Mainstream delivery services like Uber Eats and DoorDash are beginning to explore opportunities within the rapidly growing cannabis market. While these companies have made significant strides in integrating cannabis-related products into their platforms, their approaches differ, and both face unique challenges and regulatory hurdles.
Uber Eats: Collaborations in Canada
Uber Eats has taken a notable step by partnering with cannabis retailers in Canada to offer legal cannabis delivery services. In October 2022, Uber Eats announced a collaboration with Leafly, a leading cannabis information resource, to facilitate cannabis deliveries in Toronto. This partnership allows customers aged 19 and over to order cannabis products from licensed retailers through the Uber Eats app, with deliveries handled by the retailers’ own certified staff.
Expanding on this model, Uber Eats extended its cannabis delivery services to Alberta in July 2023, again in partnership with Leafly. Residents aged 18 and over can place orders from local licensed cannabis retailers, with deliveries conducted by the retailers’ provincially certified employees.
It’s important to note that in these Canadian markets, Uber Eats does not directly handle the cannabis products. Instead, the platform facilitates the ordering process, while the actual delivery is managed by the licensed retailers, ensuring compliance with local regulations.
DoorDash: Introducing Hemp-Derived Products in the U.S.
In the United States, DoorDash has begun offering delivery of hemp-derived THC and CBD products in select states. As of January 2025, customers in certain markets can order a variety of hemp-derived products, including gummies, beverages, mints, chocolates, and honey sticks, through the DoorDash app. These products are available from merchants like DashMart, Total Wine & More, and ABC Fine Wine & Spirits.
DoorDash has implemented safeguards to ensure compliance with legal requirements, such as electronic ID verification to confirm customers are of legal age. The company emphasizes that this expansion is in response to growing consumer demand for hemp-derived THC and CBD products as alternative means to relax and recharge.
However, DoorDash’s offerings are limited to hemp-derived products, which contain less than 0.3% THC, in accordance with federal regulations. The company does not currently deliver cannabis products that exceed this THC threshold, which are subject to stricter state-level regulations.
Regulatory Challenges and Incidents
The integration of cannabis products into mainstream delivery platforms is not without challenges. In the United States, the legal status of cannabis varies by state, and federal law still classifies it as a Schedule I controlled substance. This patchwork of regulations complicates efforts by companies like Uber Eats and DoorDash to expand cannabis delivery services nationwide.
Moreover, there have been incidents highlighting the potential risks associated with cannabis deliveries. In November 2024, an Uber Eats driver in New Jersey discovered that a supposed burrito delivery was actually an ounce of marijuana wrapped in foil. The driver reported the incident to the police, leading to an investigation.
Such incidents underscore the importance of strict compliance with regulations and the need for clear policies and training for delivery personnel.
The Road Ahead
As consumer demand for cannabis products continues to rise, it’s likely that more mainstream delivery services will explore opportunities in this sector. However, navigating the complex legal landscape will require careful planning and collaboration with regulators and licensed cannabis businesses.
For now, Uber Eats and DoorDash are taking cautious steps into the cannabis market, focusing on partnerships and products that align with current legal frameworks. Their experiences will likely inform how other delivery services approach cannabis integration in the future.