The Secret to Smoother, Faster Sales? Cannabis Kiosks That Do The Selling For You

What Is a Cannabis Kiosk?

A cannabis kiosk is a digital self-service station—typically a touchscreen interface—that allows customers to browse a dispensary’s menu, read detailed product information, and place orders for in-store pickup or fulfillment. Some kiosks are built into counters, while others are free-standing terminals that resemble self-checkout stations in big-box retail.

These kiosks integrate with your dispensary point-of-sale (POS) or menu system, giving customers direct access to your real-time inventory and allowing staff to focus on support, not transactions.

Why Should Dispensaries Use In-Store Digital Displays?

The secret to smoother, faster cannabis sales isn’t more staff—it’s more innovative tools. Dispensary digital displays like self-service kiosks and dynamic TV menus give your customers the speed, autonomy, and information they want, while freeing up your team to focus on higher-value interactions.

In-store digital tools don't just help you manage foot traffic—they do the selling for you, boosting average transaction size, loyalty, and operational efficiency.

While these displays are part of the broader cannabis Digital Out-of-Home advertising, this article focuses on how in-store digital solutions reshape the dispensary experience from the inside out.

Why Cannabis Self-Service Is on the Rise

Cannabis self-service kiosks are becoming a popular tool for cannabis dispensaries looking to streamline operations and improve the customer experience. Much like supermarket self-checkout, cannabis kiosks allow regular customers to bypass lines and complete their purchases quickly.

Cannabis retail is catching up—not because it’s trendy, but because consumer behavior demands it.

1. Faster Transactions During Peak Hours

Dispensaries often face long wait times, especially during high-traffic hours or holidays like 4/20. Self-checkout kiosks help reduce lines by giving customers another way to order without waiting for a budtender.

2. Enhanced Product Education

Cannabis self-service kiosks empower customers to browse at their own pace. They can compare strains, learn about cannabinoid content, and explore consumption methods—all without pressure. This is especially useful for new consumers who may feel uncomfortable asking questions.

3. Improved Privacy and Discretion

Not every customer wants to talk through their wellness goals or recreational preferences in public. Kiosks give them the option to shop discreetly and confidently.

4. Operational Efficiency
Freeing up staff from basic ordering duties lets them focus on higher-value interactions, like guiding a first-time customer or upselling a premium product.

Added Benefits Dispensaries Shouldn’t Overlook

5. Larger Average Order Values

When shoppers have time to browse without pressure, they’re more likely to add complementary products—think pre-rolls, edibles, or branded gear. Many retailers report that kiosk orders are more comprehensive than in-person ones.

6. Actionable Customer Insights

Modern kiosk platforms can collect anonymized data on browsing behavior, preferred products, and frequently asked questions, giving marketing and merchandising teams valuable feedback.

7. Staff Retention and Satisfaction

By reducing repetitive, transactional tasks, kiosks help lower burnout among frontline dispensary workers, who can instead focus on building real relationships.

Self-service retail technology like kiosks doesn’t replace budtenders—it frees them to focus on education, customer connection, and higher-value interactions. Plus, cannabis brands can wrap dispensary kiosks in branded graphics, turning every transaction point into a marketing opportunity.

Beyond basic touchscreen stations, advanced options like the Dutchie Kiosk and dispensary vending machines offer expanded functionality, including upselling prompts, packaged product pickup, and even facial recognition for added security.

Many dispensaries offer pre-order lockers and cannabis apps to streamline ordering and pickups.

Addressing Challenges with Dispensary Kiosks

While the benefits are substantial, implementing cannabis kiosks requires careful planning.

• Compliance and ID Verification: Cannabis kiosks must comply with all local and state laws, including age verification, purchase limits, and menu visibility restrictions. Look for solutions that integrate with your POS, compliance tracking, and ID scanning systems.

• Technical Reliability: A glitchy or slow kiosk hurts more than it helps. Choose robust hardware with dedicated support and clear staff protocols for handling downtime.

