Its time for cannabis brands, retailers to make up with their software providers

(This is a contributed guest column.To be considered as an MJBizDaily guest columnist, please submit your request here.) Rick Bashkoff (Courtesy photo)Between evolving regulations, tight margins and fierce competition, cannabis operators are navigating one of the most complex business environments out there.

But amid all this chaos, there’s a recurring narrative that needs to be challenged: blaming the software.Let’s be blunt – software is not the enemy.

ADVERTISEMENT In fact, when leveraged properly, your cannabis technology stack should be your ally.It should save you time, help you make smarter decisions and, most importantly, help you sell more weed.

But, too often, marijuana operators treat their software as a burden rather than a business partner.They throw up their hands when something breaks, blame vendors when processes are inefficient and lean on legacy systems or default options without understanding what they’re actually using – or why.

Don’t just check the box – understand the tool There’s a huge difference between implementing software with intention and just “checking a box.” If you’ve chosen a point-of-sale system, inventory tracker or marketing platform simply because someone told you it’s an industry standard, you’re doing your business a disservice.Cannabis is not a static industry.

New brands, new products, new regulations, new workflows – the landscape shifts constantly.The tools you use need to keep up with that pace.

More importantly, you need to understand how they support your business strategy. ADVERTISEMENT Operators who treat choosing software as a check-the-box process often miss out on the real value: data-driven insights, automation opportunities, streamlined compliance and scalable growth.

But you don’t get those benefits unless you’re actively engaging with the platforms and providers you choose....