Curated Dispensary Menus – Because Too Many Choices Can Be a Buzzkill

We’ve all been there.

You walk into a place, ready to treat yourself… and suddenly you’re faced with an ocean of options. Everything looks good. Or maybe nothing stands out. Either way, your brain short-circuits.

That same thing happens in dispensaries all the time. And when your customers are already juggling a dozen decisions before they even walk through your doors, that wall of flower and those pages of product listings? It can feel like a lot.

That’s where curated menus come in. Not as a replacement for your full lineup—but as a guide.

Because not everyone wants to build their own adventure. Some people want to be shown the good stuff. The best stuff. The fresh drops. The things your staff is loving. The award winners. The low-dose, the heavy-hitters, the seasonal specials, the sleeper picks.

They want a vibe.

Not Everyone Shops the Same

Some folks know exactly what they want—quick in, quick out, thanks very much.

But others? They’re open. Curious. Wandering. Maybe they know what effect they’re after (“I want to relax but still be awake”) but don’t know what product gets them there. Maybe they just want to try something new, but don’t feel like reading a hundred product labels.

These customers? They’re golden.

Because with just a little direction, they’re not only more likely to buy—they’re more likely to connect. With the product, with your staff, with your brand.

Curated Menus Can Look Like…

➡️ New Arrivals
Make it easy to spot what just hit the shelves. Great for regulars who love to stay in-the-know.

➡️ Award Winners
Put the spotlight on products that have earned their stripes. Helps customers feel confident about trying something new.

➡️ Limited Editions
Got something that won’t last? Say it loud. Scarcity drives action.

➡️ Seasonal Picks
Weed is like wine. The mood shifts with the seasons. Highlight cozy, uplifting, energizing, or chill strains depending on the time of year.

➡️ Staff Picks
Your budtenders are lowkey influencers. Let their voices shine with notes like “Sarah’s favorite edible for sleep” or “Alex’s go-to concentrate for creativity.”

➡️ Fan Favorites
People love knowing what others are buying. “Most re-ordered” or “Top-rated” badges make decision-making easier.

➡️ Bundles & Starter Kits
Not everyone knows what pairs well with what. Create ready-to-go combos for things like “Intro to Edibles,” “Weekend Chill,” or “Girls’ Night In.”

➡️ Eco-Conscious Choices
Sustainable packaging? Ethical sourcing? Highlight those options for the customers who care (and they’re out there).

The Goal? Less Pressure, More Discovery

Curated menus aren’t about limiting people—they’re about guiding them. Suggesting. Inspiring. Giving them something to grab onto when the full menu feels like too much.

It’s like having a staff member whisper, “Hey, if you’re not sure where to start, here’s what people are loving right now.”

And that? That makes all the difference. Here is an example from Sandra Bergman, founder and operator or ESBE:

“I love a good visual representation of results. Here’s a visual calendar of dispensary orders. Each square is one day.

Red = bad – below average # of orders
Purple = okay – average # of orders
Blue = good – above average
Green = very good – way above average

The red line marks when we/ESBE launched a new loyalty program.

Once compelling loyalty was in place, it’s a sea of green & blue – more orders on almost every day!

Here’s how we created and launched a program in just a few weeks:

1. Analyze customer data to understand customers spending and frequency.
2. Calculate COGS of rewards and tier sizes to forecast the cost of the program.
3. Create the structure of the loyalty program – program requirements, levels, rewards.
4. Designed all imagery and wrote all copy for 20+ automated email campaigns, in-store signage, wallet app.
5. Configured all audience segments, rewards, discounts and campaigns in Alpine IQ.

2025 is the year of customer retention. Let’s get it!”

Bonus: It Helps Your Team, Too

A well-curated menu gives your staff easy talking points. It helps them shine. Instead of defaulting to, “What are you looking for today?” they can say:

“Wanna see what just came in?”
“Want me to show you what everyone’s loving this month?”
“Looking for something to help you sleep but not knock you out? We’ve got a bundle for that.”

These kinds of convos = better customer experiences and stronger sales.

Keep It Fresh, Keep It Flowing

Rotate your curated picks weekly or monthly. Update signage. Feature new staff voices. Match your curation to holidays, local events, or just your store’s vibe that week.

And don’t forget to bring it online—on your website, in your email blasts, through SMS, and on social.

Curated menus aren’t just a nice-to-have. They’re how you take care of your customers when they’re not sure what they need yet. They’re how you help someone go from “just looking” to “oh wow, I love this.”

Don’t just stock the shelf. Curate the experience.

That’s how you turn browsers into buyers. And buyers into loyal fans.