• Human Support Still Matters: Kiosks should enhance—not replace—your staff. There will always be customers who prefer face-to-face interaction or need help understanding options.

Choosing the Right Cannabis Kiosk Solution

When evaluating cannabis kiosk software or hardware, consider the following:

• Is it hardware-agnostic?  Can you run it on iPads, tablets, or touchscreens you already have?

• Does it integrate with your current menu or POS? Systems like Dutchie, Jane, and Dispense offer flexible integrations.

• Is it customizable?  Make sure you can update design, featured products, and promotions.‍
• Does it support real-time inventory?  Mismatched menus and sold-out items are a quick way to frustrate customers.

Dynamic Product Discovery: Dispensary TV Menus

When merchandising cannabis, dynamic signage like dispensary TV menus brings your products to life.

Here’s why TV menus are a powerful part of your in-store strategy:

• Quick Information Display: Especially for customers who are fairly sure what they’re looking for, a TV menu allows you to communicate the essentials—what’s in stock and what it costs—quickly and seamlessly.
• Visual Appeal: With motion graphics, animations, and other eye-catching details, TV menus can help bring your products to life memorably and entertainingly.
• Boosted Sales: Studies suggest that visuals prompt decision-making actions more strongly than previously believed; moving images even influenced kids aged 6–12 to choose more options from the salad bar!
  
  
• Time Savings: Compared to “analog” signage like whiteboards, digital menus can save staff hours of manual updating—especially valuable in a fast-paced cannabis environment.

Of course, TV menus do come with considerations. You'll need an upfront investment (anywhere from $400 to $1,700 per screen), a media player, and compatible POS software. You'll also want to ensure your displays match your dispensary’s atmosphere—balancing tech with your intended customer experience.

Designing the Customer Journey with In-Store Digital Displays

Every moment inside your dispensary shapes the customer experience, and the right digital displays make each stage smoother and more engaging.

At Entry: Greet customers with vibrant, informative TV menus showcasing specials, featured brands, or educational content.

While Browsing: Guide customers to popular categories or high-margin products with strategically placed digital signage.

When Ordering: Deploy self-service kiosks like the Dutchie Kiosk or dispensary vending machines for fast, autonomous checkout.

During Payment: Reinforce loyalty program benefits or suggest final upsells through targeted display messaging integrated with your dispensary POS system.

Post-Purchase: Use displays near exits to promote reordering options, loyalty perks, or educational resources that drive future visits.

Integrating digital displays into every step of the customer journey isn't just about convenience—it's part of a broader cannabis dispensary marketing strategy that drives long-term growth.

If You're Going to Invest, Make Your In-Store Displays Work Harder for You

Customers are already accustomed to self-service kiosks, cannabis vending machines, and dynamic digital displays in other industries.

Bringing those expectations into your dispensary can help you modernize, differentiate, and drive stronger customer loyalty.

And remember: It’s not about replacing the budtender—it’s about giving customers more ways to connect with your dispensary, their way.

FAQ

What is a Dutchie Kiosk?
A Dutchie Kiosk is a self-service cannabis ordering station that lets customers browse the menu, place orders, and check out quickly, helping dispensaries streamline operations and boost upsells.

Do dispensary kiosks replace budtenders?
No—kiosks support fast transactions for experienced shoppers, while budtenders focus on education, personal recommendations, and customer connection.

How much do dispensary TV displays cost?
Most dispensary digital displays, like TV menus, cost between $400 and $1,700 per screen, depending on screen size, media players, and software features.

Are in-store digital displays worth the investment?
Yes—self-service kiosks and TV menus can drive higher sales, reduce wait times, deepen customer loyalty, and free up staff to focus on high-value interactions.

MediaJel can help you design a seamless integration of kiosks, displays, loyalty platforms, and more. Let’s build your future of cannabis retail together—contact us today.