In the fast-changing cannabis industry, data-driven marketing strategies are reshaping how brands and retailers connect with consumers and optimize product offerings. Companies like Custom Cones USA and Sweed are redefining engagement by leveraging consumer insights and innovative campaigns. This Valentine’s Day, they’re using data to craft experiences that resonate.
The Power of Pre-Rolls: Custom Cones USA’s Meteoric Rise
In the crowded cannabis industry, Custom Cones USA is quickly becoming a recognized leader. They’ve honed their focus on one of the most essential and beloved products: pre-rolls. Founded in 2017, Custom Cones USA has evolved from a living room project to one of the largest pre-roll suppliers globally, serving over 50 states and more than 50 countries. But their story is just beginning. The introduction of their consumer-facing brand, DaySavers, is poised to redefine the cannabis experience.
James Valentine, Communications & Content Marketing Manager at Custom Cones USA, sees the rise of the DaySavers as a crucial next step. “We’ve always been a B2B powerhouse, but DaySavers brings that same expertise directly to consumers,” he says. “It’s all about creating engaging, customized experiences that resonate with the everyday cannabis user.”
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, the company has used the holiday’s signature romantic allure to introduce innovative themed products. Their special Valentine’s Day pre-rolls, complete with stoner theme phrases and festive packaging, have been flying off the shelves. The data speaks for itself; according to Headset data analyzed by Custom Cones USA, pre-roll sales spiked 10.1% during the first two weeks of February 2024, adding one million in sales compared to the first two weeks of January.
“We wanted to make cannabis more fun, memorable, and relevant to the season,” James adds. Beyond the themed products, DaySavers hosted a giveaway to generate a buzz that elevated their brand’s visibility and consumer engagement.
Cannabis And Intimacy: More Than Just a Trend
But the success of DaySavers isn’t just about aesthetics or exclusivity—it’s about understanding the deeper connections cannabis can foster. According to a survey conducted by the company, a staggering 90% of respondents said that cannabis positively affects their sexual experiences, with 76% of participants reporting increased sensitivity to touch. The connection between cannabis and intimacy is no secret, with increasing numbers of users turning to cannabis to enhance their relationships.
“For us, it’s about building deeper connections,” James explains. “Our goal is to help people enhance moments—whether it's through a shared experience or setting the mood for something special. We’re here to make those connections stronger, and cannabis has a natural role in that.”
Sweed: Data-Driven Design Meets Cannabis Consumers
At the same time, across the industry, another company is leading the charge of using data to empower cannabis retailers with insight-driven marketing strategies. Sweed is the cannabis industry’s leading enterprise retail technology platform, backed by the industry’s largest development team. Co-founded by Rocco Del Priore, the POS software company is carving a niche by leveraging its innovation dominance and data analysis expertise to shape retail marketing strategies and predict consumer preferences that create offerings that resonate with cannabis consumers.
“We’re living in a data-driven world, and cannabis is no different,” Rocco says. “The emphasis we place on maximizing the value of sales data and consumer behavior is integral to our approach. We see the future of the industry being driven by automation and impactful A.I. tools that convert data into actionable marketing, eCommerce and retail strategies.”
For example, Sweed analyzed year-over-year data from cannabis retailers across multiple states pertaining to cannabis sales around Valentine’s Day and found it to be a clear growing trend as the holiday becomes a strong sales moment for the industry. Data from January and February 2023 and 2024 reveals that the “season of love” is certainly in love with cannabis as the data shows.
While retail sales typically slow in early January following holiday spending, the first half of February sees measurable growth. According to the data analyzed by Sweed, promotional activity for February 5 through 19, 2023 shot up 22% in additional promotions and 34.5% in promo revenue compared to January 1 through 15 of that year. 2024 brought less of a gap, but a gap nonetheless, with the February dates showing 14.4% more promotions and an 11.9% increase in promo revenue over the January period.
Sweed was also able to track the top-selling categories and key brands from January 29 through February 14, 2024. Flower, as usual in the retail market, beat out every other category at 37.77% of sales, followed by cartridges at 13.51%, edibles at 12.12%, vapes at 9.63%, and pre-rolls at 5.86%.
Valentine’s Day: A Benchmark for Cannabis Brands
Both Custom Cones USA and Sweed recognize Valentine’s Day as a key moment for cannabis consumption—a trend that continues to grow. February offers consumers more discretionary income following the holiday season, making it an opportune time for cannabis purchases. Moreover, Valentine’s Day has evolved beyond a single day into an extended shopping period that blends romance, gifting, and cannabis. This trend in consumer interest is not limited to promotions at retail, but also to wider product offerings to choose from, greater availability for more Americans, and societal norms shifting around alcohol consumption versus cannabis use. All together, cannabis retailers are finding it easy to fall in love with Valentine’s Day as a major revenue driving holiday.
The Future of Cannabis: Data, Customization, and Consumer-Centric Innovation
Looking ahead, Custom Cones USA is committed to expanding its DaySavers line, with more holidays and events on the horizon for customized products. Meanwhile, Sweed is positioning itself at the forefront of retail data to help cannabis retailers understand consumer stats in new ways.
“The future of cannabis retail is all about consumer retention and driving revenue,” Rocco affirms. “Data will continue to be our guide, but at the heart of it all is creating a platform that retailers can trust to handle various elements of their business. The goal is to keep growing and evolving alongside our customers.”
As for Custom Cones USA, James concludes: “Cannabis is about more than just the product. It’s about creating an experience. We’re always looking for new ways to surprise and delight our audience, whether it's through product innovation or a deeper connection with the holidays that matter to them.”
For more about Custom Cones USA, visit customconesusa.com. To learn more about DaySavers, visit daysavers.com. To learn more about Sweed, visit sweedpos.com.
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Featured image: Pre-rolls from the DaySavers Valentine's Day Pack (C) DaySavers / Custom Cones USA
