Every March, cannabis retailers across legal states prepare for one of the most spirited shopping periods of the spring: the NCAA March Madness tournament. For consumers, it has become a reliable moment to find wallet-friendly promotions, bundle deals, and limited-edition drops designed to pair with long viewing nights and bracket-busting excitement. From Nevada to Colorado to Illinois, dispensaries have steadily turned the tournament into a retail event, leveraging consumer interest and seasonal spending trends noted by industry trackers such as Headset and MJBizDaily.
One of the most common promotions during March Madness is percentage-based discounts on popular product categories. Vape cartridges, infused pre-rolls, gummies, and fast-acting beverages often see 20% to 40% reductions, aligning with the surge in demand for social and session-friendly formats. Retail analytics from Headset highlight that edible and beverage sales typically rise during major sporting events, especially when consumers watch games at home or small gatherings, making these discounts particularly timely.
Bundle deals also dominate the promotional landscape. Dispensaries frequently offer “game-day packs” that might include a pre-roll multipack, a disposable vape, and a THC beverage at a lower combined price. Some retailers apply a tiered discount structure—buy two products, save 10%; buy three, save 20%—encouraging consumers to stock up before the tournament heats up. Brands often participate by lowering wholesale pricing to dispensaries during event-focused promotions, a trend reported in quarterly retail summaries from BDSA.
Another popular March Madness strategy is loyalty reward acceleration. Retailers using platforms like Springbig or Alpine IQ typically roll out double-points days or bonus rewards for specific categories. These programs often drive stronger customer engagement, according to both companies’ consumer behavior studies, which note that shoppers are more likely to try new products when loyalty incentives increase during promotional periods.
Some dispensaries go further by integrating bracket-themed specials. Although they avoid direct NCAA branding due to legal restrictions, creative renaming—such as “Final Four Flower Deals” or “Sweet Sixteen Savings”—keeps the theme alive. Retail marketing consultants interviewed by MJBizDaily have pointed out that thematic promotions create a sense of limited-time urgency, boosting both online and in-store foot traffic.
Product sampling and vendor pop-ups also spike during March Madness. Because many states now permit in-store demonstrations for hemp-derived or low-dose consumables, retailers host sponsored events where customers can learn about brands, terpenes, and dosing methods. Educational activations often coincide with promotional pricing, giving consumers more confidence in their purchase decisions.
Finally, many dispensaries boost online ordering incentives. Free delivery, reduced service fees, or curbside pickup discounts appear frequently throughout the tournament. With consumer data showing that e-commerce usage increases during major events—especially when games overlap with peak shopping hours—these promos help retailers meet customers where they are.
Together, these strategies form a playbook that dispensaries rely on year after year. For consumers, March Madness isn’t just a basketball celebration—it’s one of the most advantageous times to explore new products, stock up on favorites, and enjoy some of the season’s best cannabis shopping opportunities.