Hardware

California approves first cannabis self-checkout kiosk

Image: Adobe Stock

August 7, 2026

Summarize with

Cannabis dispensary Perfect Union Northside in Sacramento has introduced what its parent company describes as California's first regulator-approved cannabis self-checkout system, according to a New York Post report. MWG Holdings Group received clearance to deploy the RFID-based technology, which allows customers to purchase cannabis products through a process resembling self-checkout at supermarkets and convenience stores.

Unlike conventional scanners, the system can identify several RFID-tagged products simultaneously. MWG Holdings said the technology is intended to shorten transactions while improving inventory visibility, operational efficiency and store security. CEO Tom Sheridan said the deployment reflects the continued development of cannabis retail into a more technologically advanced industry.

The California Department of Cannabis Control reviewed the system before approving its use on the sales floor. The technology was required to work with the dispensary's payment platform and Metrc, the state's cannabis inventory-tracking system. The Sacramento launch comes as dispensaries nationwide adopt more mainstream retail practices and regular cannabis use continues to increase in the United States.