5 min read

Email Marketing Strategies Licensed Cannabis Dispensaries Can Use to Boost Sales

Published on

September 2, 2025

Advertising a cannabis dispensary isn’t like running a regular retail business. You’re boxed out of Facebook, flagged on Google, and constantly dodging red tape. But email? That’s still your turf. No gatekeepers. No approvals. Just a direct line to your customers, the ones who already rock with you.

This guide is built for licensed cannabis entrepreneurs who want to turn their email list into a revenue engine. Not just check a box, but build campaigns that stay compliant, create loyalty, and move product.

Why Email Still Hits for Cannabis Dispensaries

You're not just selling weed. You're building trust, delivering an experience, and showing consistency. While other industries burn cash on ads, you’ve got to think different. Email puts you in control.

Here's what smart dispensary owners use it for:

Announcing drops and promos directly to engaged customers
Driving traffic back in-store or online without praying for ad approval
Learning what your people want through open rates and clicks
Building something you actually own, like your list, your data, and your community

Email is one of the few marketing channels where cannabis brands still have full leverage.

Building a Subscriber List That Won’t Get You Flagged

You can’t play loose here. One wrong move and you're dealing with fines or even license trouble.

Here’s how to do it clean:

POS Sign-Ups: Train your staff to invite customers at checkout. That’s a natural touchpoint.
Website Opt-Ins: Keep the sign-up box simple, clear, and age-gated.
Event Registration: Host a vendor day or workshop and collect emails the right way.

Double opt-in is key. It protects you and confirms the customer is really about it.

Send Emails People Actually Want to Open

Not every subscriber is chasing the same thing. Some are looking for pain relief. Others want Friday night flower. Your job is to speak to both without blasting everyone with the same message.

Here’s what tends to perform:

Flash Sales and Weekly Specials
Use urgency in subject lines like “48-Hour Drop. Don’t Sleep.”
Product Spotlights
Feature new strains, staff picks, or seasonal drops
Educational Content
Break down terpenes, dosing tips, or usage methods
Event Invites
Launch parties, collaborations, or vendor takeovers

Segmentation makes it personal. Split your list by use case, product preference, or shopping behavior. The more targeted the message, the better the results.

Did You Know?

Open rates in the cannabis space average between 18 and 25 percent, which is higher than traditional retail. Why? Because cannabis buyers are engaged. They aren’t getting this info on social media. You’re the source for updates, education, and exclusive promos.

If you respect the inbox, your list will keep showing up for you.

How Often Should You Hit Their Inbox?

Nobody likes being spammed. But nobody wants to miss a good deal either.

Most dispensaries do well with one or two emails per week.
Try sending:

Thursday evenings when people are planning their weekend
Sunday nights for medical users restocking for the week ahead

Keep a consistent rhythm. That builds trust and keeps your brand in the mix.

Subject Lines That Actually Get Clicks

If your subject line is weak, your email won’t even get opened. It’s the first and sometimes only impression you get.

Try subject lines like:

“🔥 Staff Favorites Just Landed”
“Your Birthday Gift Is Waiting”
“Weekend Deals Inside. 72 Hours Only”

Skip the all-caps, over-the-top words like “FREE,” and too many emojis. Keep it clean, curious, and legal. Test different styles and double down on what works.

Pair Email with Loyalty and You’re Golden

Email marketing gets stronger when you connect it to your loyalty program. Now you’re not just promoting, you’re rewarding.

Use emails to:

Show point balances and rewards
Drop birthday gifts or anniversary deals
Announce VIP-only perks

This cycle builds long-term value. More visits mean more points. More points mean more targeted offers. That means more repeat business.

Track the Right Metrics

You don’t need a degree in data to know what’s working.

Just focus on:

Open Rates to measure subject line impact
Click-Through Rates to track engagement
Conversion Rates to see what actually sold

Use tools like Klaviyo, Mailchimp, Alpine IQ, or Springbig that are built to handle cannabis compliance without drama.

Keywords That Should Be in Your Strategy

To help with SEO and industry relevance, make sure you mention:

Cannabis marketing compliance
Dispensary loyalty programs
Email segmentation
Promotional campaigns
Retail cannabis regulations

This also helps your campaigns stay on message.

Real Talk: Cannabis Email Marketing FAQs

Is email marketing legal for dispensaries?‍

Yes, as long as you follow opt-in rules, verify age, and stick to local and state laws.

How often should I send emails?‍

Once or twice a week works best for most dispensaries.

Can I include product photos?‍

Yes, but make sure they’re not designed to appeal to minors or break regional guidelines.

Which email platforms allow cannabis marketing?‍

Specialized platforms like Springbig and Alpine IQ are built for dispensaries. Some big-name platforms still restrict cannabis.

What’s the fastest way to grow my email list?‍

Offer signup incentives, promote at events, and feature your loyalty program. Always age-gate and get clear consent.

Want to Learn More?

Final Word‍

You’ve got a rare opportunity.
Most cannabis businesses are still stuck trying to outsmart ad bans and fight for attention on platforms that don’t even want them. But email? That’s where the smart ones win. It’s direct. It’s personal. And most importantly, it’s yours.

Here’s the play: