As cannabis businesses continue navigating the murky waters of financial compliance, Aeropay has emerged as one of the more popular cashless payment solutions in dispensaries. Promising secure, compliant digital transactions without relying on major credit card networks, Aeropay has carved a niche in the cannabis space—but does it actually deliver on ease, speed, and user satisfaction?
We spoke with budtenders and customers across Florida, Illinois, and Colorado to get a real-world look at how Aeropay performs on the dispensary floor.
The Setup Process: A Learning Curve for Some
For customers, one of the most frequently mentioned downsides is the setup process. Aeropay requires users to create an account, link it to their bank, and verify their identity before making a payment.
“A lot of people just aren’t used to setting up ACH transfers on the fly,” said Jasmine, a budtender in South Beach, Miami. “Older customers or those without mobile banking experience can get frustrated quickly. We often end up walking them through it, which slows down the line.”
However, once set up, many customers found the platform easy to use. “After my first purchase, I was impressed by how smooth everything was. I just scan the code and go,” shared Marcus, a regular customer in Denver. “No more worrying about hitting the ATM or carrying cash.”
Dispensary Integration: Works Well—When It Works
Dispensaries report generally positive experiences with Aeropay integration. The system is designed to connect directly with point-of-sale (POS) software, offering real-time transaction tracking and bank-to-bank transfers.
“Our POS system syncs seamlessly with Aeropay,” noted Liz, a manager at a dispensary in Chicago. “It’s clean, compliant, and gives customers a digital option without the sketchiness of a workaround app.”
Still, it’s not without glitches. A few budtenders reported delayed transaction confirmations or customers confused about whether the payment went through. “We had a couple of instances where customers thought they paid, but it didn’t go through. Aeropay support handled it quickly, but it makes for awkward conversations,” said one Florida-based budtender.
Customer Feedback: A Mixed Bag
Customers praised Aeropay for giving them a cashless option in an industry that’s historically cash-reliant. Many mentioned feeling safer not having to carry large amounts of cash into dispensaries, especially in urban areas.
“I don’t like going to the ATM, paying fees, or feeling like I’m in some kind of sketchy situation,” said Rachel, a Miami customer. “Aeropay just makes it feel more normal, like shopping anywhere else.”
That said, not all customers were thrilled. A few voiced concerns about privacy and the need to link a bank account. “I’m still not totally comfortable having an app connected to my bank just for weed purchases,” one California shopper noted. “Feels like it could get flagged or monitored.”
Final Verdict: A Step Forward, But Not a Cure-All
Aeropay has made solid strides in offering dispensaries and customers a practical digital payment method in a high-risk industry. It’s not perfect—the initial setup can be a hurdle, and there are occasional hiccups—but most users say it’s a welcome change from being cash-only.
Budtenders like the streamlined checkouts when things go smoothly, while customers appreciate the added convenience and security.
If you’re a dispensary looking to offer a compliant, non-cash option, Aeropay is worth exploring. Just be prepared to invest time upfront in onboarding both your staff and customers.
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