Signing Up for Cannabis Rewards? Here’s What to Check Before You Do
Signing up for a cannabis rewards program can be a smart way to save money—if the shopper knows what they’re agreeing to. Dispensary loyalty programs often bundle discounts with digital account features (apps, texts, email, wallet passes), and those features can come with fine print around points, privacy, and communications. Here’s what to look for before clicking “Join.”
1) Clear value, not vague “perks.”
A solid program spells out how rewards are earned (points per dollar, tier bonuses, birthdays, referral credits) and how they’re redeemed (e.g., “100 points = $5 off”). If the value isn’t transparent, it’s hard to compare programs or predict real savings. Shoppers should also check whether sale items are excluded, whether rewards can be combined with coupons, and whether certain product categories (vapes, accessories, limited drops) are restricted.
2) Expiration rules and “breakage.”
Points expiring is common in retail loyalty. The important part is whether the rules are simple and easy to find: How long until points expire? Does any purchase reset the clock? Are rewards forfeited after inactivity? If the policy is buried or constantly changing, a shopper may end up earning points they can’t realistically use.
3) Redemption friction: the hidden cost.
Look for minimum thresholds (“must have 500 points to redeem”), limits per visit, and whether the reward applies before or after taxes/fees. Also check if the discount works for online orders, delivery, or in-store only. A program that’s generous on paper but hard to redeem can be less valuable than a smaller, simpler one.
4) Communication opt-ins (SMS, email, push): choice and control.
Many of the best deals arrive by text or app push notifications—but shoppers should only opt into channels they actually want. Messaging industry best practices emphasize consent, transparent program details, and easy opt-out. A trustworthy program clearly explains message frequency, what kind of content will be sent, and how to stop messages (typically “Reply STOP”).
Cannabis retailers also tend to be extra careful with marketing compliance, and guidance commonly highlights explicit consent and clear disclosures for promotional texting.
5) Privacy: what data is collected, how it’s used, and who gets it.
Rewards accounts can reveal a detailed purchase history. Shoppers should scan the privacy policy for what information is collected (phone, email, DOB, purchase history, location), whether it’s shared with vendors or advertising partners, and whether the customer can access or delete data. The FTC’s consumer privacy guidance is a good benchmark mindset here: data collection should be disclosed clearly, secured, and not used in surprising ways.
A practical rule of thumb is “data minimization”—only collecting what’s necessary—because less stored data generally means less risk if something goes wrong. NIST frames privacy risk management around limiting adverse consequences while still enabling useful services.
6) Account security basics.
Even if the program is simple, the account shouldn’t be. Shoppers should look for strong-password support, multi-factor authentication if available, and clear customer support steps for account takeovers (especially if rewards have cash-like value).
7) Program stability and support.
Finally, check whether the dispensary provides a clear help page: points balance visibility, dispute resolution for missing points, and a support contact that responds. A rewards program should feel like a customer benefit—not a scavenger hunt.