If you're wondering how to launch a cannabis loyalty program, you're not alone. With increasing competition in legal markets, dispensaries and cannabis brands are turning to loyalty programs to retain customers, build brand equity, and drive repeat purchases. But launching an effective cannabis loyalty program takes more than slapping together discounts and calling it a day.
In this post, we’ll walk you through the essentials of building, launching, and optimizing a successful cannabis rewards program - whether you’re running a single-location dispensary or managing multiple stores across different states.
Why Loyalty Programs Matter in Cannabis
Loyalty programs are more than just punch cards - they’re strategic tools that can:
Boost retention: It costs 5x more to acquire a new customer than to retain an existing one.
Drive data insights: Loyalty programs give you behavioral data to personalize offers.
Increase visit frequency: Members return more often and spend more per visit.
Compete on value, not just price: When discounts are limited by law, loyalty gives you a compliant edge.
Launching a loyalty program tailored to your cannabis audience is a powerful way to grow your business sustainably.
How to Launch a Cannabis Loyalty Program in 6 Steps
1. Define Your Loyalty Goals
Before selecting a platform or perks, start by answering:
Do you want to increase foot traffic?
Drive more online orders?
Re-engage lapsed customers?
Clear goals help you shape your program structure and choose the right tools.
2. Choose the Right Loyalty Platform
Look for a platform that’s:
Cannabis-compliant (no SMS spam traps, opt-in options, etc.)
Flexible (supports visit-based, spend-based, and tiered rewards)
Integrated with your POS and e-commerce systems
Wallet-enabled for frictionless redemption without app downloads
Sticky Cards is a no-app loyalty solution that lets customers join instantly by scanning a QR code to add a Wallet Pass - no approvals, no SMS fees.
3. Select Reward Types That Fit Your Market
Depending on state laws and customer preferences, consider:
Points per visit or spend
Birthday perks or anniversary deals
Referral rewards for inviting friends
Tier-based VIP levels (e.g., Gold, Platinum, etc.)
Keep the structure simple - customers should easily understand how to earn and redeem.
4. Train Budtenders and Staff
Your loyalty program won’t grow without team buy-in. Ensure your staff:
Knows how to enroll customers
Can explain the benefits in seconds
Tracks referral activity and upgrades when needed
Make loyalty part of the customer experience - not an afterthought.
5. Promote the Program Across Every Channel
Use:
QR codes in-store
Email and SMS drip campaigns
Wallet push notifications
Social media posts and pop-ups on your site
Make it easy for customers to join, and reward them for doing so.
6. Measure, Optimize, Repeat
Track key metrics:
Enrollment rates
Repeat visit frequency
Reward redemptions
Average order value among members vs. non-members
Over time, optimize your program based on what drives actual revenue - not just clicks or signups.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Requiring too many steps to join
Making rewards too hard to redeem
Not integrating with your inventory or POS
Ignoring lapsed users or inactive members
A loyalty program should be simple, seamless, and strategically aligned with your business goals.
Ready to Launch Your Cannabis Loyalty Program?
At Sticky Cards, we make it easy to launch a loyalty program that works - without apps, SMS fees, or technical headaches. Whether you’re just starting out or upgrading an existing system, our wallet-based loyalty solution helps you grow your customer base and your bottom line.
