standard operating procedures:

- [Dispensary Loss Prevention 101](https://getmeadow.com/blog/dispensary-loss-prevention)

- [Dispensary SOPs: Opening Procedures Checklist](https://getmeadow.com/blog/cannabis-retail-sop-dispensary-opening-checklist-for-each-key-staff-role)

- [Dispensary SOPs: Closing Procedures Checklist](https://getmeadow.com/blog/cannabis-retail-sop-end-of-day-closing-a-dispensary-checklist)

These tools support the ongoing execution of your dispensary security plan—helping you protect your business, prevent loss, and keep your team aligned and prepared.

Explore more articles about [cannabis retail](https://getmeadow.com/blog/tags/cannabis-retail "cannabis retail") best practices on the Meadow blog.

Cannabis dispensaries need security cameras and protocols to keep these retail establishments safe

Cannabis dispensary security system

7 expert-backed strategies to build and strengthen your dispensary security plan

How to Build a Dispensary Security Plan: 7 Expert Strategies

A digital banner image designed for a blog post titled “What is Cannabis POS Software?” shows a dispensary setting with two smiling customers at the counter and a cannabis point-of-sale (POS) system in the foreground. The screen displays a product menu with item categories, product images, prices, and a transaction total of $103.89. The text “WHAT IS CANNABIS POS SOFTWARE?” appears in bold, dark letters on the left side, with a purple underline and subheading that reads “Features and Benefits.” The image conveys a modern, customer-friendly dispensary environment and highlights cannabis-specific POS technology.

What is Cannabis POS Software? 

Behind every smooth dispensary and cannabis delivery experience is a powerful POS system doing the heavy lifting.

Whether you're opening your first dispensary, running a delivery operation, or expanding to multiple locations, the software you choose can make or break your business. That’s where cannabis POS software comes in.

![Rated the #1 POS by Dispensary Operators](//images.ctfassets.net/6kwu1u6s8j23/3Wl9QZILEIDCkMXAjW9Vox/8eb154d80f7e3f488c3a68e843accb3d/1.png)

Cannabis-specific POS software isn’t just a payment system—it’s your compliance engine, inventory manager, customer relationship tool, and operational command center. In this guide, we’ll walk through what cannabis POS software is, how it differs from traditional systems, and what to look for when choosing the best dispensary POS system for your business.

![What is Cannabis POS Software? ](//images.ctfassets.net/6kwu1u6s8j23/4twSzFaDAbCubVUPM3nC5A/dc51b943356942422b5ed8b153710f42/Blog_Images_-_Dispensaries__32_.png)

---

## What is Cannabis POS Software?

Cannabis POS software—also known as a dispensary POS system, cannabis POS, or simply cannabis software—is a specialized tool built for the unique needs of cannabis retailers. It goes far beyond basic payment processing, helping operators manage everything from compliance reporting to customer loyalty programs.

Unlike generic POS systems, cannabis software must handle complex regulatory, inventory and tax requirements, and stay in sync with state tracking systems like METRC.

### How is Cannabis POS Different from Traditional POS?

<sidebar padding="no" side="right">![What is Cannabis POS Software? ](//images.ctfassets.net/6kwu1u6s8j23/3IzOLbcLdCzhCe8P0zcRG/d72ba5bce2bc7c92e6d821de8245c783/__10_x_16_in__Blog_Image__10_x_14_in_.png)</sidebar> 

Unlike most retail environments, cannabis operations must navigate a complex web of compliance requirements, strict purchase limits, layered tax structures, and constant regulatory changes. Traditional POS systems simply aren’t equipped to handle this level of complexity.

Cannabis-specific POS software is designed to:

- Track and report transactions to state-mandated systems like METRC 
- Manage cannabis-specific products with compliant tracking and labeling
- Enforce purchase limits and age verification
- Apply cannabis-specific tax rates and tax compounding 
- Support compliant sales channels, including delivery, curbside, and lounges 

### Why Cannabis Retail Requires Specialized POS Systems

<sidebar padding="no">![What is Cannabis POS Software? ](//images.ctfassets.net/6kwu1u6s8j23/18Xrev1ai6Ed5xw9IbxjtU/610d489190de5f97897b910dd8b45d40/__10_x_16_in__Blog_Image__10_x_14_in___1_.png)</sidebar> 

Running a dispensary isn’t like running any other store. Regulations vary by state, and the consequences of noncompliance—fines, shutdowns, or loss of license—can be devastating.

A cannabis POS helps dispensaries stay compliant by:

- Logging every transaction in compliance with your state’s regulations 
 👉 [Learn more about METRC compliance](https://getmeadow.com/features/metrc-compliance)
- Tracking and updating inventory across multiple channels (in-store, online, delivery, and third-party menus like Weedmaps) 
 👉 [Streamline your inventory management](https://getmeadow.com/features/inventory-management)
- Managing product types with unique requirements like THC content
- Automating purchase limit checks by customer and product type
- Maintaining a clear, accessible audit trail
- Adapting regulatory changes and new reporting requirements into the system
- Access to support that understands cannabis retail regulations 

---

## How the Right Cannabis POS System Impacts Your Bottom Line
A great cannabis POS system helps your cannabis retail business become more profitable, efficient, and scalable. When margins are tight, the right technology can make a real difference.

