Cannabis delivery services continue to expand across legalized markets, and a growing concern has emerged among dispensary operators and delivery drivers alike—product theft during transit. The cannabis industry’s unique regulatory requirements and high-value merchandise make it a prime target for criminal activity, particularly while goods are on the move. Preventing theft isn’t just about protecting profits; it’s also about maintaining public trust, ensuring patient access, and staying compliant with state laws.
The Road Risk Reality
Cannabis theft in transit can occur in a number of ways—from smash-and-grab vehicle break-ins during stops, to more coordinated hijackings and internal theft from rogue drivers. According to a 2023 report by the National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA), dispensaries lost an estimated $15 million nationwide due to delivery-related theft incidents. With increased demand for same-day and mobile cannabis delivery, the number of vehicles transporting cash and product across city streets has surged—sometimes without the security infrastructure needed to deter crime.
Many delivery drivers are tasked with handling thousands of dollars’ worth of cannabis and cash, often alone and without any security personnel. This creates vulnerabilities that bad actors can exploit, particularly in areas where theft rates are already high or when delivery protocols are poorly enforced.
Common Weaknesses in Cannabis Delivery
- Unmarked Vehicles Without Surveillance – While unbranded vehicles help avoid attention, lack of internal security systems like dashcams, GPS trackers, or panic alarms can leave them exposed in the event of a theft.
- Cash Handling Practices – In some states, cannabis transactions are still cash-heavy due to federal banking restrictions. Poor cash handling procedures significantly increase robbery risk.
- Route Predictability – Repeated routes and set schedules create patterns that can be tracked and exploited by criminals.
- Lack of Driver Training – Drivers who are not trained in safety protocols, de-escalation tactics, and emergency communication procedures are at higher risk.
Strategies to Secure Cannabis in Transit
1. Real-Time GPS and Route Diversification
Implementing GPS fleet tracking ensures that vehicles can be monitored live, with geofencing to alert managers if a driver deviates from an approved route. Route randomization adds another layer of protection, making deliveries harder to target.
2. Secure Vehicle Design
Outfitting delivery vehicles with lockboxes or vaults that secure both product and cash is a non-negotiable best practice. Many states now require these security features to be integrated into any delivery vehicle that transports cannabis.
3. Dual Verification and Digital Delivery Logs
Verifying orders through digital manifests and requiring customer ID scans upon delivery reduces internal theft and fraud. These digital logs also create an auditable trail in the event of a loss.
4. Body Cameras and Dashboard Surveillance
Deploying interior and exterior video monitoring not only deters would-be thieves but also provides evidence in the event of an incident. Privacy laws must be respected, but most jurisdictions allow video recording without audio in commercial settings.
5. Comprehensive Driver Training Programs
Educating drivers on how to recognize suspicious activity, avoid risky situations, and report security issues is essential. This includes refresher training on how to respond during emergencies or attempted thefts.
Looking Ahead
As the cannabis industry matures, security during delivery must evolve alongside it. With federal legalization still pending and banking access limited, cash and cannabis will remain high-risk assets in transit. Dispensaries that invest in technology, training, and compliant security infrastructure are better positioned to protect their drivers, their product, and their customers.
In a market built on trust, ensuring safe and secure delivery isn’t just smart—it’s essential.