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5 Best Cannabis POS Systems

These top cannabis-specific POS systems include tools that make it easier to run your shop, maintain compliance with state and local regulations, track inventory, and reward loyal customers.

    Matt Sherman
  • Last updated onUpdated

  • Shannon Vissers
  • REVIEWED BY

    Shannon Vissers

    Lead Staff Writer

Our content reflects the editorial opinions of our experts. While our site makes money through referral partnerships, we only partner with companies that meet our standards for quality, as outlined in our independent rating and scoring system.

If choosing the best point of sale system for a business is difficult, then picking the best POS system for a small business in the cannabis industry may seem nearly impossible.

The bad news is that you can’t just take your pick of any retail POS system — you’ll need to look for a POS provider that has systems designed specifically for the cannabis industry.

A top POS pick for cannabis sales will make it easier to ring up customers, verify identity and age, accept payments, track inventory, and run reports to comply with state laws. Picking the right POS system for your business can help you better target customers, take some workload off your employees, and make your business more efficient.

Learn More About Our Top Picks

CompanyBest ForNext StepsBest For
Cova Software

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  • Cloud-based system
  • Excellent customer service
  • 62+ integrations
  • Cloud-based system
  • Excellent customer service
  • 62+ integrations

Visit Site

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Flowhub

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  • Cloud-based system
  • No long-term contracts
  • Pricing not disclosed online
  • Cloud-based system
  • No long-term contracts
  • Pricing not disclosed online

Visit Site

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Meadow

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  • Intuitive interface
  • Only available in 5 states
  • 11+ integrations
  • Intuitive interface
  • Only available in 5 states
  • 11+ integrations

Visit Site

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BioTrack

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  • Operates internationally
  • No long-term contracts
  • Windows operating system required
  • Operates internationally
  • No long-term contracts
  • Windows operating system required

Visit Site

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BLAZE

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  • Easy to use
  • Excellent reports and integrations
  • One-year contract required
  • Easy to use
  • Excellent reports and integrations
  • One-year contract required

Visit Site

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Read more below to learn why we chose these options.

Best POS Systems For The Cannabis Industry

The best cannabis POS systems have solid inventory management, integrations with other software, loyalty programs, and compliance safeguards. Additionally, cannabis POS systems should be intuitive, easy to use, and backed by great customer support. Start your search for dispensary POS software with feature-rich software, including:

  • Cova Software: Best Easy-To-Use Dispensary Software
  • Flowhub: Best For Dispensaries With Multiple Locations
  • Meadow: Best For California Dispensaries
  • BioTrack: Best For Seed to Sale
  • BLAZE: Best For iPads & iPhones

How The Top Cannabis POS Systems Compare

METRC Compliant Pricing Compliant Inventory Management Loyalty Software HIPPA Compliant
Cova Software $349/mo for one store; $549/mo for multi-store
flowhub Not provided by vendor Requires integration
Meadow Not provided by vendor
BioTrack Not provided by vendor
Blaze Not provided by vendor

Cova Software: Best Easy-To-Use Dispensary Software

Cova Software


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Pros

  • Inexpensive
  • Robust educational materials
  • Easy to use
  • Excellent integrations

Cons

  • Only available on Android

Cova Software

Why We Chose Cova Software For Best Easy-To-Use Cannabis POS System

Cova Software is an award-winning cannabis dispensary POS system that can be used in dispensaries of all sizes, whether you're just getting off the ground, looking to expand, or have a thriving multi-location business. Budtenders say it's easy to use; owners like its features and focus on compliance.

Even though it has the features you need to keep your dispensary running efficiently while maintaining legal compliance, the system is also very intuitive and easy to use. In fact, Cova states that it takes just 30 minutes to onboard employees. Cova Software also boasts a 99.9999% uptime and is constantly evolving/updating its software to keep up with changing trends and regulations.

Cova Software Pricing

Cova Software is priced at $349-$549/month per location.

The more expensive plan includes add-on features, such as express checkout, delivery, and eCommerce, as well as multi-location management and custom API access. If you need a more customized solution, you can contact Cova Software about its Enterprise plan, which includes features such as custom ERP integrations and a dedicated customer success manager. Additional workstations can be added to your plan for $35-$60 per workstation. If you want to see the software in action, you can request a demo.