- __Increase revenue streams__ with support for in-store, delivery, pick-up, kiosk, lounges, events, and curbside sales—all through one platform.
- __Reduce labor costs__ by streamlining manual workflows and enabling self-serve kiosks, smart dispatch, and automation.
- __Serve more customers, faster__ with efficient fulfillment tools for delivery and express orders.
- __Prevent loss and theft __using detailed audit logs, tight staff permissions, and advanced inventory tracking.
- __Keep inventory moving__ by leveraging data to reorder the right products at the right time—avoiding overstock and dead shelf space.
- __Attract new customers __with built-in marketing tools like SEO+ and integrated online menus.
- __Increase repeat visits__ through loyalty programs, CRM tools, and personalized service.
- __Make data-informed decisions __using real-time analytics and sales reporting to identify what’s working and where to improve.
- __Reduce training time__ with intuitive interfaces and a comprehensive training portal for all roles.
- __Avoid expensive mistakes__ with built-in compliance tools that reduce the risk of fines, attorney fees, or license issues.

With the right POS system, every part of your operation becomes a little bit tighter—and those small gains add up fast.

![What is Cannabis POS Software? ](//images.ctfassets.net/6kwu1u6s8j23/6vQHznsiugHmDMqPY4uG8f/9665130cb0688ba006119d0972488d2f/Blog_Images_-_Dispensaries__33_.png)

---

## 9 Key Features to Look for in a Cannabis POS
Every dispensary and delivery operation has unique needs—but these nine core features are essential for long-term success.

### 1. Compliance & Track and Trace Integration

- Real-time syncing with your state’s Track and Trace system (METRC or BioTrack) 
- Active Account Monitoring to ensure packages are uploaded correctly and any false negatives are rectified.
- Comprehensive Metrc/BioTrack Support and Training
- Accurate UID Labeling

### 2. Omnichannel Sales

- Unified sales across all channels—in-store, online, delivery, pickup, kiosk, lounges, and events
- Support for dispensary sales models, including traditional counter service, open-floor layouts, floating budtenders, self-serve kiosks, and lounges
- Centralized inventory and compliance tracking no matter where the sale happens
- Real-time syncing across all platforms to avoid overselling or compliance errors

👉 [How compliance and inventory management drive omnichannel success](https://getmeadow.com/blog/how-compliance-and-dispensary-inventory-management-dictates-your-cannabis)

### 3. Inventory Management

- Real-time inventory updates across all menus
- Cycle Count functionality for accurate inventory counts 
- Expiration dates, low-stock alerts, and vendor tools
- Product order forecasting and analytics 

👉 [Best practices for managing inventory](https://getmeadow.com/blog/7-best-practices-for-streamlining-your-dispensary-inventory-management)

### 4. CRM & Customer Insights

- Customer order history and product preferences
- Loyalty and VIP programs and rewards
- Customer segmentation for targeted messaging 

👉 [How to better serve your VIP customers](https://getmeadow.com/blog/how-to-take-better-care-of-your-vip-dispensary-customers)

### 5. Delivery, Pick-up & Curbside 

- In-store and curbside pick-up capabilities
- Delivery with auto-dispatching, delivery zones, tracking & logistics and real-time inventory reporting 
- Packing tools for efficient, automated fulfillment
- Dynamic (Ice Cream Truck) delivery & hybrid delivery models 

👉 [Explore Ice Cream Truck-style delivery](https://getmeadow.com/blog/5-ways-to-boost-revenue-with-new-ice-cream-truck-dynamic-cannabis-delivery)

### 6. Mobile Optimization & Support

- Mobile POS for events, kiosks, or floating budtenders
- Mobile optimized menus for fast, easy ordering on all devices

👉 [Grow Revenue with Dispensary Kiosks](https://getmeadow.com/blog/grow-revenue-with-self-service-dispensary-kiosks)

### 7. Ecommerce Integration

- User-friendly design tools to create customized online menus and shopping experiences
- Seamless online ordering 
- Fast load times and customer order flow
- SEO features 
- Kiosks and floating budtenders for fast, efficient in-store orders

👉 [Dispensary SEO ](https://getmeadow.com/blog/dispensary-seo-the-truth-about-e-commerce-google-rankings-and-online-sales)

### 8. Reporting & Analytics

- Custom dashboards and sales trends
- Insights on product performance and velocity
- Detailed, customizable analytics reports for data-driven decisions 

👉 [How data can boost your business](https://getmeadow.com/blog/the-power-of-data-analysis-how-meadow-reports-can-help-boost-your-business)

### 9. Staff Management

- Role-based permissions
- Comprehensive training for team members 
- Audit log to provide full transparency on who did what, when, and where

👉 [Why Role-Based Permissions matter in cannabis retail](https://getmeadow.com/blog/team-permissions)

---

<sidebar padding="no" side="right"> ![What is Cannabis POS Software? ](//images.ctfassets.net/6kwu1u6s8j23/3qPtlGrlE6251Twhfu8XzM/7b0ab003a36af13bef6d6b6aefb313ba/Untitled_design_-_2025-05-12T132900.873.png)</sidebar>

## What are the Benefits of a Cannabis-Specific POS System?

- Integrated compliance to meet your state’s regulatory requirements.
- Streamlined inventory and operations across all sales channels
- Faster checkout and better customer experiences
- Real-time visibility into customer data and sales trends
- Easier staff training with intuitive workflows

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## Common Pitfalls of Using Generic POS Systems

- Lack of integrated compliance tools can lead to serious legal risks and fines
- Can’t support multiple stores or delivery
- Disconnected data across ecommerce, in-store, and delivery
- Frustrated budtenders and slower workflows

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<sidebar padding="no">![What is Cannabis POS Software?](//images.ctfassets.net/6kwu1u6s8j23/1qo0bELM3h7oitznkFETqg/9a63513bfd1510e2a7128690a1c4f967/__10_x_16_in__Blog_Image__10_x_14_in___2_.png)</sidebar> 

## How to Choose the Best Cannabis POS for Your Business

Finding the right cannabis POS software can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. Focus on a few essential criteria, and don’t be afraid to ask detailed questions during demos. A system that works for you today should also support your growth tomorrow.

