In New Jersey, cannabis delivery is strictly regulated, requiring an in-person handoff with proper identification. For customers in the Jersey Shore region, missing a scheduled delivery can be frustrating—but it’s not the end of the road. Dispensary policies and state laws work together to ensure cannabis products are delivered safely and legally, while still offering customers the opportunity to recover a missed order.
What the Law Says
State regulations require that cannabis products be delivered directly to the individual who placed the order. The customer must present valid government-issued photo identification proving they are at least 21 years old. Delivery drivers are not allowed to leave the package unattended, give it to anyone else, or stash it in a mailbox or parcel locker. If the customer is not available at the delivery location when the driver arrives, the delivery cannot be completed and the product must be returned to the dispensary.
This safeguard is in place to prevent diversion and ensure cannabis does not fall into the wrong hands. It’s a legal requirement statewide and applies to every licensed dispensary operating in the Jersey Shore area and beyond.
What Happens Next?
If a customer misses their delivery, the dispensary will generally attempt to contact them using the phone number or email address provided at checkout. However, if contact can’t be made within a short timeframe, the driver is required to return the product to the retail facility. The order may be marked as “undeliverable,” and depending on the dispensary’s policies, this could result in a restocking fee or a partial refund.
To recover the order, customers are encouraged to:
- Call the Dispensary Immediately: Most dispensaries have a customer support line specifically for delivery-related issues. Contact them right away to explain the situation and reschedule.
- Arrange a Redelivery or Pickup: Depending on the dispensary’s schedule and delivery availability, a redelivery may be arranged for the same day or a future date. Alternatively, many stores offer in-person pickup as a fallback option.
- Prepare Valid ID Again: For the new delivery or pickup, customers will still need to present the same government-issued photo ID used for the original order.
Avoiding Missed Deliveries
To minimize the chances of missing a delivery, customers can take a few simple precautions:
- Double-Check Your Order Info: Make sure your phone number, delivery address, and email are correct.
- Monitor Delivery Updates: Most dispensaries will send out confirmation emails, texts, or app notifications with an estimated delivery window.
- Be Available During the Window: Plan to be home or at the delivery location during the estimated timeframe and keep your phone nearby.
By understanding the process and maintaining clear communication with their dispensary, Jersey Shore customers can ensure a smooth and stress-free cannabis delivery experience—even if a hiccup happens along the way.