Cova Software Features

Cova Software has the following features:

  • Built-In Verification: Cova features built-in ID and age verification to simplify the check-in process while ensuring compliance.
  • Text Your Turn Mobile Queue: Customers can scan a QR code or text their name to be added to a virtual queue, so they don’t have to wait around for their turn in line.
  • Inventory Management: Cova’s inventory management feature updates inventory in real-time across multiple channels and includes automations (such as bulk adjustments).
  • Cashless Payments: Give customers more ways to pay with Expert Services Network’s Cashless ATM and mobile app payments through Paytender.
  • Loyalty Program: Cova Software makes it easy to set up a loyalty program and set special discounts for your customers.
  • Offline Functionality: Don’t worry about Wi-FI problems with Cova’s offline functionality, which fully backs up your system to keep sales flowing.
  • Compliance: Cova Software integrates with traceability systems, including  BioTrackTHC, Leaf Data Systems, and Metrc.
  • Integrations: Cova integrates popular software and apps, such as Leafly, Weedmaps, Springbig, and Enlighten for enhanced analytics, delivery, online ordering, and more.

Cova Software Hardware Costs & Features

Cova Software integrates with numerous hardware devices, including Samsung tablets, cash drawers, receipt printers, scales, barcode scanners, and label makers. Cova recommends various hardware options at different price points on its website.

Contract Requirements

Cova Software does not make you sign a long-term contract.

Get Started With Cova Software

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Flowhub: Best For Dispensaries With Multiple Locations

Flowhub


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Pros

  • Numerous features
  • 30+ integrations
  • Multilocation management
  • Advanced inventory management

Cons

  • Some features are only available as paid add-ons
  • Pricing not disclosed online

Flowhub POS system
Why We Chose Flowhub For Best Multi-location Cannabis POS System

There is a lot to like about Flowhub, but one of the reasons it made this list is because of its seamless integration across multiple locations. Not all POS systems come equipped with a company management system that can oversee and manage all locations and is both priced well and easy to use by all. Not only that, but it's a cloud-based system, so you can choose the hardware that works best for your shops.

Flowhub's company management system streamlines customer, vendor, and marketing data; location data is specific to each individual store.

With a long list of features and numerous integrations, Flowhub's POS system is guaranteed to meet your needs as a small business owner.

Flowhub Pricing

Flowhub no longer displays any pricing information online.

In our previous update, back in March of 2023, Flowhub has two pricing plans. Single-location dispensaries could get started with the Essentials Plan for $449/month. Multi-location businesses could have subscribed to the Performance Plan for $659/month per location.

You could save by subscribing to an annual plan.

The View mobile analytics app was priced at $149/month per location. Unlimited API access will run you an additional $99/month per location. Features such as Greet and Stash were add-ons that were an additional monthly fee.

There was also a one-time implementation fee of $1K, plus $500 for each additional location.

(Note: If you are an entrepreneur that has often faced barriers to funding as a minority-owned business and/or as a small business owner with prior marijuana convictions, Flowhub has additional discounts available through its Social Equity Program.)

Flowhub Features

Flowhub has many great POS features to cover everything from checking in customers and ringing up sales to tracking inventory and creating a customer loyalty program. This marijuana POS software is truly designed with the dispensary in mind, offering solutions to keep your business legal and compliant while streamlining operations and making it easier to expand your customer base.

Some of Flowhub’s feature highlights include:

  • Cashier: Flowhub’s cloud-based POS software works with your choice of hardware to process transactions, create loyalty programs, apply special discounts, set purchase limits, and order ahead fulfillment.
  • Flowhub Greet: A mobile POS app to expedite check-in and ID verification to reduce customer wait times.
  • Stash: The Stash app is preloaded on Flowhub’s nug mobile scanner and is used for auditing inventory and transferring inventory across multiple locations.
  • Manage: This command center gives you control over inventory, analytics, and state traceability reporting across all of your locations.
  • Flowhub Payments: Flowhub’s cashless ATM system allows you to quickly and easily accept debit cards.
  • View: Flowhub’s View module is a mobile app that gives you real-time performance data, whether you operate one dispensary or multiple locations.
  • Integrations: Flowhub has over 30 integrations, including Green Check banking, Jane online marketplace, Dutchie for delivery and pickup orders, and Headset analytics.

Flowhub Hardware Costs & Features

Flowhub is cloud-based and compatible with multiple types of devices, including both Mac and Windows. The company does partner with a hardware service through a company called Barcodes if the thought of outfitting each individual store seems overwhelming.

Nug Pro scanners cost $199/month per device. A $750 refundable hardware deposit is also required.

Contract Requirements/Warnings

Flowhub doesn’t make you sign a long-term contract. If you wish to cancel, it requires you to make a request in writing 60 days before terminating your business.

Get Started With Flowhub

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Meadow: Best For California Dispensaries

Meadow


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Pros

  • Easy to use
  • Good customer support
  • Numerous features
  • Free ongoing training

Cons

  • Pricing not disclosed upfront
  • Currently available in five US states

Meadow POS

Why We Chose Meadow For Best California-Based Cannabis POS System

Meadow is an all-in-one POS solution that connects retail, delivery, CRM, marketing, and eCommerce on one easy-to-use platform.

