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Elevating the Dispensary Experience with Cannabis Science Education

Dispensary Marketing Strategies: Leverage Customer Education

The evolving landscape of cannabis science plays a pivotal role in reshaping how customers perceive and interact with cannabis products in the retail dispensary environment. This in-depth discussion unravels the intricacies of cannabis science and explores how leveraging education within your dispensary marketing strategies can transform the customer experience. From moving beyond THC numbers to understanding customer preferences, forging deeper connections between budtenders and customers, to breaking away from price-centric strategies and establishing a premium brand, join us on a journey through the fascinating world of cannabis science.

Need help incorporating customer education and cannabis science into your dispensary marketing strategies? Terrayn can help! Contact us now for a free strategy session.

Educating Customers on Cannabis Science Basics

In the intricate dance of cannabis science, terpenes, cannabinoids, and flavonoids come together to create a symphony of effects that extend far beyond the conventional measures of THC percentages. However, many cannabis consumers are unaware of this. Educating customers on the basics of cannabis science gives them the power to make more informed decisions and the confidence to try new products. When thought of this way, incorporating cannabis science basics into your dispensary marketing strategies seems like a no-brainer.

Understanding this trio—terpenes, cannabinoids, and flavonoids—offers consumers a roadmap to choosing strains that align with their preferences and desired effects. As we delve into the depths of cannabis science, it becomes clear that incorporating education on these compounds into your dispensary marketing strategies opens doors to a more personalized and nuanced cannabis experience.

Terpenes, Cannabinoids, and Flavonoids: Unveiling the Symphony of Effects

Craft engaging displays rich in product information, including cannabinoid profiles and usage recommendations, guiding customers to informed choices. Displays can include multiple consumption types for a single strain or desired effect. Cannabinoids or terpene profiles are great focal points for displays.

Terpenes: The Aroma Architects

Terpenes, the aromatic compounds found in cannabis, play a pivotal role in shaping not just the scent but also the physiological and psychological effects of different strains. For instance, the terpene myrcene is associated with relaxing effects, contributing to the infamous “couch-lock” sensation, while limonene, with its citrusy aroma, is believed to impart an uplifting and mood-enhancing experience. Understanding the specific terpenes in a strain allows consumers to tailor their choices based on desired effects.

Cannabinoids: Unveiling the Chemical Messengers

Cannabinoids, the chemical compounds unique to cannabis, interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system to produce a spectrum of effects. While THC is renowned for its psychoactive properties, other cannabinoids like CBD offer non-intoxicating benefits such as relaxation and stress relief. The intricate interplay of cannabinoids results in strains with varying therapeutic potentials. For example, a high-CBD strain may be recommended for those seeking relief without the typical euphoric effects associated with THC.

Flavonoids: Beyond Taste

Flavonoids, though often overlooked, contribute to the overall sensory experience of cannabis. These compounds, also found in fruits and vegetables, may interact with cannabinoids to enhance or modify their effects. The presence of flavonoids adds another layer to the entourage effect, a concept suggesting that the combined action of various cannabis compounds creates a more profound impact than individual components alone.

Beyond THC Numbers: Understanding Customer Preferences in Dispensary Marketing

Shifting Focus to Effects and Consumption Methods

In the realm of cannabis retail, going above the fixation on THC percentages marks a model shift in a dispensary’s marketing strategy. Educating customers on the specific effects of different strains, guided by the interplay of terpenes and cannabinoids, empowers them to make choices aligned with their individual preferences. For instance, a consumer seeking a calming experience might gravitate towards strains rich in myrcene, while someone desiring a more uplifting mood could explore options with limonene dominance.


Understanding the diverse consumption methods further enhances the customer’s ability to curate their cannabis journey. Whether through traditional flower smoking, vaping, edibles, or tinctures, each method introduces a unique way for cannabinoids and terpenes to interact with the body, resulting in varied onset times and durations of effects. An informed customer is not merely a consumer but an active participant in crafting their desired cannabis experience.

Dispensary Strategies for Building Deeper Connections

Central to the transformative power of cannabis education is the cultivation of meaningful connections between budtenders and customers. As customers delve into the intricacies of terpenes and cannabinoids, budtenders play a crucial role in guiding them through this journey. A skilled budtender, armed with knowledge about strains, terpene profiles, and consumption methods, becomes a trusted advisor, steering customers towards personalized choices and confident purchase behavior.

Good budtenders are also a crucial part of a successful dispensary marketing strategy.
Encouraging open dialogues about customer preferences, past experiences, and desired effects establishes a foundation for personalized recommendations. This shift from a transactional interaction to a consultative one not only enhances the customer’s satisfaction but also forges a lasting connection, laying the groundwork for cannabis customer loyalty in an increasingly competitive market.

Increasing Average Order Value through Education

Creating Value through Educational Dispensary Strategies

Elevating the dispensary experience involves more than transactional exchanges; it’s about curating an educational journey for customers through keen dispensary marketing strategies. By providing resources that delve into cannabis science, dispensaries position themselves as knowledge hubs. Pamphlets, online content, or workshops become valuable tools for educating customers on the intricacies of terpenes, cannabinoids, and flavonoids.


Education doesn’t merely inform; it transforms a routine dispensary visit into an exploration of possibilities. Armed with insights into the entourage effect and the distinct characteristics of various strains, customers are more likely to explore premium products. Dispensaries thus contribute to increasing the average order value as customers gravitate towards a more sophisticated and tailored cannabis experience.

Curating Premium Experiences

Shifting the narrative from a conventional price-centric dispensary marketing strategy to one anchored in quality and education lays the groundwork for curating premium experiences. Dispensaries can showcase the craftsmanship, cultivation methods, and intricate details that set premium products apart. By emphasizing the unique qualities of high-quality cannabis, dispensaries position themselves as purveyors of excellence.


Premium experiences extend beyond the product itself; they encompass the entire customer journey. A well-informed customer, guided by education, is more likely to appreciate the nuances of premium offerings, fostering a sense of exclusivity and value. Dispensaries that successfully weave education into their brand narrative and dispensary marketing strategies distinguish themselves in a crowded market.

Establishing a Premium Brand: The Impact of Education

Building Brand Loyalty

Education becomes the cornerstone in the construction of brand loyalty. It takes a lot to build a premium dispensary brand,  capitalize on this differentiator with education. As customers gain a deeper understanding of the intricate world of cannabis, dispensaries that facilitate this knowledge transfer position themselves as trusted authorities. The loyalty cultivated through education extends beyond a single transaction; it transforms into an enduring connection between the customer and the brand.

By consistently delivering educational value, dispensaries create a narrative that extends beyond the product catalog. This narrative, woven with insights into terpenes, cannabinoids, and the entourage effect, resonates with customers, establishing a brand identity rooted in expertise. In turn, this expertise becomes a magnet, drawing customers back to dispensaries that prioritize their journey of learning and discovery.

Breaking Away from Price-Centric Dispensary Marketing Strategies

Premium brands emerge not merely from the allure of sleek packaging or exclusive strains but from a commitment to quality and education. Dispensaries that break away from price-centric marketing strategies distinguish themselves by placing emphasis on the value proposition inherent in their products. Education becomes a powerful tool in communicating this value, highlighting the craftsmanship and unique characteristics that justify a premium price.


The impact of education is felt not just within the confines of the dispensary but reverberates in the broader market. Premium brands, grounded in education, reshape consumer perceptions, steering the narrative away from a race to the bottom. Dispensaries that successfully deploy marketing strategies that marry education with a commitment to quality position themselves as leaders in an evolving industry.

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