Curious about whether or not you can purchase weed online? Well, if you live in a state where marijuana is legal you have the option to purchase your weed online. The transportation of a Schedule 1 substance across state lines is a federal offense. So, if you live in a state where marijuana is still illegal, you’re out of luck. Buying anything online doesn’t come without some risk. When you buy weed from an online dispensary, you should remember that in order for these dispensaries to sell online they have to go through a strict licensing process by their state. In addition to the licenses, there are regulations and track-and-trace systems that essentially provide an audit for all of a dispensary’s product and sales.  

Where to buy weed online

You can buy weed from online dispensaries who will then in-turn offer delivery or pickup (most places have curbside pickup options due to Covid-19).  If you want to order something from your favorite place but don’t want to leave the comfort of your own home, you have the option of using a third-party delivery service who will bring the weed to your house. Sites like Wikileaf offer pickup at select stores, making the process easier for buying weed. These services are relatively new and offer a safe way to have your weed delivered. 

Cash or charge?

While it’s legal to buy weed online in some states, it’s still illegal under federal law which keeps banks from doing business with dispensaries or growers. So, cash is your only option.  While having cash on hand might sound like an inconvenience, some delivery services use mobile ATM devices which are safe and legal. Your delivery driver shows up, you swipe your card, they keep the sale amount and give you change in cash.  It should also be noted some dispensaries and third party services also accept cryptocurrency through apps.

How to know if you're getting scammed

Let’s face it, there are always going to be scammers especially when it comes to weed. Online scammers will advertise in social media comment sections and on Craigslist. Here are a few things to look out for:

• Be suspicious of any service that asks you to pay by credit card and in advance. 
• Any online shop willing to send you weed across state lines. 
• Any dispensary operating without a state license.
• Anyone looking to mail you weed.
• Don’t purchase anything directly from social media.

The online cannabis marketplace is still a relatively young business model. As marijuana becomes legalized in more states and eventually on a federal level these options will ultimately change and become more standardized. For now, though, we recommend doing your research and only purchasing anything from verified and certified growers, dispensaries and third party services.