Rise Rewards is the loyalty program from RISE Dispensaries and Value Buds, available at more than 90 locations across Canada and the U.S. Designed for cannabis shoppers who want perks without paying a membership fee, Rise Rewards allows customers to earn points for shopping, recycling, and participating in promotions. The program is easy to join and aims to enhance loyalty by offering discounts and exclusive member events.
How Points Are Earned
At the heart of Rise Rewards is a simple, visit-based system. Customers earn 250 points each time they shop in-store. On “Double Points Thursdays,” the earning potential doubles to 500 points per visit, encouraging regular shoppers to time their purchases for maximum benefit. A key differentiator is the recycling incentive, which grants 50 points per cannabis container returned, up to five per visit—an eco-friendly feature that sets Rise apart from many competitors.
Joining Rise Rewards brings immediate benefits: 250 bonus points for signing up, and an additional 250 points for opting into promotional texts, which can help customers rack up their first reward more quickly. Occasional surprise bonus events can also award extra points simply for visiting on select days, adding an element of excitement.
Redeeming Rewards: The Value
While earning points is straightforward, redemption is where some shoppers find Rise Rewards lacking. Members can redeem 4,000 points for a $5 discount on any purchase with a minimum $5 pre-tax subtotal. This equates to an effective cash-back rate of about 0.125%—meaning it takes considerable spending or frequent visits to earn even a small discount.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Points Earned | Reward Value |
|---|---|
| 4,000 points | $5 discount on purchase |
Points expire after two years of inactivity, a policy that’s reasonable but has led to confusion among some members, with reports of points expiring sooner. Official terms confirm the 24-month timeline, but inconsistent communication seems to cause frustration.
Exclusive Member Benefits
Rise Rewards goes beyond points by offering exclusive perks to keep members engaged:
- Member-only pricing: Access to special product deals not available to non-members.
- Surprise events: Random opportunities to earn bonus points on visits.
- Recycling program: Earn points while reducing waste, appealing to sustainability-conscious shoppers.
These features make the program more engaging, adding reasons to visit even when customers aren’t ready to make a large purchase.
What Shoppers Are Saying
Feedback about Rise Rewards is mixed. On the positive side, customers appreciate how easy it is to sign up, the friendly staff, and the fun surprise events. Many like the idea of earning points for recycling cannabis containers—a unique feature among cannabis loyalty programs.
However, criticisms focus on the low redemption value. Some shoppers feel they don’t see meaningful rewards even after many visits, and others report technical issues accessing their accounts or confusion over point expiration dates. Comments on forums like Reddit highlight these frustrations:
“Bro I had 16,000 points and now I can’t even access my account… points now expire in 6 months.”
This perception of poor value can detract from the otherwise simple and positive experience.
Final Thoughts
Rise Rewards is best suited for casual cannabis shoppers who appreciate small perks, occasional discounts, and eco-friendly incentives. The program’s straightforward design and recycling rewards are highlights, but its modest financial return means frequent or high-volume buyers may not find the value they’re looking for. Still, for those shopping occasionally, Rise Rewards can make visits a bit more rewarding—and more sustainable.