Colorado issues its first medical cannabis delivery license

As more and more Americans stay home to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic, the clinic The Dandelion, owned by Native Roots, a major cannabis retailer in Colorado, has received the state’s first license to deliver medical cannabis to patients.

Deliveries are expected to begin by the end of March.

Patients will need to register at the clinic in order to receive deliveries, a process that theoretically requires them to visit the clinic in person; however, the clinic is «exploring ways for patients to do this remotely» given concerns about the spread of the coronavirus through human contact.

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— Native Roots Cannabis Company (@NativeRoots303) March 13, 2020

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Once deliveries are set up, The Dandelion will only serve the cities of Boulder and Superior, a neighboring jurisdiction that also permits cannabis deliveries medical.

«The Chamber is delighted that Boulder is leading the way in cannabis delivery regulations.”. Native Roots »is a prominent member not only of the cannabis industry, but of the Boulder business community as a whole," said declared Andrea Menegheal, director of public affairs for the Boulder Chamber, said in a press release, «We look forward to seeing how our businesses serve patients and how other jurisdictions will begin policy discussions on cannabis delivery services.»

Deliveries of medical cannabis have been permitted in Colorado since January 2. Because local jurisdictions must also approve delivery, the state’s licensing process has been delayed. Recreational cannabis deliveries will not be permitted until January 2021 at the earliest.

Last year, Governor Jared Polis described cannabis delivery as a strategy to reduce impaired driving. Deliveries are becoming particularly relevant during these times of social distancing. As more and more dispensaries adopt policies aimed at limiting the spread of the coronavirus, deliveries also offer a way to protect vulnerable patients while ensuring access to cannabis-based treatments.

«The timing is a complete coincidence, but it’s timely,» said Fender of Native Roots. «Medical delivery is really another option for patients to practice social distancing.»

In the United States, state and local governments are currently debating whether to allow cannabis retailers to remain open. So far, most have allowed sales to continue, although additional measures are in place to prevent the spread of the virus. Overall, the Cannabis stores are designated as «essential» services» and continue to offer delivery or curbside pickup to limit the spread of the virus.

The various initiatives to legalize cannabis in the states are also being disrupted as a result. In New York, the budget must be submitted by the end of April should include the legalization of cannabis.