New Discount Rules for Cannabis Retailers Approved

The discussion around bargain cannabis prices is heating up.

On Thursday, the state Cannabis Control Board approved new rules concerning advertising, packaging, and marketing. These changes enable licensed cannabis retailers to sell their products at discounted rates.

Under the new guidelines, cannabis businesses can implement “discounts, coupons, points-based reward systems, customer loyalty programs, and bundled discounts.”

Originally proposed last year, the lifting of the discount ban received final approval during Thursday’s meeting.

Licensed cannabis sellers have been requesting these promotional options since the industry was established about three years ago.

Excitement is palpable among cannabis retailers as they can now offer discounted products like gummies, oils, and flowering marijuana to groups such as veterans, seniors, and those aged 21 and older.

This could potentially allow customers to buy two packs of pre-rolled joints for the price of one, among various other promotional offers.

“These changes will let dispensaries function more like other retail businesses, enabling them to reward their customers, enhance loyalty, and stand out in a crowded marketplace,” said Mac Huber, chairman of the Empire Cannabis Manufacturing Alliance.

He expressed gratitude towards Governor Kathy Hochul and cannabis regulators for being responsive to the needs of the expanding legal cannabis sector.

Interestingly, one business owner mentioned plans to offer discounts to veterans as a gesture following last week’s Veterans Day.

“It’s fantastic. This has been a long-awaited change,” remarked Osbert Orduna, a military veteran and owner of Cannabis Place in Middle Village, Queens.

He pointed out that his other cannabis store in New Jersey is already permitted to provide discounts regularly.

“These new regulations help legitimize the cannabis market. It gives us the same rights as other businesses to offer discounts,” Orduna added.