Use this quick checklist when evaluating options:

✅ Real-time compliance with METRC or your state’s Track and Trace system

✅ Easy-to-use interface and quick staff training

✅ Support for all your sales channels, including ecommerce, delivery, and kiosks

✅ Reliable uptime and fast customer support

✅ Detailed reporting and data visibility

✅ Scales with your business

---

## Why Meadow is the Easiest Way to Sell Cannabis
Meadow’s all-in-one cannabis POS software is trusted by thousands of dispensary operators

- Unified platform for all sales channels, including in-store, delivery and pickup
- Designed for nuanced and complex compliance in every state we serve 
- Real-time METRC integration and audit-ready logs
- Built-in tools for ecommerce, delivery, loyalty, and reporting
- Customizable online menus and online payments 
- 99.99% uptime over the last 10 years—including 100% uptime every 4/20

Whether you're a first-time dispensary operator or scaling a multi-location brand, Meadow makes cannabis retail easy, fast, and compliant.

![What is Cannabis POS Software?](//images.ctfassets.net/6kwu1u6s8j23/5KDl52ZEkYoYG8Bj7flsSu/057c7c4cd39de51e99e43ea1a3a72b4b/Blog_Images_-_Dispensaries__35_.png)

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## Final Thoughts
Choosing the right cannabis POS software isn’t just about transactions—it’s about running a smarter, more efficient, fully compliant dispensary.

A good dispensary POS system will save you time, reduce risk, and help you grow with confidence.

👉 __Ready to simplify your cannabis retail experience?__ [Book a demo with Meadow](https://getmeadow.com/schedule-demo)

What is Cannabis POS Software?

What is Cannabis POS Software? Features & Benefits

Best Cannabis POS software Meadow can help you track staff performance to increase sales averages

Cannabis Retail Staff Performance

Want to see which of your dispensary employees are doing the most to boost your bottom line? With Meadow reports, there's a wealth of knowledge at your fingertips.

As a dispensary owner or manager, the volume of sales conducted by your team of budtenders is your bread and butter. Being in touch with how each individual team member is performing is very important when it comes to managing your cannabis retail store. 

With Meadow, we make your data work harder for you. By downloading and reviewing historical sales information, it’s easy to see which of your employees deserve a reward and which ones need more training. 

In just a few clicks, you can explore Meadow's vast reporting capabilities, including order average subtotals, sum of grand totals, and more inside the Orders Report Admins tab.

The Orders Report is one of the most robust reports you can download in Meadow. The various tabs can be used to access data points you might otherwise need to perform extra Excel work to find. Within Meadow's easy to use cannabis software suite, this information is readily accessible with just a few clicks, helping you quickly find the information you need.

## How can you determine who is the top performing budtender?

Your top performing budtender is consistently exceeding sales expectations, knowledgeable of the products they sell, and ensures satisfaction with every transaction. Creating goals for them to reach can tighten employee engagement and drive your team towards success. Creating achievable goals makes work feel new, interesting, and for most, can ignite a friendly, competitive work environment. That top performing budtender should be rewarded for their hard work. How do you track their performance in Meadow?

Knowing the average order value helps inform you of your marketing and pricing strategies. By increasing your average order value, you can directly impact your shop’s revenue growth. In this video, we will find the top performing staff member by identifying who has the highest average subtotal. This staff member, in this case, would also be selling the least amount of order discounts, by selling products that are not on sale. Selling discounted products is always easier than full-price or premium goods, but top revenue grossing products are typically not discounted or on-sale items. 

<figure>
 <video-player url="https://youtu.be/BZli6j4vbU4" width="560" height="315"></video-player>
 <figcaption>In this video we will go over the power of the pivot table located in the Admins tab of the Meadow Orders reportt, the definition of each column, and show you how to find budtender sales averages. We will also discuss how actions taken in the Pivot Table fields box will reflect in your Pivot Table.</figcaption>
</figure>

Another way to organize this data would be to rank budtenders based on their average order count. How many orders are they placing? Consider, are they full time or part time? Out of those placed orders, how does their average subtotal correlate? Is it considered high or low?

Documenting and assessing staff performance data can be important when it comes to deciding how to compensate your budtenders, or who needs more training. Saving these reports to document and track performance might come in handy later. There is no textbook for managing a dispensary, but with Meadow's helpful tools, we can help you identify data points that will help you strengthen your sales team, sell more cannabis, and help your business grow. 

Want to train your team to sell more cannabis? [Read more about How to Boost Basket Sizes at Your Dispensary](https://getmeadow.com/blog/sell-more-cannabis-how-to-boost-basket-sizes-at-your-dispensary)

Learn more about [cannabis retail software](https://getmeadow.com/blog/tags/cannabis-retail "Meadow's Cannabis Retail Blog Posts") and other dispensary best practices.

