In the ever-evolving realm of cannabis technology, one company is making waves by reshaping the landscape of concentrate dispensing and challenging industry conventions. Enter Detroit Dispensing Solutions (DDS), founded in 2020 by automotive industry veteran Chris Joseph. Harnessing his mechanical and electrical engineering background in the automotive sector, Chris has propelled DDS into a leadership position in cannabis vaporizer dispensing technology. Now, the game-changer unveils its latest triumph – the CDS-1000 Automated Concentrate Dispensing System.
Chris Joseph's journey from hand-soldering computer boards to leading the engineering department of an automotive remanufacturing company laid the groundwork for his venture into the cannabis space. Dissatisfied with existing market solutions, he utilized his extensive knowledge to craft industrial-grade machinery, and introduced innovation to the cannabis industry.
The humble beginnings of DDS took place in Chris's garage amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Collaborating with a licensed cannabis facility for 18 months, DDS birthed the CFM-1800 AutomatedCartridge Filling and Capping Machine, setting a new standard for high-volume vape production. This industrial marvel gained popularity for its robust build, single-operator ease, and exceptional post-sale support.
As the cannabis industry posed unique challenges, DDS engineered solutions for business owners demanding detailed operational control and market adaptability. The CFM-1800 and standalone filler CFS-1800, tailored originally for Michigan's market, now dominate, processing over 70% of cartridges on local shelves. They have since expanded their footprint into virtually every state that has legalized cannabis.
Engineering for the Future
DDS's success prompted a shift from a 3,000-square-foot facility to a 25,000-square-foot facility in Troy. The move was either "the best or the dumbest decision," as Chris humorously reflects. “The only thing was, it wasn’t really a joke, it was sink or swim.”
When DDS transitioned to its expansive facility, Chris strategically surrounded himself with a dynamic team comprising former colleagues and seasoned experts from the cannabis industry. Recognizing the need for diverse perspectives and specialized knowledge, he orchestrated a collaboration that blended automotive precision with cannabis expertise. This symbiotic blend not only facilitated the seamless scaling of the company but also infused it with a wealth of experience. The strategic move to the new facility became a pivotal juncture, allowing DDS to not only accommodate its growing team but also to harness the collective wisdom of industry veterans and propel the company to new heights.
The CFM-1800 and CFS-1800, recognized as the gold standard, boast impressive features like filling and capping 1800 1g cartridges per hour, compatibility with various hardware, and a ±1% shot accuracy. DDS, driven by a commitment to customer success, guarantees operational reliability and efficiency.
Chris Joseph, founder of DDS. Courtesy of DDS.
“We have systems in the field that have millions of shots on all original components. The machines were designed and built to run day in and day out, but we aren’t naive enough to think that even the highest quality components don’t have failures,” Chris said. “Our modular design philosophy enables us to pull from our safety stock and drop ship parts to a customer overnight to minimize customer downtime.”
Having conquered the cartridge-filling arena, DDS set its sights on an unprecedented challenge – the CDS-1000 Automated Concentrate Dispensing System. Unveiled at MJBizCon 2022 and launched at MJBizCon 2023, it stands as the first and only cannabis concentrate dispenser available, showcasing DDS's dedication to innovation.
In a saturated market, staying competitive hinges on managing costs, and DDS addresses this with the CDS-1000. By streamlining the packaging process, reducing labor requirements, and ensuring remarkable shot accuracy, DDS’s offering set a new standard in the industry.
The CDS-1000 features room temperature dispensing, a pharmaceutical-grade pump, closed-loop pressurized feed system, and user-friendly controls. Traditionally, companies relied on ten employees to manually fill 500 to 800 cannabis concentrates per hour. However, with the CDS-1000, DDS has disrupted the norm, allowing for 1,000 concentrates per hour with just one employee. This not only reduces operational costs but significantly increases throughput, setting a new standard in the industry.
The CDS-1000 Stands Out with Its Features:
- Dispenses various consistencies of cannabis extracts efficiently
- Room temperature dispensing capabilities
- Pharmaceutical-grade pump for accurate and precise dispensing
- Closed-loop pressurized feed system ensuring consistent shot size with a remarkable accuracy of +/-1%
- Quick tool-free cleaning and material changeover
- Up to 1,000 shots per hour, streamlining the packaging process
- Ergonomic, user-friendly controls with a touchscreen for simple and accurate batch calibration
Watch the CDS-1000 in action in the video "Time Trial - How Fast Can One Operator Fill 50 Jars of Cannabis Concentrates?"
As DDS continues to evolve and pioneer solutions for the cannabis sector, they redefine industry standards and set a compelling benchmark for technological innovation. In a world where progress is constant, Detroit Dispensing Solutions stands as a beacon of ingenuity.
The story of DDS is not just about machines; it's a testament to resilience, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. As the cannabis industry witnesses DDS's groundbreaking contributions, one can't help but wonder what exciting advancements the future holds for this visionary company.
