Folks today want things quick and easy - cannabis included. But rolling out a delivery service isn’t just slapping your shop’s logo on a car. There’s a whole maze of regulations, tech tools, and customer expectations to navigate. I’m here to walk you through the absolute need-to-knows, so you can launch your delivery dream with confidence and compliance.
The rules for delivering cannabis are everywhere, and almost none of ‘em look the same. You might find that what flies in one city is totally banned in the next zip code. For example, some towns say only your staff can deliver, while neighbours over the fence let in third parties. Nerd out on requirements like driver age, delivery zone limits, lockboxes for the car, and what you can and can’t take on the road. Before you get stars in your eyes, reach out to local regulators or legal experts to steer clear of messy mistakes.
Most folks land in three camps:
Take California, for instance. You’ll want to understand if you’re running a direct-to-customer setup or a dynamic mobile inventory, since each category comes with its own rulebook. Here’s a handy breakdown of California models if you’re in that state or just curious about trends.
If there’s one thing regulators won’t budge on, it’s tracking your products and cash. Delivery software isn’t a nice-to-have; it’s essential. These buddies help you monitor every gram from sale to doorstep, update those ever-present cash and product limits, and spit out real-time data for compliance. They keep your shop humming in sync with mandatory state systems like Metrc or BioTrack. Miss a beat on this step? That’s a recipe for stiff fines, or worse.
The tech tools you pick can be the wind in your sails - or the anchor pulling you down. Your delivery and point-of-sale software must play nicely together. That means integrated inventory checks, driver and route optimization, GPS location, and real-time compliance reporting. Digital proof of delivery? Essential. You want to keep sales, inventory, and compliance locked together as tight as your product jars. At Cova, we designed our POS system for cannabis retail to integrate seamlessly, so you’ll never be stuck wrestling with mismatched software.The Cova + Carrot integration proves you don’t need an all-in-one compromise. Retailers get a battle-tested POS alongside best-in-class eCommerce and delivery tools—built to scale as the business grows.
Cannabis is both valuable and tightly regulated - no surprise that your delivery service will get the fine-tooth comb from regulators. You’ll likely need GPS tracking on every car, secure storage like vehicle lockboxes, and crystal-clear route logs. Some states even spell out what type of vehicle you can use or require unbranded cars to dodge unwanted attention. Make sure your drivers get specialized training. It’s not just about being friendly - it’s protecting your business and your peace of mind.
If you have the resources (and a larger footprint), building an internal team gives you the most control and keeps profits in-house. Smaller dispensaries sometimes find the DIY route a bit much - third-party companies can help, but you’ll give up some margin. In some places, even Uber Eats is dabbling in delivery now. If you’re looking past delivery at scaling the rest of your shop, dive into our detailed guide on scaling your dispensary for wider insights.
Mobile inventory adds a layer of complexity. Real-time tracking that syncs sales and inventory across all locations. A solid delivery software system makes sure you never oversell or lose sight of what’s out with the drivers. It also feeds data right to compliance dashboards, so you never get caught off-guard during audits.
A successful delivery service isn’t just about speed - it’s about smart territory planning. Avoid restricted areas, cut down fuel use, and make sure you’re staying legal. Top-shelf software helps you carve your map with precision, using dynamic mapping that adapts as your needs change.
Today’s cannabis customers want their order as easily as possible. Think real-time order tracking, clear-cut delivery ETAs, easy payments, and drivers who don’t just follow the rules but also bring a smile. Investing in cool customer-facing tech, along with steady training for your team, will turn positive delivery experiences into repeat business and loyal regulars.
Launching delivery means budgeting for stuff like driver wages, insurance, fuel, vehicle upkeep, security gear, compliance tools, and ongoing staff training. It isn’t pocket change. Still, many dispensaries find that delivery widens their reach and brings in higher-margin sales. Start out with a realistic plan - and track your KPIs. You’d be amazed how much easier this gets with real-time analytics, like what you’ll find in Cova’s analytics suite.
Cannabis regulations shift often, and what works now might need an update next year, next month, sometimes next week. Give your operation a built-in ability to pivot, from new reporting standards to unique delivery hours or background check requirements. That way, you’re always a step ahead instead of playing catch-up.
With careful prep, the right tech, and a partner like Cova in your corner, your dispensary delivery service can become a cornerstone of growth - not a headache. Stay curious, deliver with care, and don’t forget to reach out to Cova Software when you’re ready to get rolling.