Track staff performance with Meadow Cannabis POS Software's vast reporting capabilites

Cannabis Software Retail Performance Tracking

Read more to learn more about the Meadow's reporting capabilities

Track Staff Performance in Cannabis Retail with Meadow

In the dynamic landscape California's cannabis retail, staying ahead of regulatory and tax requirements is paramount. As audit season approaches, many find themselves seeking clarity and direction to navigate the complexities of cannabis taxes and the ever-evolving legal framework of cannabis retail compliance. To address these challenges and equip dispensaries with the knowledge and tools needed for success, we hosted a webinar featuring cannabis tax experts. 

Cannabis Retail Taxes & Audit Webinar for California Dispensaries

Calling all cannabis dispensaries! Audit season is here, but facing it doesn't have to be daunting. We're bringing the tax experts directly to you for easy and effective strategies. In this comprehensive webinar, CPA Patrick Finnegan and Brian Duckett from CDFTA, answer your questions about preparing for and completing a successful audit.

Cannabis Retailers: How to Prepare for a Tax Audit 

See Full Post with Essential Tax Insights for Dispensaries→

Navigating Audit Season: Tax Insights for CA Cannabis Retailers

Elevate is a dispensary in Woodland Hills powered by Meadow's cannabis POS software

Elevate Dispensary

Elevate in Woodland Hills takes cannabis luxury to the next level. With a mission focused on creating an elevated customer experience, Elevate is known for its stunning design, exclusive products, and meticulous attention to the customer journey. 

Elegant, modern, and bold, Elevate's design stands out. The team collaborated with High Road Design Studio, famous for dispensary design and branding, to create a one-of-a-kind space. Bold lines from white quartz and sleek black walls set the tone, with accents of marble veined with blue amazonite — the same marble used in Tiffany & Co's flagship New York store. Lighting provides a luxurious, warm glow that guides the customer experience, encouraging curiosity and exploration. The showroom features private niches with displays that organize merchandise by brand or product category (vapes, edibles, drinks, etc), giving customers an opportunity to explore, learn about, and experience new products. 

<figure>
![Elevate Cannabis Retail Dispensary ](//images.ctfassets.net/6kwu1u6s8j23/1Ig3aLPURJ95DkvP9ftf9R/5d9b711eb93d81ba5809fd860b447e7a/Elevate_Woodland_Hills_3png.png)
</figure>
<callout>Elevate’s stunning design earned them and High Road Studios the 2020 Shop! Award for lighting, presented to the best new designs in retail.</callout>

The attention to detail evident in Elevate's design can be found in every aspect of the customer journey as well. "We treat everyone as family," said Kevin Krivitsky, Owner and Managing Partner of Elevate. "Our customer experience is the most important aspect of our business." Elevate has set out to create a welcoming environment suited for first-timers and pros alike. There's always something for customers to learn - whether it's the newest edibles technology or the very basics of THC and CBD - and Elevate's team is ready to guide and educate at every level. 

<figure>
![Elevate Cannabis Dispensary 4](//images.ctfassets.net/6kwu1u6s8j23/5U3PIoONwRKWa2PxDs5h60/4d5bd5900058baf1751b7193b37a8d9e/Elevate_Cannabis_Dispensary_4.png)
</figure>
> We treat everyone as family. Our customer experience is the most important aspect of our business.

The customer journey is also steered by technology, guiding customers from check-in through purchase. Using Meadow's POS, Elevate creates customer flows in-store and online that are smooth, easy, and graceful. "Meadow’s software is extremely efficient and all the aspects flow together in a way that makes the entire process seamless," said Krivitsky. When everything runs smoothly in the background, the customer experience stays focused on exploring products and uncovering the healing potential of cannabis.

<figure>
![Elevate Cannabis Retail Dispensary_POS and Check-In](//images.ctfassets.net/6kwu1u6s8j23/6Dv7SBUSJ6h1T1OZIJuvFp/8e79cee09dcddf9baeda4e738e119bfe/Elevate_Cannabis_Retail_Dispensary_POS_Check-In.png)
</figure>
> Meadow’s software is extremely efficient and all the aspects flow together in a way that makes the entire process seamless.

Elevate's dedication to an exclusive and luxurious experience is evident in its products and merchandising as well. With an emphasis on safe, tested products from trusted brands, Elevate has curated a selection of products that range from well-known favorites to exclusive offerings. One standout is [Connected Cannabis](https://www.connectedcannabisco.com/ "Connected Cannabis") flower, which Krivitsky considers to be "the highest quality flower on the market, with the utmost consistency and wide range of flavor." 

![Elevate Cannabis Retail Dispensary Menu_Connected Cannabis Co Flower](//images.ctfassets.net/6kwu1u6s8j23/4MCAeNp5izoTY7BPkx6aoy/d7502057c412e9075116c4e885be407e/Elevate_Cannabis_Retail_Dispensary_Connected_Cannabis_Co_Flower__Menu.png)

> Connected Cannabis flower is the highest quality flower on the market, with the utmost consistency and wide range of flavor.

Elevate is also committed to exploring advances in categories like drinks and edibles. Currently, Krivitsky is a fan of gummies that utilize nanotechnology - a process of emulsification that makes cannabinoids so small, they go directly into the bloodstream for faster onset and a more predictable, consistent edible experience. "Gummies have become a legitimate substitute for sleeping pills. Any gummies that have nanotechnology I would recommend because of the rapid onset and almost immediate effect." All of these products can be found on Elevate's online menu and are available for pick-up and delivery in the LA and Woodland Hills area. [Find location and delivery info here](https://elevate-dispensary.com/about/ "Elevate Location and Delivery Info"). 

