As the cannabis industry continues to mature, dispensaries are turning to smarter, more personalized loyalty rewards programs to boost customer retention and revenue. In 2025, loyalty isn’t just about offering discounts - it’s about creating memorable experiences, leveraging technology, and building long-term relationships.

Here are the top loyalty rewards program trends cannabis retailers need to watch this year.

1. App-Free Loyalty Is the New Standard

Customers are tired of downloading yet another app just to collect points. In 2025, the best-performing loyalty rewards programs live inside digital wallets like Apple Wallet and Google Wallet.

Retailers using platforms like Sticky Cards are seeing higher sign-up and engagement rates because enrollment is as simple as scanning a QR code. Wallet-based loyalty rewards programs are faster, easier, and more effective at turning casual shoppers into loyal customers.

2. Real-Time Push Notifications Replace Costly SMS

Text marketing is getting more expensive and harder to deliver due to carrier restrictions and 10DLC compliance rules. In response, cannabis retailers are switching to real-time push notifications via digital wallet loyalty cards.

These notifications are:

• Free to send

• Geo-targetable

• Delivered directly to the lock screen

This trend is giving dispensaries a powerful, compliant way to re-engage customers and announce promotions instantly.

3. Seamless POS Integration Becomes a Must

In 2025, dispensaries expect their loyalty rewards program to integrate directly into their POS system - no toggling between tools, no spreadsheets.

Modern loyalty solutions like Sticky Cards integrate with top POS platforms like Greenline, Dutchie, Treez, Flowhub and more. This enables:

• Automated point tracking

• In-cart reward redemption

• Centralized customer data

It’s loyalty that works where your staff already works.

4. Smart Loyalty Triggers & Automation

Gone are the days of one-size-fits-all offers. Dispensaries are now using automated loyalty triggers based on:

• Customer spend thresholds

• Visit frequency

• Birthdays or special occasions

• Product preferences

These personalized rewards increase engagement and drive more frequent visits, making automation a critical trend in 2025 loyalty programs.

5. Wallet-Based Rewards Are Driving Repeat Visits

Wallet-native loyalty programs are becoming more than a trend - they’re becoming the gold standard. Customers love the ease of use, while retailers benefit from improved return rates, redemption activity, and data visibility.

With real-time point updates and automated engagement, these rewards programs deliver value beyond the checkout line.

6. Geo-Fencing Boosts Timely Engagement

Geo-fencing is taking center stage in 2025 as a powerful tool to deliver hyper-relevant loyalty messages. With location-based targeting, dispensaries can trigger push notifications when customers are near their store.

This strategy helps:

• Drive impulse visits

• Promote time-sensitive deals

• Increase in-store traffic from existing loyalty members

Combined with wallet-based loyalty cards, geo-fencing provides dispensaries with a high-impact way to reach customers when they’re most likely to act.