From Auto Industry to Cannabis Innovator: The Story of Detroit Dispensing Solutions

March 1st, 2024 Business & Industry
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In the dynamic sphere of cannabis technology, Detroit Dispensing Solutions (DDS) has emerged as a formidable innovator, revolutionizing the way concentrates are dispensed. Founded in 2020 by Chris Joseph, a seasoned professional from the automotive industry, DDS leverages Joseph's extensive experience in mechanical and electrical engineering to spearhead advancements in cannabis vaporizer dispensing technologies. The latest breakthrough from DDS, the CDS-1000 Automated Concentrate Dispensing System, exemplifies the company's commitment to pushing the boundaries of industry norms.

Chris Joseph's path to innovation was paved during his tenure in the automotive sector, where he excelled in engineering roles, from hands-on circuit board assembly to leading engineering departments. His transition into the cannabis industry was driven by a desire to address the inadequacies of existing dispensing solutions with his industrial machinery expertise. This led to the creation of DDS in the confines of his garage during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. Working closely with a licensed cannabis facility for 18 months, DDS developed the CFM-1800 Automated Cartridge Filling and Capping Machine, a machine that quickly set new standards for efficiency and reliability in high-volume vape cartridge production.

The CDS-1000, alongside its predecessor, the CFM-1800, represents DDS's response to the unique demands of the cannabis industry. Initially tailored for Michigan's market, these machines have gained widespread acceptance, now processing over 70% of vape cartridges in the state and expanding their presence nationwide. DDS's move to a larger, 25,000-square-foot facility in Troy was a calculated risk that paid off, enabling the company to scale its operations and foster a collaborative environment that blends automotive precision with cannabis expertise.

The CFM-1800 and its standalone counterpart, the CFS-1800, are celebrated for their high efficiency, capable of filling and capping 1800 1g cartridges per hour with a shot accuracy of ±1%. This operational excellence is underpinned by DDS's dedication to customer success, ensuring the longevity and reliability of their systems through a modular design philosophy that facilitates quick parts replacement to minimize downtime.

With the introduction of the CDS-1000 at MJBizCon, DDS has once again set itself apart by offering the first and only automated system designed for cannabis concentrate dispensing. This innovative system addresses key industry challenges such as cost management by streamlining packaging processes, reducing labor requirements, and enhancing shot accuracy. Capable of handling various consistencies of cannabis extracts, the CDS-1000 offers features like room temperature dispensing, a pharmaceutical-grade pump, and a closed-loop pressurized feed system, enabling a single employee to produce up to 1,000 concentrates per hour.

Detroit Dispensing Solutions' journey is a narrative of resilience, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. As DDS continues to pioneer solutions that redefine industry standards, its influence on the cannabis sector is undeniable, promising further advancements that will shape the future of cannabis technology.

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