![Elevate's Online Menu for Pickup and Delivery Orders](//images.ctfassets.net/6kwu1u6s8j23/6YhV6V2rV4lli9glE7yF50/fa7d444318487d91b14deaa6591703dc/Elevate_Cannabis_Dispensary_Menu_Retail_Delivery.png)

> Gummies have become a legitimate substitute for sleeping pills. Any gummies that have nanotechnology I would recommend because of the rapid onset and almost immediate effect. 

<callout>Elevate is located at 20010 Ventura Blvd, Woodland Hills CA. 91364, open daily from 9 AM - 10 PM. 
For delivery and pick-up orders, visit: [elevate-dispensary.com](https://elevate-dispensary.com)</callout>

Learn more about [cannabis retail](https://getmeadow.com/blog/tags/cannabis-retail "cannabis retail") operations on the Meadow blog.

Elevate is an award-winning cannabis dispensary and delivery, located in Woodland Hills CA

Elevate Cannabis Retail Dispensary OG

Read more about this award-winning dispensary, located on Ventura Blvd in Woodland Hills, LA

Elevate: An Elegant, Modern, and Bold LA Dispensary Experience 

The image features Dennis Peron and Mary Jane Rathbun (aka Brownie Mary) advocating for medical cannabis in California. Centered on the image in large, bold text is the phrase: "NO TAX ON MEDICINE". The overall composition conveys a strong advocacy message about fair treatment for medical cannabis patients.







Patient Equity: No Tax on Medicine

At Meadow, we’re committed to standing up for what matters—fair access to medicine, compassion for patients, and equity in cannabis policy. Yesterday, we took action by delivering the __Patient Equity in Medical Cannabis letter __to Governor Newsom, Senator Wiener, and Assemblymember Haney, advocating for tax relief for medical cannabis patients.

This issue strikes at the heart of what the medical cannabis movement was built on: ensuring patients have safe, affordable access to medicine. Yet today, patients face unnecessary barriers that undermine this promise.

Unlike any other medication prescribed by a doctor, medical cannabis is subject to sales tax unless patients endure the long, expensive, and intrusive process of obtaining a state-issued Medical Marijuana Identification Card (MMIC).

This is not only inequitable—it’s causing California’s once-thriving medical cannabis ecosystem to die.

## The Issue: Tax Inequity is Harming Patients

For any other medication, a doctor’s prescription is enough to exempt it from sales tax. But for cannabis patients, a valid doctor’s recommendation is not sufficient. Instead, they are required to:

- Obtain a Medical Marijuana Identification Card (MMIC) through their local Department of Public Health.
- Pay costly application fees.
- Undergo a time-consuming process that many find burdensome and inaccessible.

The result? Fewer patients are obtaining MMICs every year. In 2023, there were just 3,196 cardholders statewide. This year, that number has dropped to 2,800. California’s current policy not only adds unnecessary barriers for patients, it undermines the original spirit of Prop 215 and Prop 64—protecting medical access and patient rights. 

Patients who forego the MMIC process either end up paying a premium for their medicine with sales tax compounded on top of excise and local taxes, or they turn to the unregulated market. 

## Why This Matters

1. __Patients Deserve Fair Treatment__: A doctor’s recommendation should be treated the same as any other prescription—without requiring an extra layer of bureaucracy and cost. California’s tax policies discriminate against patients who cannot or choose not to obtain an MMIC.

2. __The Medical Market is Dying__: The medical cannabis market in California has shrunk dramatically since adult-use legalization. High taxes and regulatory burdens have pushed patients to the unregulated market, where products are untested and potentially dangerous but much less expensive.

3. __Compassion is Lacking__: Compassion programs, which exempt patients from sales tax, are voluntary and largely non-existent. Most dispensaries simply cannot afford to run these programs due to high operating costs, leaving patients without viable options for tax relief.

4. __Public Health is at Risk__: When taxes make regulated medical cannabis unaffordable, patients turn to the illicit market. This creates serious health risks for vulnerable populations relying on cannabis for conditions like chronic pain, PTSD, insomnia, epilepsy, and cancer.

## The Solution: Treat Cannabis Like Medicine

Our campaign aims to eliminate the MMIC requirement for sales tax exemption and allow patients with a valid doctor’s recommendation to receive fair tax treatment—just like they would for any other medicine. This small, common-sense change would:

- Restore affordability for medical cannabis patients.
- Encourage patients to return to the regulated market.
- Increase public safety by reducing reliance on untested products.
- Uphold the voter-backed protections of Prop 215 and Prop 64.

## Taking Action

At Meadow, we believe this issue is a matter of fairness, compassion, and public health. California started with medical cannabis, and it’s time to honor those roots by ensuring equitable access to medicine for all patients.

We are working alongside California’s leading trade organizations, advocates, and patient groups to push for this critical change in the next legislative session. Together, we’ve drafted a letter to Governor Newsom, Senator Wiener, and Assemblymember Haney calling for action.

But we can’t do it alone. We need the community’s voice to make this change a reality.

