Bedford, Ohio—Amplify Bedford, a well-regarded marijuana dispensary, is poised to expand its services from medical to include recreational cannabis following the approval of a provisional dual-use license. This shift reflects Ohio’s evolving cannabis landscape and positions Amplify at the forefront of the industry’s expansion. Andy Rayburn, the owner, who also owns Buckeye Relief—a cultivator and processor since 2018—has been a pioneering figure in Ohio’s cannabis market.
Smart Planning in Store Layout
“We are very fortunate that we will not have to make any changes to the store layout,” explains AJ Caraballo, Retail Director for Amplify. The dispensary was designed with distinct areas for ordering and checkout to optimize flow and customer experience. This foresight allows for efficient integration of recreational sales, catering to both pre-order customers and those requiring in-store assistance.
Getting Ready for More Customers
In anticipation of increased demand, Amplify has expanded its team and intensified training efforts. Sage Graham, General Manager, details these preparations: “There will be some reorganizing in-store to help with the flow of people, a slightly different check-in process, and we’re training more budtenders to make sure every patient and customer has the resources they need to have a great experience.“
Keeping Up with Customer Needs
Despite the growing pains associated with the transition, such as delayed recreational sales which have led to customer impatience, Amplify is well-prepared. As recreational sales begin, it’s anticipated that many dispensaries might face challenges in meeting initial demand. However, with the support from Buckeye Relief’s cultivation facilities, Amplify is well-prepared to ensure an ample supply.
Special Care for Medical Patients
Amplify remains committed to its medical patients. Graham highlights the dispensary’s approach: “Medical patients will be prioritized at Amplify through a couple of ways. One, they will have priority check-in and check-out lines. This will speed up the process, leading to a smooth experience. Plus, Medical patients will also have a standing discount at Amplify.“
Safety First: Community and Security Plans
Security and safety are paramount, with extensive measures in place to accommodate the influx of customers. “We have security at check-in and on the sales floor to deescalate any issues that may arise between patients and customers,” notes Graham. Moreover, educational materials will be available to all customers to ensure they are well-informed about the products and the sales process.
What the Future Holds for Amplify
With the imminent expansion of the market, Amplify is strategically enhancing its operations to manage the expected surge in business effectively. Rayburn’s vision for the dispensary reflects a commitment to safety and excellence: “I’m really excited to be part of the effort to bring safe, tested, and legal marijuana products to the people of Ohio. We voted strongly in favor of legal adult use marijuana products to bring all consumers a clean, safe, and legal product and experience in getting these products.“
As Amplify Bedford gears up to welcome recreational users, its strategic preparations, community focus, and commitment to medical patients underscore its readiness to serve a broader audience effectively. While there is no official date set for recreational sales to begin, residents should expect it to be sometime in August.
Residents with questions should feel free to check out Amplify’s website, email them at support@amplifydispensary.com, or call the Bedford store at (440) 797-5696.
