GUADALUPE, AZ (AZFamily) — A new rule going into effect Friday in Arizona will allow dispensaries to deliver recreational marijuana to customers.
Raul Molina, Chief Operations at Mint Cannabis at the shop in Guadalupe, says it’s a day he’s been waiting years for.
“Everybody is is excited the news it out and delivery is coming to Arizona,” Molina said. “I think it’s going to have a nice boost on everybody’s bottom line.”
The executive director of the Arizona Dispensaries Association, Ann Torrez, commented, “We are thrilled that the Department of Health’s proactive approach and commitment to implementing a well-thought-out delivery program has helped us reach this landmark moment sooner than expected.”
Mint Cannabis says they’ve been delivering medical marijuana for years. A new policy that allows recreational marijuana to be delivered begins Friday, a few months earlier than Molina expected.
It’s a welcome change since they’ve been preparing and learning a lot about delivering medical marijuana.
Molina says they have their own cars and delivery drivers who wear body cameras. People who want to order from their couch and have it delivered must first register in person at the store and prove they are 21 years or older. After that, they can order online.
When a delivery arrives, the driver must give it to the person who ordered it. Molina says they will not leave packages at the door if nobody answers. They also won’t give it to anyone inside the house except the person who ordered it.
“If pops is in the bathroom he’s going to have to come out of the bathroom to get his product,” he said. “It will only be handled over to the person who originally placed the order.”
Molina says some people still don’t go in person to shop for marijuana because of the stigma. He believes deliveries will bring new customers into the cannabis world since they can be in the comfort of their homes and don’t have to go anywhere to get marijuana.
Lori Hicks, who owns Arizona Natural Concepts, says the company is planning deliveries Friday, hoping to make it easier for people to buy marijuana who may be afraid of purchasing in person.
“We are looking forward to serving a community that feels a little inhibited to step into a dispensary. You know, doctors, school teachers, church members that are afraid they’ll see somebody they know. Now they’ll have privacy totally,” she said.
Hicks added that drivers will be trained so that underage buyers won’t be able to dupe the system.
Demitri Downing, the founder of the Marijuana Industry Trade Association of Arizona, says deliveries are safe. He says there’s a proven track record with medical marijuana, and the multi-billion-dollar industry in Arizona will see a boost from this.
“It’s going to help the consumers and it’s going to help the state, the industry,” said Downing.
“The launch of adult-use delivery in Arizona allows licensed dispensary operators to not only serve a greater portion of our state population, but also to offer additional and convenient means of serving our existing customers,” said Michael O’Brien, CEO of Ponderosa Dispensary and board member with the Arizona Dispensary Association.
“As a dispensary owner, it is important for us to be able to ensure that our customers and patients continue to receive the highest level of service and quality products, while still being delivered in an efficient and compliant manner. We are excited to be able to extend our existing delivery services to our recreational customers,” O’Brien added.
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Arizona marijuana dispensaries begin home deliveries – Arizona's Family