## How You Can Help

- [Sign Your Support for our “No Tax on Medicine” Campaign](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeDZQbfXyrcJOSSEuq4dO6lU6t3O2YCmleHltg4EZAXRW4SvA/viewform). Every voice matters in showing lawmakers that this change is needed now.
- Share This Post with your community. Spread the word to patients, operators, and advocates who care about access to affordable, regulated medical cannabis.
- Engage with Lawmakers. Reach out to your state representatives to share why this issue is important to you.

## Standing Together for Medical Patients

California’s medical cannabis market was built on compassion. It’s time to return to those roots. By removing unnecessary barriers like the MMIC, we can ensure patients have safe, affordable access to the medicine they rely on—just as Prop 215 intended.

Fairness. Compassion. Access. Let’s make it happen.

<callout> [Stand with us for patient equity—sign our letter to Governor Newsom, Senator Wiener, and Assemblymember Haneyto end the tax on medicine](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeDZQbfXyrcJOSSEuq4dO6lU6t3O2YCmleHltg4EZAXRW4SvA/viewform) </callout>

## Full Letter to Governor Newsom, Senator Wiener, and Assemblymember Haney

Dear Governor Newsom, Senator Wiener, and Assemblymember Haney,

On behalf of California's leading cannabis trade, labor, advocacy, veterans, and patient organizations, as well as individual stakeholders throughout the industry, we write to seek your help in addressing California's inconsistent tax policies as it relates to medical cannabis patients.

Our position is that cannabis patients should not be subject to California Sales Tax if they possess a valid doctor's recommendation for the therapeutic use of cannabis. This position is supported by California law. In all other cases, save individual taxation, including untaxed cannabis disbursement to a patient pursuant to a Compassion Program, a doctor’s recommendation is considered sufficient to exempt one from payment of sales taxes. We are hopeful that you will work with us to correct the one remaining inconsistency: State sales taxes imposed on medical cannabis patients who are not part of Compassion Programs.

Prop. 215 still exists. The definition of “Qualified Patient” still includes any Californian who uses cannabis for medical purposes with a valid physician’s recommendation.1 Qualified patients have never been – and still are not required, by design – to register or obtain an identification card in order to qualify for the legal protections of Prop. 215. Indeed, the Adult Use of Marijuana Act (“Prop. 64”), which legalized commercial adult use of cannabis, includes the strongest language possible restricting changes to Prop. 215 – “nothing in this section shall be construed or interpreted to amend, repeal, affect, restrict, or preempt laws pertaining to the Compassionate Use Act of 1996.” However, California’s sales tax policy discriminates sharply between qualified patients with and without identification cards – one pays sales tax and the other does not. This policy has no legal or policy justification that is consistent with the voter-endorsed provisions of Prop. 215 and Prop. 64. Until voters say differently, all qualified patients should be afforded sales tax relief, not just those with the geography or resources to register for a county identification card. Why is California making medical cannabis more expensive for certain patients over others?

According to a February 2, 2022, email from Christina Dempsey, Acting Deputy Director of External
Affairs of the DCC, per the regulations, “either an ID card or a physician's recommendation is
acceptable for compassion care patients.”

Patients enrolled in a compassion program are exempt from sales tax. However, patients who cannot find a compassion program in their area or can’t qualify for such a program must pay State sales tax at the check-out counter, despite the fact that they are medical cannabis patients in possession of the very same document (a valid doctor’s recommendation) which qualifies a medical cannabis patient enrolled in a compassion program for a sales tax exemption.

It should be noted that compassion programs are voluntary programs underwritten by dispensaries or specific programs funded by donations. At a time when most cannabis businesses are facing extinction due to taxation, over-regulation, and a huge illicit market, few are able to offer compassion programs. Proof of this rests in the annual report on Tax Exemptions for Medicinal Cannabis published by the Legislative Analyst’s Office (see https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4608) which shows a shockingly low number of compassion program tax exemptions.

As demonstrated by the LAO Report referred to above, compassion programs in California are largely non-existent. Given this, the only way to ensure that patients, particularly those who are poor, are treated equally under the Tax and Revenue Code is to allow all patients possessing a valid doctor’s recommendation relief from California’s Sales Tax.

Currently, compassion program patients need only a doctor’s recommendation for tax relief. Patients who are not attached to a compassion program must acquire a state-issued Medical Marijuana Identification Card (MMIC) in addition to their doctor’s recommendations to qualify for tax relief. Excluding a patient from the tax exemption based solely upon registering for a state-issued card is arguably discriminatory, in that it excludes tax relief for those without the ability to pay for the card, regardless of their medical need.

The intention of Prop 64 was not only to expand legal access to adult-use cannabis but also to preserve a well-established medical cannabis market. However, in California today, we have a contracting medical market, dropping from 3,196 MMIC card holders in 2023 to just 2,800 card holders in 2024. Offering sales tax relief to cannabis patients would still require them to pay the excise tax, which when combined with local taxation, brings the total tax burden down to an affordable level, mirroring what patients paid in taxes prior to legalization.

Prior to legalization, there were millions of California patients with doctor’s recommendations, achieving over $2.5B in medical sales in 2017. Post legalization, due to unbearably high taxes, medical cannabis patients have been forced to seek their medicine in the unregulated market, where untested products have already been a proven danger to their health. The State has lost millions in excise taxes as well.

Medicine is not subject to California sales tax (see CDTFA Regulation 1591). In the interests of fairness, equity, and compassion this should apply to medical cannabis patients as well.

