Whether shopping from home or browsing in-store, cannabis customers today expect smooth, intuitive, and informative menus. But despite advancements in retail tech, many dispensaries still miss the mark—leaving customers frustrated, confused, or walking out without making a purchase.
Let’s break down some of the most common cannabis menu frustrations and why they matter more than retailers might think.
1. Menus That Don’t Match Inventory
Few things irritate a customer more than finding the perfect product on a menu—only to learn it’s out of stock at checkout. It’s a common complaint, especially when menus aren’t synced in real time with a dispensary’s POS system. This disconnect can leave customers feeling misled or ignored.
Why it matters: Trust is crucial. If your menu doesn’t reflect what’s actually available, customers may not come back.
2. Clunky or Confusing In-Store Displays
Digital menu boards should make life easier. But when they’re slow, hard to read, or difficult to interact with, they do the opposite. Touchscreens that freeze, menus with tiny fonts, or boards that cycle too quickly through products can turn a quick visit into a frustrating wait.
Why it matters: Dispensaries have a short window to serve customers. If the tech slows them down, it hurts satisfaction and sales.
3. No Logical Navigation or Filters
When hundreds of products are crammed into a single scrolling list with no clear way to sort by effect, type, brand, or potency, customers—especially new ones—can feel overwhelmed. A lack of filtering tools leads to decision fatigue, and decision fatigue often leads to no purchase at all.
Why it matters: Consumers need guidance. Smart menus reduce confusion and speed up the path to purchase.
4. Overuse of Industry Jargon
Not everyone knows what “live resin,” “RSO,” or “landrace sativa” means. Many cannabis menus—both online and in-store—lean too heavily into technical or slang terms without offering simple, plain-language descriptions. This alienates first-time customers and can even confuse regulars.
Why it matters: A confused customer won’t ask questions—they’ll just move on. Clear communication builds confidence.
5. Poor Mobile Experience
For online shoppers, nothing kills a sale faster than a clunky mobile interface. If the menu doesn’t load quickly, isn’t optimized for smaller screens, or lacks intuitive design, users will abandon their carts before ever checking out.
Why it matters: Mobile is the most common device for cannabis e-commerce. If your menu isn’t mobile-friendly, you’re losing money.
6. Lack of Educational Support
More than ever, customers want to understand what they’re buying—especially in a market as nuanced as cannabis. When menus don’t offer product details, usage guidance, or educational tips, customers are left guessing what’s right for them.
Why it matters: Education drives both trust and repeat business. A helpful menu is a sales tool, not just a product list.
Wrapping It Up
Menus are more than just lists—they’re experiences. They shape how a customer feels about your store before they even interact with a budtender. Whether it’s online or on the wall, a well-designed menu that’s accurate, easy to use, and educational can make the difference between a one-time visitor and a lifelong customer.