Delivery License
A delivery license authorizes the direct transport of legal adult-use cannabis to customers on behalf of licensed dispensaries. Delivery licensees are not retailers, processors, or distributors. Instead, they are treated as a regulated extension of the retail operation.
New York classifies delivery as a high-risk compliance activity. Vehicles, staff, payments, manifests, and tracking are all strictly regulated. This page explains what a delivery license allows, what is prohibited, and the operational requirements you must meet to remain compliant.
What You’re Licensed to Do
A delivery license allows you to:
- Transport cannabis products from licensed retail dispensaries to verified adult-use customers
- Operate independently or under contract with licensed retailers
- Employ and train delivery staff
- Use registered delivery vehicles that meet OCM security requirements
- Complete deliveries using state-compliant manifests and METRC records
All cannabis handled must originate from a licensed retail dispensary. Delivery licensees may not source, store, or sell cannabis independently.
What You’re Prohibited From Doing
A delivery license does not allow:
- Direct retail sales
- Cash-on-delivery or payment handling at the door
- Transporting cannabis for unlicensed entities
- Operating without prepaid and verified orders
- Using personal or unregistered vehicles
- Moving product without a compliant manifest and METRC entry
Delivery is regulated as a supply-chain function. Deviations from approved methods, especially involving payment, transport, or documentation, can trigger enforcement action.
Vehicle Requirements
All delivery vehicles must meet OCM security and operational standards, including:
- A locked and secured storage compartment for cannabis products
- GPS-enabled tracking
- Registration within the state licensing system
- Assignment to specific delivery manifests
- Operation only by licensed and trained employees
Vehicles may only be used for licensed delivery activity and may not carry product outside approved routes.
Workforce, Training, and Documentation
Delivery staff are regulated cannabis employees and must:
- Complete Responsible Workforce Training
- Carry valid employee identification
- Follow customer verification, handoff, and return procedures
- Be properly logged in METRC when handling or transporting cannabis
Delivery operators must maintain:
- Employee and training records
- Route documentation
- Delivery sheets and manifests
- Incident, refusal, and return reports
All records must be accurate, complete, retained for the required period, and available for inspection.
Delivery Rules and Operating Standards
Licensed delivery operations must comply with all OCM requirements, including:
- Prepaid orders only
- No cash or payment collection at delivery
- Deliveries conducted only during legal business hours
- Use of compliant packaging that is tamper-evident and non-descript
- Immediate return of undelivered product to the originating retailer
- Full traceability of every delivery through manifests and METRC
Each delivery must match the manifest exactly. Any discrepancy must be documented and reconciled immediately.
Related Pages
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