Why Compliance in Cannabis Marketing Is Non-Negotiable
Cannabis is one of the most heavily regulated industries in digital marketing. While traditional brands can lean on SMS, email, and ads, cannabis retailers often face:
Carrier blocks and surcharges on SMS
Strict data privacy rules by state
Federal restrictions on paid advertising
10DLC registration requirements and message delays
If your tech stack doesn’t evolve with the rules, you risk getting shut down or worse, fined.
The SMS Problem: High Costs, Low Deliverability
Text message marketing has long been the default, but it’s now a liability for cannabis businesses. Here’s why:
10DLC registration is mandatory, slow, and expensive
Messages with cannabis terms get flagged or blocked
Carrier surcharges increase per-message costs
Non-compliance can result in hefty penalties
A missed message isn’t just lost revenue - it’s a wasted budget.
SMS vs Wallet Alerts: A Smarter Way to Stay Compliant
Instead of texts, forward-thinking dispensaries are switching to wallet-based alerts.
Feature | SMS | Wallet Alerts |
|---|---|---|
Needs 10DLC? | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
Subject to carrier blocks? | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
Per-message cost? | 💸 Yes | 🆓 No |
Works without app or phone number? | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
Supports loyalty integration? | ⚠️ Limited | ✅ Fully integrated |
Wallet alerts show up on your customer’s lock screen - just like a push notification but without the SMS restrictions.
What a Compliant Cannabis Marketing Stack Looks Like in 2025
Here’s what your toolkit should include:
1. POS-Connected Wallet Loyalty (Sticky Cards)
Issue loyalty cards via QR or link
Track customer purchases and visits
Send real-time push alerts - no apps or numbers required
2. Email + Link-Based Enrollment
Avoid text opt-in requirements
Share wallet loyalty sign-up links via email or social media
Fully TCPA- and 10DLC-free
3. Geofence Marketing (Sticky Cards-Ready)
Target nearby customers compliantly
Deliver wallet notifications when they enter a custom zone
Bypass ad platform restrictions entirely
4. Privacy-Forward Data Tools
No 3rd-party tracking pixels
Avoid selling or exposing customer data
Stick to first-party, wallet-based touchpoints
10DLC-Free Alternatives That Actually Work
If your current provider relies on SMS, you’re paying more to engage fewer people. Wallet alerts from Sticky Cards are:
Carrier-free
Data-safe
App-free
Completely compliant
And best of all? You don’t need to change your POS to launch them.
Final Thoughts: Go Beyond SMS
Building a compliant cannabis marketing stack isn’t just about avoiding penalties - it’s about creating dependable, high-performing channels that scale.
Sticky Cards helps you ditch 10DLC limits and deliver high-engagement loyalty marketing without the risks of SMS.
