In today’s cannabis market, shoppers often notice that the sales and promotions offered online don’t always match what’s available in-store at the same dispensary. While it might seem confusing at first glance, there are clear reasons for these differences—many rooted in regulations, technology, and retail strategy.

State Rules Shape What’s Allowed

One of the biggest factors behind varying promotions is state-specific cannabis advertising laws. Certain states limit or ban particular types of deals, such as giveaways, raffles, or sweepstakes. For example, in California, regulations prohibit these types of “business promotions,” which means offers like “buy one, get one free” or prize drawings can’t be advertised. Dispensaries instead create value in other ways, such as percentage-based or dollar-off discounts, which may appear differently online versus in-store.

Medical vs. Adult-Use Rules Differ

In some states, rules for medical cannabis promotions are more flexible than those for adult-use. Massachusetts, for instance, allows medical operators to advertise discounts and coupons for patients, while adult-use promotions must remain more general. Dispensaries with both licenses may post patient-only savings online, where audiences can be segmented, but limit promotions to broader offers in-store.

Marketplace Platform Policies Play a Role

Popular cannabis platforms like Leafly and Weedmaps also influence how deals are presented. These marketplaces often have unique rules, separating “Deals” tied to online menus from “In-Store Promotions” like vendor pop-ups or first-time shopper discounts. As a result, a deal might appear on a marketplace site but not on the dispensary’s official online checkout—or vice versa.

Price Presentation Varies by Channel

Online menus often display pre-tax prices, while in-store digital screens or shelf tags may show out-the-door (OTD) totals. This means that even when a 25% off discount is offered in both places, the final number might appear different depending on whether taxes are already included. Additionally, point-of-sale (POS) systems and ecommerce software sometimes calculate and apply discounts in different ways, adding to the variation.

Inventory and Fulfillment Drive Channel-Specific Offers

Retailers frequently design promotions to address specific inventory needs. Overstocked products may be bundled into online-only deals for pickup or delivery orders, while “store-only” flash sales encourage walk-in visits. Vendor days or special events may also feature in-store-exclusive discounts that aren’t available through online ordering.

Technology Creates Timing Gaps

While most dispensaries sync their POS systems with online menus, updates are not always instant. In-store price changes might take time to appear online, and new online promotions may not be programmed into the register system immediately. Marketplaces also allow different scheduling and targeting options than in-store POS systems, which can lead to exclusive online promo codes not honored in person.

Advertising Compliance Limits Online Visibility

Cannabis businesses must comply with strict advertising placement rules, including age-gating and verified audience requirements. To avoid compliance risks, some retailers take a conservative approach online but feel more comfortable promoting certain deals in-store to verified adults.

How Shoppers Can Maximize Savings

• Compare both channels – Check the dispensary’s own website alongside its listings on platforms like Leafly or Weedmaps, as “Deals” and “In-Store Promotions” may be intentionally different.
• Read the fine print – Look for details on whether an offer applies only to pickup, delivery, or in-store purchases, and whether the displayed prices are pre-tax or OTD.
• Ask at checkout – If an online deal isn’t available in-store, staff may be able to offer a comparable discount that fits local regulations.
• Join loyalty programs – Many dispensaries use age-gated email or text lists to share exclusive offers not available to the general public, ensuring consistency between online and in-store savings.

The Bottom Line

Differences between online and in-store cannabis promotions are rarely accidental. They’re often the result of state laws, marketplace policies, technology systems, inventory management, and pricing methods. Shoppers who take a few minutes to compare offers, understand terms, and ask clarifying questions at checkout can often secure the best possible deal—whether they order online or buy in person.