Our organizations view exempting all cannabis patients from California Sales Tax as critical in providing an affordable pathway for patients. Medical cannabis patients who are relieved of California Sales Taxes will be disincentivized from illicit market purchases. Their return to the regulated market will increase the excise tax and local tax revenue.

We are hopeful that this change can be included in legislation contemplated by the Governor in the next year’s legislative season. Our representative, David Hua, will be contacting your offices shortly to ascertain whether virtual meetings to discuss the above might be possible. Should you have any questions or concerns David Hua can be reached at: David@getmeadow.com 

Sincerely,

David Hua, CEO, Meadow

Kenny Morrison, President, California Cannabis Manufacturers Association

Lauren Coté, Co-Board Chair, Cannabis Distribution Association

Johnny Delaplane, President, San Francisco Cannabis Retailers Alliance

Jonatan Cvetko, Executive Director, UCBA

David Goldman, President, San Francisco Chapter, Brownie Mary Democratic Club

Kandice Hawes-Lopez, Founder and Executive Director, Orange County NORML

Sarah Armstrong, JD, Outreach Chair Los Angeles and Ventura Counties, Americans for Safe Access

Keith Cich, President, Sunderstorm Inc.

Erin Gore, Founder & CEO, Garden Society

Bobby Vecchio, Co-Founder & CEO, Herb Delivery

Vincent Ning, Co-Founder & CEO, Nabis

Stacey Hronowski, Co-Founder & CEO, Canix

Ted Lichtenberger, Co-Founder & CEO, Flower Co

Steve Albarran, Co-Founder & CEO, Confident Cannabis

Bert Vick, Co-Founder & CEO, Rev Genomics

Nohtal Partansky, Co-Founder & CEO, Sorting Robotics

Steven Jung, COO, PAX

Ryan Miller, Founder, Operation EVAC

Aaron Newsom, COO & Co-Founder, Santa Cruz Veterans Alliance

Eric Goepel, Founder & CEO, Veterans Cannabis Coalition

Hirsh Jain, Founder, Ananda Strategy

Shabnam Malek, Partner, Brand and Branch

David Belsky, CEO, FlowerHire

Amber Morelli, Regional Sales Manager, Pure Vape

Aaron Flynn, CEO & Co-Founder, Gold Seal

Gretchen Miller, CEO & Co-Founder, Kiskanu

Lara L DeCaro, Partner, Leland, Parachini, Steinberg, Matzger & Melnick LLP

Sara Payan, Public Education Officer, Apothecarium

Andrea Greenberg, Founder, Society Jane

Joyce Cenali, COO, Big Rock Partners & Sonoma Hills Farm

Justin Pressfield, Associate Vice President, Weedmaps

Darren Story, CFO, Coastal Sun

Jordan Kuhl, General Manager, Dr. Greenthumbs LAX

Wesley Hein, Head of Global Expansion, Mammoth Heavy Hitters

Andrew DeAngelo, Founder, Andrew DeAngelo Consulting LLC

Ezra Malmuth, CEO, Atlas Edibles

Benjamin Larson, CEO & Co-Founder, Vertosa

Josef Airone, Founder and Director, The Sweetleaf Collective

Whitney Beatty, CEO and Founder, Josephine & Billies and Apothecarry Brands

Tiffany Devitt, Chief Compliance Officer, CannaCraft

Ron Gershoni, CEO & Co-Founder, Jetty Extracts

Judy Yee, CEO & Co-Founder, K-Zen Beverages

Jamie Feaster, CEO and CoFounder, Country

Tuan Le, Business Development, Brite

Nate Landau, COO, Snowtill

Jason Horst, Managing Partner, Horst Legal Counsel

Colleen King, VP Growth, Ciclo

David Kaufmann, Partner, Slap Consulting

Dylan Ferman, CEO, Genius Pipe

Neil Dellacava, Business Development, HERBL

Tegan Thompson, VP Marketing, Petalfast

Dustin Gibbens, Co-Founder/COO, 965 Solutions

Alexa Goldberg, Sales Director, Psychedelics Today

Terryn Buxton, CEO, Oakland Extracts

Elissa Hambrecht, Managing Member, Napa Valley Fume

Leah Cerri, Manager, Select

Frances Villaneuve, CEO, Clarified

Nicole Howell & Ariel Clark,	Partners, Clark Howell LLP

Manndie Tingler, CMO, CannaGram Delivery & Head of Brand Relations, Conception Nurseries, CRO and 
Co-Founder, Khemia Manufacturing

Amanda Reiman, Founder, Personal Plants

Jimmy Levi, VP Business Operations, Chemistry

Morris Kelly, CEO & Founder, SF Roots CA

Omar Figueroa, Founder, Law Offices of Omar Figueroa

Chelsea Sutula, Owner & CEO, Sespe Creek Collective

Michael Kraft, Compliance Officer, Papa & Barkley

Dana Leigh Cisneros, Esq., Managing Attorney, The Cisneros Firm dba Cannabis Corporate Law Firm

Jesus Sahagun Jr., CEO, Phog Center

Konstantine Kostas, Consultant, Synchronicity Holistic

Randy Cruzado, CEO, The Growcery

Mike Mekk, CEO, Mission Organic

Sean Kali-rai, Founder, Silicon Valley Cannabis Alliance

Hilary O'Brien, Director of Operations, Ivy Hill Cannabis & Green Remedy Collective

Michael Kay, Owner GE Granada Hills, DBA Green Earth Co

Jessica Bray, Director of Inventory and Purchasing, Green Cross of Torrance

Zachary Pitts, CEO, Ganja Goddess

Carly Ekenstam, Director of Operations & Security, Cruz Verde Inc. dba Original Green Cross

