When we took a recent weed trip up to Spokane, Washington, we were excited to get a few more punches on our pot shop loyalty punch cards. Having saved them up for a while, many of them promised discounts once fully filled in. When we arrived, we learned of a brand new I-502 rule, which states that this type of marketing is banned as of July 1, 2016. According to the FAQ’s in the I-502 law, “Giveaways, coupons, and distribution of branded merchandise are banned.”
Punch Cards as Advertising
Pot shop punch cards are now considered a gift, or a coupon, and are now illegal under Washington’s recreational cannabis guidelines. Pot shops that were previously partaking in this practice are instead holding more frequent discount days, such as Satori’s “Shatterday” deals.
Pot shop budtenders who receive the old punch cards are required to confiscate and destroy them. If you are still holding onto any, we encourage tossing them.
Photo: Toke Tank
Toke Tank 