To the savvy cannabis shopper, a good delivery deal can be the highlight of the week—but what many customers overlook is the fine print that often comes with those tempting offers. Whether it’s “BOGO,” percentage discounts, or free pre-rolls with minimum purchase, these deals may appear straightforward but can come with conditions that leave some consumers surprised at checkout.

Most cannabis delivery promotions—especially for first-time customers—advertise major savings, but they frequently include terms that limit eligibility. According to feedback from Leafly and customer reviews on Weedmaps, common restrictions include purchase minimums, product exclusions, delivery zone limitations, and expiration dates that aren’t always prominently displayed. Some deals also can’t be combined with other promotions, which can be frustrating for loyalty members expecting stackable rewards.

One of the most common fine-print details is the minimum order requirement. For example, a deal might advertise “$25 off” for new customers, but only if their cart totals $100 or more before taxes and fees. In high-tax states like California, that can inflate the expected total substantially.

Geographic restrictions also play a significant role. A dispensary may list an attractive deal on its site, but only deliver to select ZIP codes, leaving some customers outside the service range unable to access the deal. This is especially prevalent in rural or partially restricted areas with tight municipal regulations.

Then there’s the issue of product exclusions. Many delivery discounts exclude premium or limited-edition items, including top-shelf flower, live resin cartridges, or edibles from trending brands. In some cases, house brands or excess inventory are the only products eligible, limiting choice for more experienced consumers.

The fine print may also include usage limits, like “one-time use per household” or “valid only Monday–Thursday,” making the offer less attractive for weekend shoppers. Additionally, promotions may be auto-applied online but require manual entry of a promo code if ordering by phone or through a third-party delivery app like Jane or Dutchie. These small technicalities often lead to customer confusion and missed savings.

While many dispensaries do make an effort to be transparent, inconsistency in how deals are promoted across websites, text alerts, and menu apps can lead to misunderstandings. Industry watchdogs and cannabis consumer advocacy groups have pushed for greater clarity in digital deal advertising, urging retailers to include all relevant terms in plain sight.

For savvy shoppers, reading the full terms—and asking customer service if unclear—can save time and money. Those using delivery services regularly are advised to create accounts, subscribe to newsletters, and review updated terms weekly. This allows them to stay ahead of changing rules and avoid disappointment at checkout.

Ultimately, cannabis delivery deals can offer great value when understood properly. But like any retail promotion, they’re only as good as the fine print allows.