One thing that stands out about Meadow is that the company goes the extra mile for its customers. Meadow's customer support has an average response time of just seven minutes. The company also provides complimentary training to help you get the most out of your system.

Employees can learn this easy-to-use and intuitive system in 15 minutes or less.

Meadow Pricing

Meadow has three plan options — Essential, Growth, and Enterprise — to accommodate dispensaries of all sizes. Meadow does not disclose its pricing online, and you will need to book a call to get a quote for your custom plan. Although, it would appear that it runs on the more expensive side.

In addition to your monthly subscription, you may also pay extra for add-ons, such as premium analytics and a QuickBooks integration.

Meadow Features

Meadow has several notable features, including:

  • Express Pickup: Meadow simplified workflows for curbside and in-store pickups while also allowing you to send text notifications to customers when orders are ready.
  • Inventory Management: You can easily audit inventory and reduce theft with Meadow, which updates inventory in real-time across all channels to ensure your menus are always up to date.
  • Delivery: Meadow integrates with Onfleet to simplify order management, communicate with customers, and schedule and track deliveries.
  • Compliance: Meadow is Metric-compliant and includes active account monitoring and built-in safeguards to ensure compliance across all channels and help reduce discrepancies.
  • Loyalty: Meadow makes it easy to set up customer loyalty programs and rewards, create single-use promo codes, or create customer groups for recurring discounts.
  • CRM: Meadow features a built-in CRM to gather data for improved SMS and MMS marketing campaigns.
  • Integrations: Meadow’s integrates with popular software, such as Weedmaps, Leafly, Dutchie, and QuickBooks.

Meadow Hardware Costs & Features

Meadow is compatible with iOS.

Contract Requirements/Warnings

Meadow does not have any long-term contracts. You may cancel the terms of service at any time.

Get Started With Meadow

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BioTrack: Best For Seed to Sale

BioTrack


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Pros

  • Numerous features
  • Time-saving automations
  • Available in 38 states
  • Available to businesses outside of the US

Cons

  • Pricing not disclosed upfront

BioTrack

Why We Chose BioTrack For Best Cannabis POS System For Seed To Sale

BioTrack has an impressive track record. With over 12,000 enterprise locations, nearly ten years of experience, and several government contracts, BioTrack is an industry leader.

BioTrack is available in 38 states, Puerto Rico, and seven other countries, including Canada, Australia, and Colombia.

BioTrack bills itself as software from "seed to sale." It has software for cultivation, processing, and manufacturing. BioTrack also has a dispensary POS solution that helps businesses maintain compliance while giving you the tools to operate your licensed marijuana business. BioTrack has cloud-based and local hosting options to fit the needs of your business.

If your small business is connected to growers, then BioTrack is designed to help you track inventory from the moment it is planted.

BioTrack Pricing

BioTrack does not disclose its pricing online. You will need to contact the company to learn more about its pricing plans and software solutions. You can also request a demo to see the software in action before you make a purchase.

BioTrack Features

With BioTrack’s POS software, you’ll have access to features, including:

  • Automated Data Entry: Scan IDs, create customer profiles, and eliminate time-consuming data entry with BioTrack’s POS solution.
  • Online Ordering & Delivery: Use BioTrack’s integrations to set up online menus and delivery services.
  • Customer Profiles: Access purchase history, medical preferences, special preferences, and more to provide your customers a more personalized experience.
  • CRM: BioTrack’s built-in CRM tools help you easily create a targeted marketing campaign for your customers.
  • Cannalytics: BioTrack’s Cannalytics is an analytics tool that provides customer insights, daily reports, and sales comparisons.
  • Loyalty: Quickly set up a loyalty program to reward your customers with points, products, and promotions.
  • Automated Discounts: BioTrack lets you set up discounts by date, brand, product, time, and other criteria.
  • Purchase Limits: Maintain compliance with built-in purchase limits that prevent over-dispensing.
  • Integrations: BioTrack integrates with popular software including Jane, Dutchie, DataOwl, and Sprout.

BioTrack Hardware Costs & Features

BioTrack does not supply hardware but it can connect you to preferred retailers. Startup costs for hardware will vary, but you will need a desktop computer to run the server, each terminal will need a laptop or tablet with Windows, receipt printer, item scanner.

Contract Requirements/Warnings

There are no long-term contracts with BioTrack. Contracts are month-to-month. As BioTrack says on its website, it wants to earn your loyalty “four weeks at a time.”

