Verano Holdings, one of the largest multi-state cannabis operators in the U.S., is taking steps to make cannabis shopping a lot more like a trip to the grocery store or almost any other retail shop.
The company is opening a new "bodega-style" Zen Leaf dispensary near Phoenix, Arizona. It will give customers the freedom to browse and select items directly from the shelves, as opposed to more tightly guarded buying experience that's common in most dispensaries. It means shoppers don't need assistance from store employees, a feature the company hopes will continue to “mainstream” cannabis with a broader demographic of shoppers.
“The dynamic cannabis landscape requires constant innovation and differentiation to push the boundaries of possibility, and today’s unveiling of a completely new dispensary shopping experience at Zen Leaf Cave Creek delivers on that mission,” said Robert Cohen, Verano Executive Vice President of Retail Strategy, in statement. “I’m proud of our team for bringing forth a vision that has the potential to create an entirely new paradigm for cannabis retail...”
As Crain's points out, Verano's new approach to the cannabis dispensary experience is only possible in Arizona because the state allows it. Other states still require cannabis products to be kept secure until the customer is ready to buy.
In addition to letting customers pick up what they want from shelves, Zen Leaf will also offer online pre-orders, in-store kiosks, in-person counter service, and the debut of curbside pickup service. Verano said it also plans to introduce in-store third-party activation opportunities for wholesale partners.
The pilot dispensary concept could eventually make its way to other states, although Verano may have to make some adjustments to adhere to local regulations.
