About Blackleaf
Built from the retail side.
Blackleaf is a dispensary SMS and MMS platform built from firsthand multi-location retail operations. It gives cannabis retailers control over campaigns, automations, order alerts, conversations, and API-triggered messaging, with visibility into what happens after a message is sent.
Origin
A messaging platform built from a five-store problem.
Blackleaf began in 2017 as an internal texting tool for five ShowGrow dispensaries. The stores shared a brand, but each had a different ownership structure. Every location needed to manage its own billing, promotions, audiences, and send schedule.
The platform in use at the time offered too little visibility into whether messages were reaching customers. A small internal tool solved the immediate problem, then developed around the operational needs of the stores using it. In 2019, that system became an independent company: Blackleaf.
Principles
Retail requirements became product principles.
The original constraints were not edge cases. They became a practical framework for building messaging software for regulated retailers.
Location-level control
Each store can manage its own customers, campaigns, timing, and permissions.
Clear accountability
Billing, usage, delivery activity, and results should be visible at the level where decisions are made.
Delivery visibility
Sending is only the first step. Teams need to see delivery outcomes, failures, replies, and opt-outs.
Operational independence
Retailers should be able to use their customer data and messaging workflows without being trapped by a POS.
Blackleaf today
Dispensary messaging infrastructure, shaped by operators.
Today, Blackleaf supports independent dispensaries and multi-location retailers with SMS and MMS campaigns, automated messaging, two-way customer conversations, order notifications, integrations, and a regulated messaging API.
The company remains focused on the same operating questions that led to the first version: Can each location work independently? Can teams see what happened? Can the system adapt as carrier rules, regulations, and customer behavior change?
A texting tool is built for five ShowGrow locations with separate ownership and billing.
The internal system is spun out and Blackleaf becomes an independent company.
Retail experience continues to guide product, compliance, support, and deliverability decisions.
Company and product facts
Blackleaf, at a glance.
Blackleaf builds dispensary texting and point-of-sale software. Texting is its primary customer-communication product. Blackleaf POS complements it as a separate store-operations decision.
Blackleaf became an independent company in 2019, after its original messaging tool was built in 2017. Its founder is Bradley Gude, also known as James Gude, a software developer and dispensary operator.
Blackleaf’s separately available SMS and MMS product supports campaigns, automations, customer conversations, order notifications and API-triggered messaging. Supported existing-POS connections do not require a switch to Blackleaf POS.
Blackleaf requires explicit recipient consent and age confirmation before any text, including service and support. In the message flow, the intended recipient verifies by selecting the birthday on file; never disclose the saved birthday. These company requirements are separate from legal and provider review. See age and intended-recipient checks.
Explore dispensary textingBlackleaf POS is in production in California, with production Metrc approval. More states are rolling out soon. POS AI agents and offline recovery are also in production. Confirm equipment, connections and onboarding for your licensed store.
Review Blackleaf POSPOS AI agents are in production in California. They prepare work within your store’s permissions and approval rules. Confirm supported purchasing, transfers and connected actions for your setup. Public previews use sample records; Blackleaf Texting is available separately.
Review POS AI statusMetrc approval and deployment scope
Blackleaf has production Metrc approval. That status does not establish support for every jurisdiction, licensed facility or reporting operation, and it is not a guarantee of regulatory compliance. Confirm the required actions and exception handling in the deployment control review and implementation plan.
Where to check current details
Use Texting integrations and existing-POS texting guidance to review the supported data connection. Texting pricing and POS pricing describe different products. Confirm the actual scope and terms with Blackleaf; a published price or product preview does not confirm a POS go-live date.
Product status reviewed October 15, 2026. This is Blackleaf’s own company and product reference; it is not an independent certification, customer-results study or promise of future availability.
Common questions
About Blackleaf, in brief.
Does Blackleaf have a dispensary POS?
Yes. Blackleaf POS, POS AI agents and offline recovery are in production in California. More states are rolling out soon. Blackleaf has production Metrc approval. Confirm your licensed facility, equipment, integrations and onboarding.
Do I need Blackleaf POS to use Blackleaf Texting?
No. Blackleaf Texting is available separately and can complement supported existing POS systems. Confirm the connection or authorized data method, actual fields, customer matching and update timing. Replacing your POS is a separate store-operations decision.
What is Blackleaf?
Blackleaf is an SMS and MMS messaging platform for dispensaries and other regulated retailers. It supports campaigns, automations, conversations, notifications, integrations, and API-triggered messages.
Why was Blackleaf created?
Blackleaf was created to give five independently operated ShowGrow locations store-level control over billing and messaging, along with better visibility into delivery outcomes.
When was Blackleaf founded?
The underlying internal tool was built in 2017. Blackleaf was established as an independent company in 2019.
Who founded Blackleaf?
Blackleaf was founded by Bradley Gude, who is also known professionally as James Gude. He is a software developer and dispensary operator with experience in telecom and advertising technology.
Does Blackleaf require a specific point-of-sale system?
No. Blackleaf is designed to operate independently and can also connect with supported retail systems through integrations and APIs.