Cannabis delivery services continue to become increasingly common, especially in urban and suburban areas where dispensaries offer on-demand service, questions about tipping etiquette are surfacing. While tipping has long been customary for food delivery, ride-share, and other gig-economy services, the cannabis industry—still in its relative infancy—has its own culture and expectations when it comes to gratuity.
Understanding the Role of Cannabis Delivery Drivers
Cannabis delivery drivers are more than just couriers. They’re responsible for verifying IDs, adhering to strict regulatory compliance, handling sensitive inventory, and ensuring secure, discreet transactions. Many are trained to provide a courteous and professional customer experience, which makes their role critical to the overall impression of a dispensary or delivery service.
Recognizing the effort that goes into a compliant and timely delivery is a good reason to tip—and in many cases, it’s a vital part of the driver’s income.
Recommended Tipping Practices
While there’s no strict rulebook for tipping in cannabis delivery, some common standards from adjacent industries can help shape expectations:
- 15% to 20% of the total order is typically considered fair, especially if the delivery is timely and the driver is professional.
- For smaller orders (under $40), a flat tip of $5 is often appreciated.
- If the driver goes above and beyond—like navigating bad weather, waiting patiently, or offering helpful product suggestions—a tip of 20% to 25% isn’t unreasonable.
Just like with food delivery, tipping signals appreciation for personal service that often includes travel time, fuel costs, and logistical effort.
Factors That Influence Tipping
Several factors can affect how much customers tip their cannabis delivery drivers:
- Order Size: Larger, more complex orders require more attention and care—tip accordingly.
- Weather and Traffic Conditions: Delivering during peak hours, storms, or to remote locations warrants extra generosity.
- Driver Demeanor: Friendly, professional, and knowledgeable drivers who create a smooth experience should be acknowledged with a good tip.
Clearing Up the Confusion About Delivery Fees
One of the most common misconceptions among customers is that the built-in delivery fee goes straight to the driver. In most cases, that fee helps cover operational costs like dispatch software, vehicle maintenance, insurance, and staff wages—not tips. Unless the delivery service explicitly states that a gratuity is included, drivers are typically relying on customer tips to supplement their income.
Is There an Etiquette to Follow?
Yes, and it’s relatively simple:
- Be prepared with cash or ask if tipping through the app is possible.
- Don’t skip tipping just because it’s cannabis—drivers are performing a service with equal, if not more, care and responsibility than other gig workers.
- Be courteous and prompt when meeting your driver. Their schedule is often tightly packed, and delays can disrupt their entire shift.
Final Thoughts
As cannabis delivery becomes more normalized, so should tipping the people making it possible. Tipping isn’t just a reward—it’s part of a respectful exchange for a job well done. Whether you’re a regular customer or new to cannabis delivery, following tipping etiquette shows appreciation for a service that brings convenience, compliance, and care directly to your door.
