POMPANO BEACH, FL – As medical cannabis dispensaries across Florida work to build loyalty among patients, rewards programs have emerged as a key tool in the competitive market. But what motivates patients to sign up?
We spoke with Alex Martinez, 35, a medical cannabis patient who relies on cannabis to manage anxiety and occasional chronic pain. Martinez recently joined his dispensary’s loyalty program and shared what drove him to sign up—and why he thinks other patients should, too.
“At first, I didn’t think a rewards program would matter,” Martinez said. “But then I saw other patients getting big discounts and even free products just by being members.”
Martinez, who shops at his licensed dispensary in Fort Lauderdale several times a month, learned about the rewards program from his budtender. “They explained how I’d earn points on every purchase. Since I’m a medical patient and buy regularly, it seemed like an easy way to save money,” he said.
Making Medicine More Affordable
For Martinez, cost savings were the biggest motivator. “Medical cannabis can get expensive, especially when you’re buying oils or concentrates for consistent dosing,” he explained. “If I can get 5% back in points every time I buy my medicine, it makes a real difference.”
He described redeeming points for a discount on his favorite high-CBD tincture: “It usually costs $80, but I got it for $60 with my points. That’s huge when you’re on a budget.”
Access to Exclusive Patient Promotions
Martinez said his dispensary’s rewards program gives him access to special sales that non-members never see. “I’ll get texts about patient-only promotions, like 25% off topicals or BOGO on certain capsules,” he noted. “Without being a member, I’d miss out on those savings.”
He added that even when new dispensaries opened nearby, he stayed loyal because of the perks: “I know where I can get the best deals on my medicine, and that keeps me coming back.”
Encouragement to Explore New Medical Products
The rewards program also gave Martinez the chance to try new products without paying full price. “Sometimes they’ll offer double points for trying a new strain or a free sample if you’re in the program,” he said. “I found a CBN gummy for sleep that I wouldn’t have risked spending $40 on without that incentive.”
Feeling Supported as a Patient
Martinez shared that rewards programs help patients feel recognized. “They send birthday credits, like $10 or $15 off, and invitations to patient appreciation events,” he said. “It makes you feel like more than just another sale — it feels like they care.”
He described one event where the dispensary hosted a patient appreciation day with wellness vendors, product samples, and consultations. “It was a great way to learn more about my options and meet other patients,” Martinez said.
Advice for Other Medical Patients
Asked what he’d tell other medical cannabis patients considering a rewards program, Martinez was clear: “It’s free, and if you’re already buying your medicine regularly, you’re missing out on real savings and perks if you don’t join.”
For Martinez, joining the rewards program wasn’t just about getting discounts. “It’s about making my medicine more affordable and feeling like my dispensary values me as a patient,” he said.