The retail model is the most common dispensary layout for both medical and recreational cannabis businesses. In this setup, inventory is kept behind the counter for staff only, customers wait in a separate area for ID checks before entering, and each shopper works one-on-one with a budtender.

The pharmacy model is a less common dispensary layout used mainly by medical operators in highly regulated states. It is designed for strict inventory control, with customers checking in first, budtenders handling only the POS transaction, and separate inventory staff verifying the order and dispensing pre-packaged products through a controlled process.

Customers browse and order through self-service kiosks, then wait for order fulfillment at a pickup counter. Reduces staffing needs, speeds throughput, and integrates seamlessly with digital payment and ATM solutions.

The open retail, or mobile, model is a modern dispensary layout designed to create a more customer-friendly shopping experience by displaying products in open or glass cases for browsing. Multiple checkout stations keep lines short and payment flow fast — perfect for high-volume locations.