3 min read

3 Cannabis Compliant Dispensary Loyalty Programs

Steven Lynn
January 11, 2018
Last updated: June 23, 2026

Implementing dispensary loyalty programs at marijuana retailers has always been an effective way to retain customers. In addition, these programs help grow the clientele database. Recreational cannabis is now legal in many states, and strict regulations are in place. As a result, retailers often wonder whether traditional loyalty programs still meet state compliance mandates.

First, one thing dispensaries can be sure of: giving out freebies to new customers is not allowed. However, earning credits through loyalty programs that can eventually be redeemed for cash value is still fair game.

In this article, we’ll cover a few dispensary loyalty programs that are state compliant under the current cannabis regulations. These approaches work well with dispensary POS software in Missouri and similar platforms.

Cash Back Points

Generally, earning cash back points is the best way for cannabis retailers to encourage customers to increase their spending. Dispensary loyalty programs that offer cash back will help customers accrue points after spending a specified amount in-store. The spending amount can be customized using smart cannabis POS software$1. The system then automatically assigns points based on the total purchase.

Cash back points can be converted into currency. Once a customer earns enough, they can redeem the points to pay for the product of their choice. Meanwhile, the retailer owner or manager sets the conversion rate to ensure the profit margin is not compromised. It is important to note one thing. This loyalty program is not designed to give away free cannabis. Instead, it rewards customers who spend regularly at the same marijuana dispensary.

Customer Referrals

Rewarding current customers who refer new business is highly effective. In fact, it is one of the best ways to grow your cannabis retailer with loyalty programs. Offering special promotions for customer referrals is a great way to boost sales numbers during slow periods.

IndicaOnline’s cannabis software allows dispensary owners to set the amount of loyalty points earned for customer referrals. Notably, removing limits on the number of referrals one patient can make benefits all parties. Motivating your current clientele to continually bring in new patients could potentially grow your dispensary exponentially.

Check-In Bonus

More cannabis retailers now update their operations with tablet technology. As a result, the check-in process has become a valuable way to collect customer information. Custom check-in forms can ask for basic contact information, the referral source, and the preferred contact method. As a result, they are a great way to optimize your dispensary marketing and advertising.

Customers will be more willing to provide this information if they are given something in return. Providing bonus points for checking in during every visit bolsters customer loyalty. Moreover, it helps your business analyze customer data that can improve operations.

E-Sign MD is an application designed to help retailers create customized digital check-in forms. These forms save time while collecting valuable information. It’s easy to implement and syncs directly with your IndicaOnline POS system. To learn more about E-Sign MD and dispensary loyalty programs available within IndicaOnline, schedule a free demonstration.