What is 10DLC and Why Should Flowhub Dispensaries Care?

If your cannabis dispensary uses SMS marketing, you’ve probably heard about 10DLC (10-Digit Long Code) compliance. But what does it really mean and how does it affect Flowhub users?

10DLC is a set of regulations from mobile carriers designed to reduce spam and protect consumers from unwanted texts. While it’s a win for consumers, it adds new hurdles for cannabis retailers, especially those using SMS for loyalty or promotional messaging.

If you’re a Flowhub dispensary, staying compliant means understanding:

• What’s allowed

• What’s restricted

• How to avoid fines, message filtering, and account bans

  
  

The Cannabis SMS Problem No One Talks About

Here’s the reality: most SMS platforms weren’t built for cannabis. And under 10DLC rules, dispensaries are treated as “high-risk” senders. That means:

• Your texts are more likely to be flagged or blocked

• You may see increased costs per message

• Carriers can shut down your campaigns without warning

Even if you're following the rules, the cannabis category is often auto-flagged for compliance issues. This makes your loyalty and marketing efforts less predictable — and riskier over time.

What Flowhub Users Need to Know About SMS Compliance

If you're using Flowhub for POS, you might be integrating with SMS tools for receipts, promotions, or customer engagement. Here's what 10DLC compliance means for you:

You Must Register Your Campaign

• Carriers now require all businesses to register their SMS use case (known as Campaign Registry)

• If you don’t register, your messages may not deliver

Consent is Mandatory

• Customers must clearly opt-in before receiving texts

• Flowhub can collect consent at checkout but you need to use that data carefully

Message Content is Scrutinized

• Words like “weed,” “edibles,” or “THC” can trigger carrier filters

• Even compliant messages can get blocked if your brand is flagged

Why Flowhub Dispensaries Are Adding Sticky Cards

Many Flowhub users are looking for SMS alternatives that reduce compliance risk and cost. That’s where Sticky Cards comes in.

With Sticky Cards, You Get:

• Push notifications instead of SMS — no carrier fees, no 10DLC headaches

• Apple/Google Wallet loyalty cards your customers won’t forget

• Instant opt-in at checkout or post-sale — no friction

• Real-time customer data pulled from Flowhub, automatically

You can still run automated campaigns, promote offers, and drive repeat visits without SMS limitations.

Sticky Cards vs SMS: What’s Better for Loyalty?

Stay Compliant, Stay Profitable

10DLC is just the beginning. As SMS regulations tighten, cannabis retailers need smarter ways to reach their customers.

Sticky Cards gives Flowhub dispensaries a:

• Frictionless loyalty solution

• Compliant messaging channel

• No-app experience that drives retention

  
  

Ready to Future-Proof Your Loyalty Program?

Don’t let 10DLC slow your growth.
Sticky Cards works seamlessly with Flowhub, launching in under 48 hours and giving you loyalty that scales without regulatory risk.

Book a Demo to see it in action.