Cannabis shoppers who chase points and perks quickly learn that not all “top” loyalty tiers look alike. Across major brands, the structure, value, and extras can vary a lot – even when the programs sound similar on the surface.

How the big programs are built

Most large cannabis retailers now run point-based programs, where shoppers earn rewards for every dollar spent. For example, Trulieve gives customers 1 point for every $1, with redemptions starting at 100 points for $5 off and scaling up to 2,000 points for $160 off future purchases.

Curaleaf takes a more traditional tiered approach. According to program details compiled by state-level resources, Curaleaf Rewards includes three tiers: Member, Elite, and VIP. Members earn 3 points per $100 spent, Elite members earn 5, and VIPs earn 8 – with each point typically worth $1 off an order. Here, the top tier is clearly defined by annual spend, and higher tiers earn rewards faster.

Sunnyside’s loyalty program is simpler: customers generally earn 1 point per $1 spent and can redeem those points once they hit a small minimum (for example, 40 points for a $1 reward in some markets), with frequent “double” and “triple” point promotions layered on top. Rather than stacking multiple tiers, Sunnyside leans on bonus events to make regular shoppers feel like insiders.

Planet 13 in Las Vegas shows a different type of “top perk.” The company recently revamped its loyalty program to include an aggressive benefit: loyalty members who spend $100 or more can unlock a 50% discount, supported by a price-match guarantee on qualifying items. In this case, the “top tier” isn’t a label like VIP – it’s the best possible discount trigger baked into the program.

Are the top tiers really the same?

From a distance, it can look like every dispensary is offering a version of “points plus perks.” But consumers who dig into the details find major differences:

• How fast rewards accumulate: A shopper at Curaleaf who reaches VIP will earn rewards much faster than a basic Member, while Trulieve users earn at the same rate but unlock bigger discounts by saving points.
• What perks look like: Some brands focus on straight cash-back style discounts; others add exclusive promos, early access to drops, or bonus point days instead of clearly defined VIP tiers.
• Eligibility and spend thresholds: Programs like Curaleaf’s and Planet 13’s reward heavy spenders with stronger benefits tied to annual or per-visit spend, while more basic point systems simply reward frequency.

Industry research from cannabis retail analysts suggests that clear, easy-to-understand benefits – not just flashy tier names – are what actually drive sign-ups and repeat visits.

How consumers can compare top tiers

For shoppers, the smartest move is to compare programs based on value rather than labels:

• Do the math: Estimate how much is normally spent each month, then check how many dollars in rewards that would generate under each program’s top tier.
• Look beyond percentages: A 5–8% effective cashback at a high tier might beat an occasional 50% promo that has strict minimums or exclusions.
• Consider flexibility: Some programs allow rewards on almost any product, while others limit redemptions or stacking with other discounts.

So, are the top loyalty tiers at major cannabis brands the same? Not really. They share a common goal – keeping customers coming back – but the value, structure, and path to those perks differ widely. Savvy shoppers treat each program like any other retail rewards scheme: compare, calculate, and choose the one that best fits their habits.