Uber Eats recently launched a new feature that will allow Canadian users to order cannabis products through the app. The service will be available in select cities where cannabis is legal, beginning with Toronto.
The launch of this new service represents a major shift in the way that cannabis is bought and sold, and it is sure to have a major impact on the industry.
The expansion also brings up the question of whether America is next. We’ve got everything to know here.
How Uber Eats Cannabis Delivery Works
Uber Eats has partnered up with established industry leaders to help expand cannabis delivery in Toronto.
Similarly, Uber Eats has also kept the partnered cannabis sellers to a minimum.
Currently, cannabis is being offered for delivery from these three retailers: Hidden Leaf, Minerva Cannabis, and Shivaa’s Rose.
According to Uber Canada, the process for ordering is seamless (and resembles the traditional Uber Eats experience).
- Customers must ensure they are of legal age and eligible to purchase cannabis in Canada. Currently, buyers must be 19 or older, as verified by the driver.
- Then, they can visit the Uber Eats app and select the category option, then cannabis. There, a list of licensed cannabis retailers will be shown.
- Select from the list of providers and choose the one you would like to order from. You will then be brought to a virtual storefront. They may then place their order.
- The order will then be confirmed by the retailer, and a driver will be located. The customer will receive an update on delivery times.
- Drivers will be able to be tracked by the purchaser, much like a standard Uber Eats order. The customer will be notified when their driver is nearing delivery.
- Before delivery can be completed, the individual must verify their age and sobriety as in accordance with government guidelines.
Note: With the Uber Eats pilot program, it is important to note that not all Uber Eats drivers can deliver cannabis. Instead, cannabis deliveries are exclusively reserved for CannSell certified staff, as described by Uber Newsroom. Drivers hoping to deliver cannabis will need to go through additional verification processes.
Some Benefits of Using Uber Eats for Cannabis Delivery
Uber Eats is best known for its food delivery service, but the company is now branching out into the cannabis industry.
Uber Eats has partnered with several dispensaries in Canada to offer cannabis delivery. This new service offers a number of benefits for both businesses and consumers.
For Businesses
Uber Eats provides a convenient way to reach more customers. Dispensaries can use the Uber Eats app to list their products and set delivery boundaries. This makes it easy for customers to find nearby dispensaries and order their favorite products. Taking advantage of delivery helps to appeal to an even wider customer base.
For Consumers
Uber Eats offers a safe and legal way to purchase cannabis products. Customers can order from a variety of dispensaries in their area and have their products delivered right to their doorsteps. This is especially beneficial for those who do not want to visit dispensaries in person or who live in areas where dispensaries are not easily accessible.
For Drivers
Partnering with cannabis delivery services allows delivery drivers who qualify to increase their chances of work. The duality of working with Uber Eats to deliver both food and cannabis means more customers and more take-home pay at the end of the day. Rather than having a dozen apps open hoping to find a customer, Uber Eats helps to make that process easier with an all-in-one approach.
For Public Safety
Home delivery helps to keep individuals off the street who may already be intoxicated but feel as though they have no choice but to go out and purchase on their own. Keeping more potentially impaired people off the road improves safety for all.
How Uber Eats Cannabis Deliveries Impact the Cannabis Industry in Canada
The cannabis industry in Canada is expected to undergo significant changes in the next few years. The legalization of recreational cannabis use will open up new opportunities for growers and retailers while also increasing competition.
The implementation of strict regulation will also create challenges for the industry, as producers will need to ensure compliance with safety and quality standards. Despite these challenges, the overall impact of legalization is expected to be positive for the cannabis industry in Canada.
With a larger and more open market, growers and retailers will be able to expand their operations and tap into new customer segments. This increased demand will likely lead to higher prices and greater profits for industry participants.
Ultimately, the legalization of recreational cannabis use is expected to have a positive impact on the cannabis industry in Canada.
Is Cannabis Delivery Coming to Uber Eats U.S.?
Cannabis delivery already exists in select cities and states across the country. However, delivery is on a local scale, with individual businesses hiring delivery drivers or through apps like Eaze and Leafly.
Uber Eats is one of the biggest names to enter the cannabis delivery game and would likely be the largest of scale. But there are currently no plans by Uber Eats to introduce cannabis delivery stateside.
The Uber Eats partnership is limited in Canada and seems to be a pilot approach that, with success, may expand to more Canadian locations and into America.
However, one striking difference between Canada and the U.S. is that Canada has legalized marijuana on a federal level, while only select states or cities have legalized and decriminalized cannabis use in the U.S.
Because of this, rollouts of Uber Eats cannabis delivery in the U.S. may be more targeted, as seen in Canada with the initial deployment in Toronto.
The Takeaway
Although cannabis delivery through the Uber Eats app is not yet 100% available across Canada or in the U.S., it is likely that this service will be expanded in the near future.
This will provide a new level of convenience for consumers and could potentially have a large impact on the cannabis industry in Canada.
As with any new technology or service, there are sure to be some bumps along the way, but we believe that Uber Eats has the potential to revolutionize how Canadians access cannabis products.
What are your thoughts on cannabis delivery expansion by brands like Uber Eats? Do you hope to see this in a town near you? Let us know!