Mina Mishrikey, Partner and Head of Investments, Merida Capital Holdings

Cristina Arantes, Operations Manager, IncrediMeds

Anthony Jenkins, CEO & Co-Founder, Next Level

Stephanie Pangelinan, Regional Manager, Foggy Daze

Julie Germenis, General Manager, Eagle Eye

Mary Aigner, General Manager, Love In It Inc dba Sol de Mendocino

Gillian Levy, Co-Founder, Humboldt Apothecary

Dawn Bazurto, CEO/Founder, Lady Gemini

Jakki Hernandez and Dana Cisneros, Board Members, Orange County NORML

Tiffany Wright, COO, La Brea Collective Compliance

Kip Clifton, Board Director, Purextracts

Kevin Watts, CEO, TFA, Inc

Micah Anderson, CEO, Leef Holdings

Zachary Selvin, President, LitCo

Nikita Baranovskiy, Management, Infinity Medical Alliance INC

Brooke Rosel, General Manager, The Sweetleaf Collective

Cristina De Sousa, IncrediMeds

Mario Barajas, GreenLift

Kevin Reed, Owner, The Green Cross

Nancy Do, CEO and Founder, Endo Industries

Aaron Justis, President, Buds & Roses

Kimberly Cargile, CEO, A Therapeutic Alternative

Amir Gresham, Board Member, Social Equity Owners & Workers Association

Colleen Costello, Director of Communications, Meadow

Robert Lee, Founder, Evolved Microdoses

Brendan Kelly, CEO, CEAS

Laura Bell, Director of Manufacturing & Lead Hash Maker, Heritage Hash Co.

Chris Romaine, Owner, Pacific Coast Photo DBA Kandid Kush

Matthew Ingram, President & Co-Founder, Proof

Nicole Daryanani, Sr. Sourcing Manager, Kiva Confections

Anthony Alegrete, COO & Founder, 40 Tons

Shannon DeGrooms, Executive Director, This is Jane Project

Jake Kuczeruk, Director of Sales, New Frontier Data

Tommy Ramos, Board of Directors (MCBA)

Madison Mullis, Publicist, Trailblaze

Pamela Epstein, Chief Legal & Regulatory Officer, Terpene Belt Inc.

Greg Kouvaras, CEO & Founder, Greenline

Dina Nagib, Principal Consultant, Grass Goddess Consulting

Jerred Kiloh, CEO & Founder, The Higher Path

Kerri Accardi, Media Producer, 420MEDIA + Cannected TV

Lauren Mendelsohn, Junior Partner, Law Offices of Omar Figueroa

Brian Holler, Chief Revenue Officer, Beard Bros. Pharms & Media

Vien Trinh, Product Marketing Manager, Flourish Software

Jeff Pehrson, Producer, Planted with Sara Payan

Eric Rosete, Owner, Farcaster Creative

Sean McDermott, owner, The Grove La Mesa

Mitch Kulick, Partner and Co-Founder, Feuerstein Kulick LLp

Jesse Duncan

Brett Yader, CEO & Co-Founder, Flower Supply

Brian Applegarth, Founder Cannabis Travel Authority 

Steph Sherer, Founder & Executive Director, Americans for Safe Access

Megan Prusynski, Marketing Director, Applegarth Strategies

Chiah Rodriques, co-owner, Operations Director, Arcanna Flowers

James M Beatty, Co-Founder Arcanna Flowers

Jesse Stout, Esq. 

Alex Shamil

JohnPaul Williams II, Founder, J Williams Designs

Omar Figueroa, Founder & Managing Partner, The Law Offices of Omar Figueroa, Inc.

Bridget May, CEO and Founder

Vincent Patterson Owner Founder The Flowershop llc

Shoshana Patterson The Flower Shop LLC Manger

Victoria Schanzle, President Cherry Valley Farms LLC

Crystin Johnson, Director of Sales, Pure Beauty

Mike Rosati

Maureen Dube-Savage MS RD, Founder of More Canna Care.llc

![Patient Equity Support Logos ](//images.ctfassets.net/6kwu1u6s8j23/hI9f20rJrONmwzBWCEoVB/2a0da38d64138eab5df6a105e41c52ab/Untitled_design_-_2024-12-17T221148.146.png)

<callout> [Add your signature and logo; sign our letter to Governor Newsom to end tax on medical cannabis](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeDZQbfXyrcJOSSEuq4dO6lU6t3O2YCmleHltg4EZAXRW4SvA/viewform) </callout>

The image features Dennis Peron and Mary Jane Rathbun (aka Brownie Mary) advocating for medical cannabis in California. Centered on the image in large, bold text is the phrase: "NO TAX ON MEDICINE". The overall composition conveys a strong advocacy message about fair treatment for medical cannabis patients.


Learn how we can protect California’s medical cannabis patients and ensure medicine remains accessible for all.

Posts by Colleen

Dispensary Loss Prevention 101

How to Build a Dispensary Security Plan: 7 Expert Strategies

What is Cannabis POS Software?

Track Staff Performance in Cannabis Retail with Meadow

Navigating Audit Season: Tax Insights for CA Cannabis Retailers

Elevate: An Elegant, Modern, and Bold LA Dispensary Experience

No Tax on Medicine: Tax Relief for California Medical Cannabis Patients