California’s legal weed green rush is set to instantly explode at the beginning of next year, but as regulators, ganjapreneurs and cannabis consumers ready themselves for recreational sales and updates to the state’s longstanding medical marijuana program, Golden State delivery services were given a rude awakening about their technological growth ceiling.
According to Ars Technica, California’s impending legal weed regulations will ban the use of unmanned delivery drones and self-driving cars, requiring mobile budtenders to deliver orders in old-fashioned human-driven vehicles.
“Deliveries may be made only in person by enclosed motor vehicle.” The state regulations read. Continuing, “Cannabis goods may not be visible to the public during deliveries. Cannabis goods may not be left in an unattended motor vehicle unless the vehicle has an active alarm system. Vehicles used for delivery must have a dedicated, active GPS device that enables the dispensary to identify the geographic location of the vehicle during delivery.”
That regulation will not only ban companies like Eaze and MDelivers from following through on their plans to experiment with Silicon Valley’s favorite outdoor endeavors, but also stop those companies from employing motorcyclists, bicycle delivery riders, or any California skaters looking to do drop offs by board.
Companies like Amazon and 7-11 have already delivered popcorn and slurpees by way of flying robot, but, for now at least, customers will have to talk to a real live driver before getting stoned. But hey, at least the munchies can arrive by drone.
