Research

The first step in any business venture is to research, research and research some more! It is important to gain as much knowledge as possible when launching your own business. Take advantage of all resources you can find.  We’ve laid out 4 days to starting a delivery business in our free guide here.

First, look into your specific state’s laws in regards to marijuana dispensaries and delivery services.  Rules and regulations often change, so it is important to make sure you have the most up to date information available. Take the time to check your city and county laws as well. Make sure you have all your ducks in a row before applying for any business license or permit. This includes having the funds required to apply and secure such items.

Second, listen to the advice and wisdom of the individuals who have been where you are now. Their knowledge will be invaluable to you as you learn the ins and outs of marijuana business world.

Third, take advantage of the bounty of resources you’ll find right here on our website.  We offer a wide variety of literature for you learn from. Feel free to start with our free information to get a taste of how helpful our knowledge and expertise will be to you. You can never be too prepared when you venture out into your very own medical marijuana delivery company.

Product

You will need to have a supply of quality cannabis to sell. The first step is to get your own medical marijuana card. Chances are good you already have one, but if not, get one. This way your customers will trust that you understand how beneficial the product is to them. You must have a general knowledge of medical cannabis and how it works to treat people who need it. Keep up on the strains available in your area and the possible side effects of each one.

It may be beneficial to join a collective. A collective, often referred to as a “co-op”, is a group of like-minded people that band together for the purpose of growing and using medical marijuana. Get to know the growers you will be getting product from. If you are interested in growing and distributing the product by yourself, find out if that is an option.

There are other ways that the effects of medicinal cannabis can be ingested to help relieve whichever mental or physical condition you suffer from. Some delivery services sell “edibles”, baked goods containing marijuana. This is a great option for patients who do not wish to, are not able to physically, or cannot legally, smoke it. You can also vaporize and breathe in the cannabis’ healing properties in such products as oil or wax.

Vehicle

When running a medical marijuana delivery service, a quality car is a necessity. It does not have to be new or fancy, but it does have to be reliable. Keep it clean and presentable.

Make sure to keep your car insurance up to date at all times. Have maintenance performed regularly and according to manufacturer guidelines. Your need you vehicle for your business to operate, so take care of it!

It’s also best practice to fuel up daily or every other day to avoid getting stranded. Not only would that be a setback to your clients, but it also you makes you a susceptible to robbery. As a precaution, keep your product in the back of your vehicle or in the cab of the truck.

Employees

If you are considering bringing a couple employees on board, be very selective. You have to be able to trust anyone who works for you, especially in this business, so don’t cut corners when it comes to the hiring process. Call on references, ask for driving records, and get a background check.

Remember, your employees represent you and your company. That being said, professionalism is key. When it comes to attire, khakis and a polo for a delivery service are a safe bet. Don’t overlook the basics- things like no offensive or crude tattoos, long hair pulled back whenever possible, and a clean and well-groomed appearance.

Having a weed delivery service may seem like the type of business where laid back and casual is acceptable, I would caution against it. In the medical marijuana industry, you will be interacting with people from all walks of life, including stay-at-home moms, businessmen, and the elderly, so keep it professional.

Advertising

Advertising is something to consider carefully when starting your own marijuana delivery business. On one hand, you want potential clients to know how to reach you and what you offer. On the other hand, you do not want any unwanted attention from the criminal element or law enforcement.

If you are going to advertise, limit the amount of contact information you provide. I suggest keeping it to your company name and phone number. Including a web address is acceptable if you have a website set up.

The forms of advertising that are available to you may be restricted depending on the rules in your city, county, or state. Be aware of what is permitted before investing in any type of advertisement for your medical marijuana delivery service.

Handing out business cards are usually a safe and efficient way to get the word out about your services. Keep the design simple. Stay away from designs that promote partying and or “getting high”, and skip the pot leaf design. You are a professional business, so make sure your card reflects that. Again, limit the amount of contact information on the card.

If possible, set up two dedicated phone lines for your weed business. The first should be the number you advertise, preferably an 800 number that is open 24/7. Use an answering service if necessary. The second line would be dedicated to business contacts and repeat clients. Put this number on a reorder card and include it with orders to make reordering easy and convenient for clients.

Safety

Safety is extremely important in the marijuana business. This is one of the main reasons why opening a marijuana delivery service instead of a dispensary is such a great idea. Without a storefront, your risk of being robbed goes down dramatically, and the odds of being hassled by law enforcement are slim.

Take some precautions before opening your service. Install a security system where your product, money, and paperwork are stored. Invest in a system for your vehicle if possible.

Being discreet while conducting business is the best way to stay safe. Do not put the name of your company on your vehicle. Use plain brown or white packaging for the marijuana orders.

The best advice I can give when it comes to safety is to use common sense! Be aware of your surroundings. If you are uncomfortable going to certain areas, don’t do it. If you ever find yourself in a situation that just doesn’t feel right, get out as quickly as possible. Never compromise your safety for a sale. It’s not worth it.

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