DoorDash is at it again, and they’re going green this time. The gig economy giant is now delivering THC and CBD products straight to your doorstep—but not without raising a few eyebrows.
DoorDash, known for ensuring your late-night tacos arrive soggy and lukewarm, has announced its latest move into cannabis delivery. Yes, you read that right. Starting this year, customers in select states can order hemp-derived THC and CBD products through the app. Think gummies, beverages, chocolates, and even honey sticks—designed to help you chill, unwind, and, hopefully, not spiral into paranoia.
Jacob Morello, DoorDash’s director of alcohol and “emerging categories,” (which is corporate speak for weed is trending now) was more than enthusiastic.
“With the growing demand for hemp-derived THC and CBD products, we’re excited to expand access to a wide selection of products consumers crave,” Morello said.
Crave is an interesting word for something that includes mints and honey sticks, but hey, we’ll roll with it.
Customers in qualifying states will find a shiny new “CBD/THC” tab in their DoorDash app. Like their alcohol deliveries, the company is claiming safeguards like electronic ID checks to ensure everyone ordering is of legal age. And in case anyone forgot, all products delivered must have less than 0.3% delta-9 THC to comply with federal law. So, while your cannabis order may come with a side of Pringles, it won’t come with a full buzz.
The Big Players Join In
DoorDash isn’t doing this solo—they’ve teamed up with companies like Total Wine & More and DashMart to stockpile goodies for delivery. According to the company, the top five products during their pilot phase included THC/CBD gummies, beverages, chocolates, mints, and honey sticks. So basically, if it tastes sweet and makes you mellow, DoorDash is on it.
In celebration of the launch, they’re partnering with THC drink manufacturer Cann, offering $2 off multipacks through January. Nothing says “new year, new you” like sipping THC spritzers while scrolling TikTok.
Cannabis Industry Reactions: Cheers and Jeers
The cannabis world has opinions, and as expected, they’re a mixed bag. On one side, you’ve got folks like Adam Terry, CEO of Cantrip, who’s thrilled. “By breaking into direct delivery with DoorDash, more Americans can access safe, quality THC products than ever before,” he said. David Craig of Illicit Gardens called it “a step toward the normalization and mainstream acceptance of cannabis.”
But not everyone is lighting up in celebration. Critics argue that hemp-derived THC products operate in a gray area, without the rigorous testing and oversight of state-regulated cannabis. Mike Khemmoro of Mango Cannabis points out, “When companies like DoorDash deliver hemp products alongside your groceries, it blurs the lines of accountability.” His concern? People may assume these products meet the same standards as state-regulated weed, but they don’t.
Then there’s Chloe Kaleiokalani from CAKE She Hits Different, who celebrated the move but hit back at the barriers still facing regulated cannabis brands. “We need to see these opportunities expand beyond hemp products. Cannabis and hemp are the same plants, regardless of legislative perception,” she said.
Regulatory Roulette
DoorDash’s move comes at a time when states are grappling with how to handle intoxicating hemp products. California introduced emergency regulations in September, while Illinois and New Jersey are wrestling with potential bans. The regulatory scene is as chaotic as your stoner friend trying to parallel park—no one’s sure what’s happening, but it’s definitely a mess.
DoorDash’s cannabis delivery is an undeniable step toward normalizing THC and CBD products. But it’s also stirring up fresh debates about regulation, product safety, and what this means for state-regulated cannabis businesses already battling strict rules. While hemp brands are celebrating, licensed dispensaries are watching cautiously, hoping this doesn’t further muddy the waters.
So, what’s next? Will DoorDash’s cannabis experiment spark a delivery revolution, or will it go up in smoke? One thing’s certain: the line between your midnight snack order and your mellow-out stash just got a whole lot blurrier.
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