Cannabis loyalty apps sound like a great idea—earn points, unlock perks, and stay connected with your favorite dispensary. Yet, if you’ve used a few, you’ve probably noticed the same story: they launch with hype, then quietly fade away or stop working properly. The problem isn’t that loyalty programs don’t work—it’s that many cannabis apps are built on shaky ground.
1. App Stores Still Make It Hard
Even though legalization continues to spread, Apple and Google still treat cannabis apps with caution. Apps that even hint at selling cannabis often get blocked or removed. That’s why many dispensary apps redirect users to clunky web links or require manual workarounds just to browse products or redeem points. For users, it’s frustrating. For businesses, it’s a nightmare to maintain. When checkout doesn’t work smoothly, people stop opening the app.
2. Communication Breakdowns
Text messages are one of the main ways loyalty programs remind you about deals or expiring points—but cannabis brands constantly battle carrier restrictions. Many messages never arrive because carriers flag them as “restricted content.” Even when they do, strict compliance rules around opt-ins and consent forms make it hard to keep a clean, active contact list. Without reliable communication, engagement plummets.
3. Bad Integrations Ruin the Experience
Rewards apps rely on dispensary POS systems to track points, purchases, and discounts. If that data isn’t synced in real time, customers end up seeing incorrect balances or being told at checkout that their reward “doesn’t apply here.” Those small hiccups add up quickly. According to industry feedback, broken integrations and poor syncing are among the biggest reasons loyalty programs lose steam.
4. User Experience Gets Overlooked
Let’s be honest—most of these apps just aren’t fun to use. Long sign-up forms, multiple logins, and confusing reward structures discourage users from sticking around. On app store reviews, people often complain that it’s easier to give their phone number at checkout than to navigate through a sluggish, glitchy interface. The technology might be there, but the experience often isn’t.
5. Compliance and Constant Rule Changes
Cannabis brands operate in a patchwork of state regulations, especially around marketing and rewards. A loyalty perk that’s legal in Colorado might be banned in Florida next month. On top of that, app platforms tighten their own rules to avoid getting penalized. That means features disappear, promos get reworded, and users lose confidence. Constant changes make it hard to build trust or momentum.
6. Focusing on Sign-Ups Instead of Loyalty
Many dispensaries measure success by how many people download the app, not by how many actually use it or redeem rewards. Without tracking long-term engagement or purchase frequency, brands miss what matters most: whether loyalty programs actually drive sales. Once the data looks flat, the program loses funding — and eventually, the app dies.
A Better Path Forward
For cannabis retailers, the key is simplicity and integration. Web-based loyalty portals tied directly to POS systems are often more stable than standalone apps. SMS alternatives like mobile wallet passes or in-store QR codes can keep things compliant and easy. The goal should be seamless — earn, redeem, and repeat — without technical or legal roadblocks.
When done right, cannabis loyalty isn’t just about points. It’s about creating an experience that feels effortless for customers — and sustainable for the business. Until then, expect to see a few more “app not available” screens before the industry finally gets it right.