Push Notifications: The Dispensary’s Secret Conversion Tool

Direct, immediate communication on lock‑screens

Push notifications give cannabis brands direct access to customers, delivering timely offers—even when the user isn’t in the app. This immediacy mirrors the convenience of SMS, without carrier restrictions on cannabis content. Unlike email or SMS, push delivers lightning-fast connection right when it matters—boosting conversion opportunities.

Exceptional open and click rates

Marketing data confirms push messages far outperform emails. Open rates typically range from 20% to 69% for transactional messages. Engagement is also strong: average click‑through rates are 7.8% overall, rising to nearly 28% in high‑performance campaigns. In cannabis, some dispensaries report CTRs as high as 9.3%—nearly 3× industry norms.

Personalization drives conversion

The era of mass messaging is dead. Personalized push—based on purchase history, behavior, or location—delivers 59% higher engagement. Cannabis dispensaries can tailor messages (e.g., edibles to edible‑buyers), deepening relevance and spurring action.

Retention and loyalty gains

Push notifications are retention powerhouses. Users receiving at least one push in 90 days show nearly 3× better retention. Daily notifications can yield up to 820% higher retention compared to none. For dispensaries, push is a key ingredient in maintaining loyalty and repeat visits.

Cost‑effective, high ROI channel

Push messaging is free and nearly 100% deliverable—unlike SMS, which faces carrier blockage. ROI can be remarkable: some browser push campaigns see 2–10× returns compared to email. Considering cannabis regulations and margins, that’s a big win.

Strategic timing & frequency matter

Effective push isn’t spam. Best practices suggest 3–7 messages per week—five being optimal for cannabis apps. Data shows 2–5 weekly sends risk 46% opt‐out rate; more than 6 risks 32% opt‑outs. Sending push at ideal windows (e.g., 6–8 AM, 10 PM–midnight; Fridays) ensures visibility without fatigue.

Key Takeaways for Cannabis Marketers

  • Personalization and segmentation boost engagement by 59%.
  • Optimal frequency (3–5 push messages per week) helps balance engagement with lower opt-out rates.
  • Using rich media and concise messaging can increase engagement by 25% to 85%.
  • Automated workflows account for 21% of total orders while only making up 3% of sent messages.
  • Analytics-driven strategies using delivery, open, click, and conversion metrics ensure consistent performance refinement.
  • Push offers high ROI compared to email, SMS, or even browser push notifications.

In the regulated and competitive cannabis market, push notifications serve as a conversion catalyst—delivering relevance, timing, and automation with minimal cost. When thoughtfully crafted using personalization, rich media, and behavioral triggers, push connects dispensaries directly to mobile users—turning casual browsers into recurring buyers, keeping loyalty high, and making each message count.