The cannabis consumer delivery market is entering a pivotal era where deals and promotions—once niche tactics—are poised to become mainstream tools for attracting shoppers. As adults increasingly demand convenience, digital engagement, and value, companies are responding with tiered loyalty programs, flash discounts, free‑beverage bundles, and “first‑order” incentives. According to Flowhub, online cannabis sales are projected to grow by 300% by 2025, underlining mounting consumer appetite for digital cannabis commerce.
This shift is happening amid a rapidly expanding market landscape. The U.S. legal cannabis market is expected to generate $45 billion by 2025, with nearly 47% of U.S. adults having tried cannabis. Globally, projections show the legal cannabis market growing from $33.8 billion in 2024 to $110.1 billion by 2030 (CAGR 21.8%). Delivery services are already scaling: the cannabis delivery sector alone is forecasted to balloon from $57 billion in 2023 to $798 billion by 2032, at a CAGR of 34%.
As delivery becomes the channel of choice for many—particularly urban Gen Z and millennials—promotions will increasingly follow suit. Expect to see geofenced flash deals, AI‑curated product bundles, and time‑sensitive delivery rate discounts. Loyalty platforms will gamify repeat use, offering subscribers early access to limited‑edition drops or discounted accessories. Retailers accepting debit already earn an average of $4,627 more per store than cash‑only operators, reinforcing that payment convenience fuels spending.
However, the landscape of challenges facing these strategies is growing complex. California’s legal adult‑use market suffered a record 30% cumulative sales drop since mid‑2021, with Q1 2025 revenues falling 11% year‑over‑year—a contraction attributed to high taxes, onerous regulation, and intense competition from illicit sellers. California state’s excise tax rise from 15% to 19% further threatens consumer purchasing through higher pre‑tax consumer costs and may reduce sales by 6% nationwide.
Economic uncertainty also casts a shadow. The broader cannabis industry has seen valuations crash—from a combined $37 billion in early 2021 to around $4 billion in 2025—exacerbated by oversupply, stalled legalization, and mounting debt burdens. As firms tighten margins, promotional budgets could shrink, forcing some players to reduce discounts or consolidate offerings.
Legal complexities add another layer. Federal legalization remains stalled, and interstate commerce is still barred. Until federal reform occurs, localized delivery promotions will remain state‑bound and heavily regulated. In the event of national descheduling, surveys by UC Davis and others warn that only the most efficient, low‑cost producers—likely in high‑volume states—will survive intensifying competition.
Yet innovation is resilient. Retailers are expanding into new formats: California has recently authorized “Amsterdam‑style” cannabis cafés and social lounges, which could become hubs for in‑store deals and app‑based delivery pickups. Product innovation—microdosing, low‑THC blends, beverages—broadens promotion scopes to include wellness bundles or trial offers oriented to emerging consumer needs.