Get Started With BioTrack

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BLAZE: Best For iPads & iPhones

BLAZE


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Pros

  • Numerous features
  • Numerous integrations
  • Mobile apps

Cons

  • Pricing not disclosed upfront
  • One-year contract required

BLAZE pos

Why We Chose BLAZE For Best Cannabis POS System For iPads

BLAZE Cannabis POS system is a POS solution that allows you to easily process sales through a web browser or its Dispensary POS app for iOS devices.

BLAZE is designed to make workflows more efficient, from working the front desk to delivering to customers. Reporting, inventory management, loyalty programs, and compliance integrations make it easier to track sales, attract repeat customers, and keep your dispensary legal.

If you already are committed to iOS for hardware, then BLAZE is a great fit for your business. It's easy to use for front and back-of-house.

BLAZE Pricing

BLAZE does not disclose its pricing publicly, so you will need to call to get a custom quote for your dispensary. An online form is available to learn more about this POS solution and to book a demo, or you can contact BLAZE by email or phone to learn more.

BLAZE Features

Some of the standout features of BLAZE include:

  • Customer Check-In: With a check-in app, BLAZE lets customers check themselves in.
  • Loyalty: You can reward your customers by using the built-in loyalty program and promotions engine.
  • Inventory Management: BLAZE features real-time inventory management that helps ensure accuracy and simplifies inventory transfers.
  • eCommerce: With BLAZE, your website can easily be transformed into an online storefront where age-verified customers can place delivery and pickup orders.
  • Compliance: BLAZE integrates with Metrc to ensure your compliance with state and local regulations.
  • Reports: BLAZE really shines when it comes to reporting, giving you your choice of 100+ reports to give insight into inventory, sales, and more.
  • Delivery: With BLAZE, you can easily handle on-demand and scheduled deliveries, optimize routes, and track deliveries in real-time.
  • BLAZE Distro: BLAZE Distro is designed for cannabis distributors and is used to manage invoices, expenses, and purchase orders.
  • BLAZEPAY: Give customers an easier way to pay with BLAZEPAY, integrated debit card processing that lets dispensaries accept all major debit cards.
  • Integrations: BLAZE integrates with other software, including Metrc, OnFleet, Tymber, Weedmaps, Jane, and GreenScreens.

BLAZE Hardware Costs & Features

BLAZE is compatible with iOS devices.

BLAZE has also partnered with tech companies to support various POS hardware, such as barcode scanners, thermal printers, scales, and cash drawers, including the sleek and compact mPOP.

Contract Requirements/Warnings

BLAZE contracts are for a calendar year. If a business terminates its contract early, they are still responsible for the outstanding subscription fees.

Get Started With BLAZE

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Our Methodology For Choosing The Best POS System For The Cannabis Industry

To find the best POS systems for dispensaries, we researched 16 different cannabis/dispensary POS systems based on integrations and reporting capabilities, pricing, hardware requirements, and ease of use.

When possible, we have signed up for a free trial and tested out the software for ourselves. We also read non-incentivized reviews from software review sites such as G2, Capterra, and Software Advice to get real customer input on user experience.

Read more about how Merchant Maverick rates POS systems.

Which Cannabis POS System Is Right For Your Business?

With a cannabis POS system, you can not only improve workflows and accuracy, but you can also reach new and existing customers in ways that other businesses can’t.

Look for a dispensary POS system that:

  • Is easy to use by employees and customers
  • Works with pre-existing hardware
  • Integrates and plays well with other popular software
  • Is priced affordably
  • Has limited downtime

Looking for other ways to boost your business?

One easy way is to make payments easier for your customers. Sure, a cash-only business is acceptable, but why not expand your customer base — and your odds for success — with card processing? Not every payment processor works with marijuana dispensaries, but kick off your search with the best marijuana credit card processing companies for dispensaries.

If you haven’t yet gotten your business off the ground, what are you waiting for? Now is the perfect time to get started. Make your dispensary business dreams come true by checking out how to finance a medical marijuana dispensary or finding the right merchant account provider.

Whether you’re new to the industry or already out there making your mark, make sure that you have the right tools and software to connect with your customers and run a successful, thriving cannabis business. Good luck!

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Matt Sherman

Matt Sherman

Lead Staff Writer at Merchant Maverick
Matt has been helping small businesses make decisions since 2017. He has written reviews and articles across many different channels but specializes in the point of sale, payroll, and small business insurance categories and has been quoted in articles for Fox Business, Forbes, and other publications. Prior to joining Merchant Maverick, Matt was a journalist and editor for 14 years for a pair of weekly newspapers. He is a graduate of the University of Oregon and currently resides in Gladstone, Oregon.
Matt Sherman
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