When a new cannabis market opens like Missouri and Michigan, there’s always a mix of excitement and trepidation for entrepreneurs. The complex legalities of any cannabis market can feel intimidating and, as a result, many people interested in opening a dispensary never make it past the first page of the license application.

New cannabis markets attract hundreds, even thousands of applicants, but only a select group will receive one of the limited cannabis licenses available. To be one of the chosen few, applicants must learn everything they can to make their application stand out, increasing their chances of winning a coveted license. That’s why Cova is hosting free, educational seminars this summer on how to open a dispensary in Missouri and Michigan. And for those who have already received a license, these seminars will teach them how to be successful and stand out in a crowded field.

With Missouri’s final cannabis regulations released, the state will begin accepting cannabis license applications on August 3, 2019. The licenses will be granted to the first 192 highest-scored applicants. In Michigan, to get in the game now and ready your business for recreational cannabis, it’s wise to apply for a medical marijuana license now. MMJ licensed businesses in Michigan will be grandfathered in to open a recreational retail store.

With these developments quickly approaching, it’s time to prepare. By attending Cova’s free seminars, canna-preneurs can avoid major mistakes in the licensing process, learn best practices for opening a dispensary, and feel confident about their decision to trailblaze in a quickly growing industry.

Cova’s free spring seminars will take place in the following cities. All you have to do is sign up and show up to get a wealth of free knowledge.

• Kansas City, Missouri (June 11th)
• St. Louis, Missouri (June 12th)
• Livonia, Michigan (July 9th)
• Saginaw, Michigan (July 10th)

4 Takeaways You’ll Gain from Cova’s Michigan & Missouri Cannabis Seminars

How to Open a Cannabis Dispensary in Missouri & Michigan

In this session, you will learn exactly what it takes to open a dispensary in Missouri and Michigan. This includes the 1) key costs of opening and operating a dispensary; 2) the information you need for a successful dispensary business plan and marijuana license application; and 3) tips on dispensary design that will make your store functional and memorable.

Michigan & Missouri Dispensary Regulations 

To be a successful cannabis dispensary owner in these new markets, it’s crucial to understand the basics of dispensary regulations in Michigan and Missouri. Cova’s team will highlight some of the most common compliance issues and how you can avoid them. Plus, they’ll explain the cannabis tax structures and reporting requirements.

Best Practices for Opening a Cannabis Store

Now you know what it takes to get your cannabis license approved in Michigan and Missouri and how to avoid compliance issues. Next, you’ll learn best practices for running a cannabis shop. This session includes information on cannabis inventory management, what metrics you need to track to measure your store’s success, and employee recruiting and management tips.

How to Use POS Technology to Manage Your Dispensary

Running a dispensary without proper technology can lead to a compliance disaster fast. Cova will show how a cannabis-friendly Point of Sale (POS) system is essential for managing a compliant dispensary.

With 20 years of retail experience and drawing on years of cannabis business knowledge from experts, these free seminars will save you costly consultant fees and set you up for success in running a compliant cannabis business.

To learn how to open a marijuana dispensary in Missouri, RSVP here. To RSVP for a free seminar in Michigan, click here.

About Author

Faai Steuer is VP of marketing at Cova Software, the fastest growing cannabis retail POS in North America. An entrepreneur at heart, she has a passion for growing startups and building brands. With 20 years of marketing experience in CPG and retail tech, she lends her knowledge and best practices to help cannabis entrepreneurs in the US and Canada open their first store and grow their business through vital thought leader content. Faai oversees the strategies and executions of Cova public relations, content marketing, social media, events, and campaigns.