Delivery Guidance (Adult-Use Cannabis)

What This Covers

• Delivery worker eligibility and training
• Vehicle and transport requirements
• Inventory value caps
• Order, manifest, and logging rules
• Delivery location and handoff rules
• Payment requirements

Delivery Worker Rules

Only qualified employees may perform deliveries.

• Delivery workers must be 21 or older
• Workers must be W-2 employees of the licensed dispensary
• Independent contractors are not allowed
• Workers must carry employee identification while on duty
• Workers must be trained in:
  • ID verification
  • Order verification
  • Transport limits
  • Emergency procedures
  • Safety and theft prevention

At delivery:

• Customer identity must be verified in person using valid government ID
• Delivery must be refused if the customer is:
  • Under 21
  • Intoxicated
  • Not the named recipient

Vehicle Requirements

Delivery vehicles must meet strict standards.

• Vehicles must be owned or leased by the dispensary
• Vehicles must be unmarked
  • No cannabis logos, words, or branding
• Vehicles must remain locked when unattended
• Cannabis must be stored in a locked compartment inside the vehicle

Inventory Caps

Limits apply to the value of cannabis in transit.

• $20,000 maximum in a fully enclosed vehicle
• $5,000 maximum if the vehicle is not fully enclosed (bike, scooter, similar)
• Ground transport only
• Drones and autonomous vehicles are prohibited

Orders and Logs

All deliveries must be pre-arranged and documented.

• Orders must be placed in advance:
  • Online, or
  • By phone
• Orders must be fully paid before leaving the store
• A delivery manifest is required for each delivery run

Required log details include:

• Order number
• Product details
• Customer name and address
• Time the vehicle left the store
• Time of delivery attempt
• Confirmation of ID verification
• Any canceled or failed delivery attempt

All delivery activity must be entered into the state tracking system the same day.

Transport Rules

Delivery locations and handling are restricted.

• Deliveries may only be made to physical addresses within New York State
• Deliveries are prohibited to:
  • Schools
  • Parks
  • Public spaces
  • Vehicles
• Cannabis may never be left unattended during delivery routes

If delivery fails:

• Product must be returned to the store
• The return must be logged in the tracking system

All product movement must be recorded:

• Loading
• Delivery
• Return

Payment Rules

Payment must be completed before dispatch.

• Workers may not accept payment at the door
• Accepted pre-payment methods include:
  • ACH
  • Debit
  • Online payment systems listed in your OCM-approved operations plan
• A receipt must be provided at delivery
• Refunds must:
  • Follow approved store policies
  • Be logged in the tracking system

What Operators Usually Miss

• Contractors are not allowed for delivery
• Payment at the door is prohibited
• Failed deliveries still require full logging
• Inventory caps apply per vehicle, not per order

When This Comes Up

• Launching delivery services
• Hiring or training delivery staff
• Adding vehicles or routes
• OCM inspections or audits

What Happens If You Ignore This

• Delivery privilege suspension
• Violations or fines
• Inventory discrepancies
• License enforcement action

Related Pages

• Inventory Management and METRC
• Cannabis Mailing Restrictions
• Delivery License

Source Material

• Delivery Rules
• OCM Adult-Use Delivery FAQs