Here’s the short answer: yes—some dispensaries consistently earn higher product ratings than others, and the reasons are both human and operational. In markets where menus look similar, the best scores usually flow to stores that remove friction, prove product quality, and treat reviews as part of the customer journey—not an afterthought.

First, review platforms themselves emphasize holistic experience, not just potency or price. Leafly’s “List” methodology blends quantitative star ratings with qualitative signals such as reorder behavior and deal availability, rewarding shops that deliver reliable value and smooth purchasing flows across visits.

Second, great customer experience measurably moves outcomes. Across retail, improvements in satisfaction correlate with revenue lift and reduced churn, which helps explain why highly rated dispensaries often show steadier traffic and repeat purchases. A single poor interaction can trigger defection—one study estimates one in four customers will switch after a bad experience—so stores that nail speed, accuracy, and empathy protect their ratings over time.

Third, verified reviews and active reputation management matter. On discovery marketplaces, authentic customer feedback influences listing visibility and consumer trust; Weedmaps-focused guidance notes that stronger, verified review profiles can boost ranking, which in turn drives more eyeballs and (eventually) more positive ratings if the experience delivers. That feedback loop helps top performers stay visible.

Fourth, transparency on testing and product data builds credibility. Consumers reward shops that post easy-to-find COAs and terpene information, and platforms like Leafly require lab-tested products for editorial ratings—practices that make it easier for shoppers to connect the “why” behind a star score.

Fifth, assortment and inventory discipline reduce disappointment. While selection alone won’t win loyalty, reliable in-stock favorites plus clearly labeled new drops can stabilize ratings. Industry POS datasets (e.g., Headset) show how real-time, SKU-level performance enables smarter purchasing and fewer menu dead-ends—mechanics that customers experience as “they always have what I want.”

A reality check: online ratings aren’t perfect. Research on review systems finds selection and positivity biases—who decides to leave a review can skew averages—so consumers should read beyond stars to recent, detailed comments that mention staff knowledge, checkout speed, product freshness, and order accuracy. Still, reviews have teeth: classic retail research shows ratings can shift demand, which is why high-scoring dispensaries keep investing in service training, pickup logistics, and expectation-setting.

Consumer takeaway: look for patterns over time, not one-off raves. Dispensaries that consistently (1) publish clear product data, (2) keep core items in stock, (3) resolve issues quickly, and (4) invite—and respond to—verified feedback tend to maintain higher product ratings. Those practices reflect systems you can feel in-store: shorter waits, fewer surprises, and products that match the menu description. When you see that alignment, the stars usually make sense.