Introduction

In today’s ultra-competitive cannabis market, customer loyalty isn’t just a bonus — it’s a survival strategy. With tight marketing regulations, high customer acquisition costs, and limited advertising channels, dispensary loyalty programs have become essential tools for growth.

But not all loyalty programs are created equal. The top performers in 2025 have something in common: they’re digital-first, data-smart, and customer-obsessed.

Let’s break down what sets them apart and the proven results they deliver.

1. Digital Wallet Integration = 2x More Signups

Forget punch cards and apps that nobody downloads. The best cannabis loyalty programs live in Apple Wallet and Google Wallet — where customers already engage daily.

Dispensaries using Sticky Cards report:

• 2x higher loyalty enrollments vs. app-based programs

• 80% of wallet pass holders make a second purchase within 30 days

The reason? It’s instant, effortless, and already on their phones.

2. Push Notifications Drive 3x More Engagement Than SMS

Most cannabis retailers still rely on SMS to reach customers but 2025 is changing the game. With 10DLC restrictions, high fees, and risk of message filtering, more brands are turning to push-powered loyalty.

Why?

Push notifications sent via wallet passes see 3x higher open rates than SMS, according to Sticky Cards data.
They’re also not restricted by carriers or cannabis advertising laws, making them more reliable and cost-effective.

3. Top Programs Generate 2x More Repeat Visits

Loyalty isn’t just about points — it’s about creating a habit. The best programs reward frequency, not just spend, with features like:

• “Visit 4 times, get 20% off” offers

• Time-sensitive double point days

• Weekly member-only perks

Dispensaries with strong loyalty programs see up to 2x more repeat visits per customer compared to those without, according to industry reports.

4. Segmentation & Personalization = +60% Offer Redemptions

Generic promos don’t cut it anymore. Leading programs segment by:

• Purchase history (flower vs. edibles)

• Frequency (new vs. returning)

• Geography (for multi-location chains)

Personalized offers delivered via wallet push notifications can drive:

• +60% higher redemption rates

• +25% lift in average order value

  
  

5. Clear Tiers Keep Customers Climbing

The best programs use tiered rewards to gamify the experience. Think:

• Bronze: 1 point per $1

• Silver: 1.5x points + exclusive access

• Gold: VIP events + early drops

Customers who reach higher tiers spend more—up to 30% more annually than non-tiered members.

6. Real-Time Reminders Boost Redemptions by 3x

How do top brands make sure rewards get used? They nudge at the right time:

• “🎉 You’ve earned $10 off—use it today”

• “🔥 2x points today only on concentrates”

These push reminders—especially when delivered through wallet passes see:

• 3x higher redemption rates than email

• Instant visibility on the customer’s lock screen

  
  

7. Built-In Analytics Make It Smarter Over Time

Winning loyalty programs don’t guess. They track:

• Lifetime value of loyalty members

• Conversion rates per campaign

• Time between visits

Sticky Cards offers real-time loyalty analytics, so retailers can tweak and scale based on what works.

Final Thoughts: Loyalty That Works in 2025

The best cannabis loyalty programs in 2025 are simple, smart, and mobile. They don’t rely on outdated apps or overpriced SMS — they use wallet passes, real-time push, and data-driven strategies to keep customers coming back.

With Sticky Cards, dispensaries are seeing 3x more opens, 2x more redemptions, and more repeat purchases—without breaking compliance or the bank.