1. Confirm delivery is legal where you live.
Start by checking that both your state and your city or county allow delivery. Rules vary widely, and some places let delivery happen only if the local government opts in. For example, Colorado permits delivery but lets cities decide whether to allow it, and deliveries are limited to private residences (not campuses or public places).
2. Pick a licensed retailer or marketplace.
Use a state-licensed retailer’s website/app or a reputable marketplace that lists licensed providers. Marketplaces typically show who services your address and surface menu items, fees, taxes, and delivery windows. Many platforms walk you through address verification and order status updates after checkout.
3. Create an account and verify your age.
Most services require an account so they can pre-verify your identity and age before the driver ever leaves the store. States like Massachusetts explicitly require pre-verification through the retailer or an approved tech platform for adult-use delivery. Expect to upload or scan a government ID during sign-up.
4. Browse the menu and build your cart.
Filter by product type (flower, vapes, edibles, topicals), potency, price, and brand. Pay attention to state purchase limits and retailer caps—New York, for example, limits a single-day purchase to up to 3 ounces of flower or 24 grams of concentrates for adults 21+. Your local rules may differ.
5. Choose a delivery window and review fees.
Select a time window and check any delivery minimums or distance fees. Some jurisdictions limit orders to one delivery per residence per day; others may restrict delivery hours. Planning ahead helps you land the earliest window and avoid reschedules.
6. Select a payment method that actually works for cannabis.
Because standard credit card rails generally aren’t available, most deliveries accept cash, debit via “point-of-banking” (an ATM-like PIN transaction), or other compliant options your retailer lists. With point-of-banking, totals may round to the nearest dollar increment; any difference is returned as change. Confirm accepted methods at checkout.
7. Prepare for ID check at the door.
On delivery, the driver must verify that the recipient matches the order—same person, valid government-issued photo ID, and old enough under local law (typically 21+ for adult use; some states allow 18+ for medical with a physician’s recommendation). California, for example, requires age/identity verification before handing over goods. Have your ID ready.
8. Inspect, sign, and receive.
Most services capture a signature or digital acknowledgment that confirms date, time, and location of delivery. Drivers must refuse delivery if the verified customer isn’t present, the ID doesn’t match, or the address is prohibited (e.g., certain campus housing). Keep your receipt for any returns per store policy.
Smart Tips to Remember
- Know your local rules. Even neighboring states differ on delivery windows, address types allowed, and daily limits. Double-check your city/county page and state regulator FAQs before your first order.
- Match your ID to your account. Use the exact same name and have the same ID ready at the door to avoid a refused delivery.
- Plan payment ahead. If paying by debit/point-of-banking, have your card and PIN handy; if paying cash, prepare exact or near-exact amounts plus tax to speed things up.
- Watch purchase limits and product freshness. Laws set quantity caps, and some states add freshness labeling to certain products—use menus and receipts to track what you buy and when.
- Be present for your window. If you miss it or a different person answers the door, drivers generally can’t complete the handoff due to ID and recipient-match rules.
Learn More: Top Cannabis Picks for Delivery Buyers