Walk into almost any dispensary today, and chances are you’ll be asked: “Are you a rewards member?” If you’ve ever shrugged and said no—or joined without knowing what you were signing up for—you’re not alone. But as cannabis retailers push harder to retain loyal customers, membership tiers are becoming a major part of the shopping experience.
So what are cannabis membership tiers, exactly? Think of them as frequent flyer programs, but for weed. The more you shop, the more you’re rewarded—and depending on the dispensary, those rewards can range from discounts and free pre-rolls to VIP invites and priority access to new drops.
Let’s break it down.
The Basics: How It Works
Most dispensaries have a free entry-level program that starts the moment you sign up. From there, you earn points for every purchase—usually something simple like 1 point for every $1 spent. But that’s just the beginning. Many dispensaries set up multiple “tiers” that you move through as you spend more over time.
Here’s an example of a tier breakdown you might see:
- Base Tier (just signed up): Earn 1x points, access to weekly deals
- Mid-Tier (spend $500/year): Earn 1.5x points, birthday rewards, surprise freebies
- Top Tier (spend $1,500+/year): Earn 2x points, early access to new drops, invites to in-store events
Each time you hit a new spending threshold, you level up—and your perks get better.
Why Dispensaries Use This System
For dispensaries, membership tiers are about more than just giving away discounts. They’re a smart way to build customer loyalty in a fast-growing (and competitive) industry. When shoppers know they’ll earn better perks by sticking with one dispensary, they’re more likely to return.
On the backend, these programs help dispensaries learn more about their customers—what they buy, how often they shop, and which promos get the best response. That data shapes everything from store inventory to promotional emails.
Are They Worth It for You?
If you’re a casual buyer who stops by every few months, the base tier is probably all you need. But if you’re a regular cannabis consumer, joining a rewards program and working your way up the ladder can seriously pay off.
Higher tiers often unlock bigger discounts, free products, and early access to high-demand items. Some top-tier members even get concierge-style service or exclusive merch drops. But be warned—some programs reset every year, so if you don’t maintain your spend, you could lose your status and have to start over.
Also, always check the fine print. Some programs don’t let you earn points on discounted items, and others might require an annual fee for premium tiers. Not all loyalty programs are created equal, so do a little comparison shopping if you visit more than one store.
Final Thoughts
Cannabis membership tiers can be a great way to get more from your favorite dispensary, especially if you shop frequently. Just make sure you know what you’re signing up for—and keep an eye on which perks actually matter to you.
Because while a “double points Tuesday” might sound nice, the real value is in consistent savings, early product access, and rewards that fit your cannabis lifestyle.