How Safe is Your Info? What Cannabis Rewards Apps Do With Your Data

In today’s digital age, loyalty programs have become a staple of consumer engagement—and the cannabis industry is no exception. Cannabis rewards apps offer enticing perks, from discounts on flower and edibles to early access to product drops and birthday deals. But behind the points and promotions lies a deeper question: what exactly are these apps doing with your personal information?

The Trade-Off: Rewards for Data

When a customer signs up for a cannabis rewards app, they’re typically asked to provide their name, phone number, email address, and sometimes even their date of birth, zip code, or product preferences. In return, they receive access to exclusive deals and loyalty incentives.

This exchange—personal data for perks—raises concerns about privacy and data security, especially in an industry that operates under tight state regulations and heightened scrutiny due to federal illegality. While many apps and dispensaries claim to safeguard user data, the specifics are not always transparent.

What’s Being Collected?

According to cybersecurity experts and privacy advocates, most cannabis rewards apps collect more than just basic identifiers. Usage behavior, purchase history, location tracking, device type, and even browsing habits on partner websites may all be part of the digital footprint these apps track.

Popular platforms like Springbig, Alpine IQ, and Treez power loyalty programs for hundreds of dispensaries nationwide. These tools integrate with dispensary point-of-sale (POS) systems, making them extremely powerful in gathering consumer data and analytics in real time.

While this can help retailers tailor marketing campaigns and offer relevant product suggestions, it also means companies are building detailed user profiles—raising questions about how that data is stored, shared, or potentially sold.

Compliance Doesn’t Always Mean Privacy

Most reputable cannabis tech platforms claim to be compliant with state privacy laws and consumer data regulations like the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). However, compliance doesn’t necessarily mean user information is completely private.

Many apps allow for third-party data sharing with marketing partners, analytics firms, or even political campaigns related to cannabis legalization efforts. Unless users opt out—often buried in the fine print—their data may be leveraged far beyond simple loyalty rewards.

And with the federal government still classifying cannabis as a Schedule I drug, any breach of data could pose additional legal and reputational risks for consumers, particularly medical marijuana patients.

How to Protect Yourself

Consumers who value privacy can still enjoy rewards programs without compromising too much personal information. Here are a few tips:

Use a dedicated email address for cannabis-related accounts.
Avoid linking social media accounts or phone contacts to rewards apps.
Read the privacy policies—even if just the section on data sharing and retention.
Opt out of location tracking and limit app permissions where possible.
Choose dispensaries that are transparent about how they handle customer data.

A Growing Concern

As the cannabis industry continues to normalize and tech integration deepens, data privacy will remain a central issue. Consumers are advised to weigh the convenience of digital loyalty programs against the potential exposure of personal information.

While most cannabis apps are not malicious, the rapidly evolving intersection of cannabis, tech, and marketing means that vigilance is necessary. After all, in a space where discretion often matters most, protecting your personal data is more than just smart—it’s essential.