How to Build a Cannabis Delivery Mobile App

The marijuana delivery business can help you make a profit in millions. We are living in a quick-moving world. Here, things that consumers overlooked yesterday are on the trend today. You will see that the cannabis business sky-rocketing for a couple of years. The Idea Usher experts present an insight into the world of cannabis mobile app development.

The USA has authorized the use of medical marijuana in 46 states. The following countries also permit this business: 

• Germany,
• Canada,
• New Zealand,
• Australia, and
• Israel

In most of these nations, consuming medical cannabis is a choice for patients. Most of them are experiencing AIDS, malignancy, epilepsy, or glaucoma.

So these insights show the ascent popularity of medical Marijuana. Now, being an authorized marijuana retailer, you can productively support your business. You just need an on-request Cannabis delivery app. Before knowing how to develop a Cannabis Delivery App, let’s dive into more details.

Category	Delivery app
Types	Recreational and medical marijuana delivery
Key players	PotBot, Leafly, Eaze, WeedMaps, Vana
Key features	Live order tracking, order status, store selection, cart, payment, ratings, etc.
Expected market size in 2024	$40.6 billion
Growth CAGR	24.5%
Share of USA in global cannabis market in 2024 (in dollars)	$30 billion
Share of USA in global cannabis market in 2024 (in %)	73%
Total sales of legalized recreational marijuana in 2018	$4.4 billion
Countries where such apps are legal (not exhaustive)	USA, Canada, Thailand, Israel, Germany

What is a cannabis or weed delivery app?

An online Cannabis Delivery mobile app allows consumers to order Marijuana. Additionally, users can search for the best type for them.  App users can also look for

• nearby dispensaries,
• CBD products, and
• medical marijuana doctors to consult about the right kind of weed.

Live delivery tracking, estimated arrival are some features of the cannabis delivery app.

The demand for medical and recreational cannabis is growing with increasing allowances. The market size of Marijuana is already over $8 Billion. IBISWorld suggests that this industry is now one of the fastest-growing in the USA. Overall, there was never a better time to invest in cannabis apps Leafly.

Business operators of medical marijuana dispensaries or entrepreneurs, this blog is for you. As a leading on-demand cannabis delivery apps development company, we possess quality experience. Therefore, we present the important aspects you should know. It will be optimal if you learn about these before starting a cannabis delivery app.

Is a weed delivery app legal in the USA, Asia and Europe?

It’s not yet a norm of the fragmented cannabis industry in the U.S. It is because of the different state regulations, consumer-business relationships are mismanaged.

Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, social distancing encouragement is everywhere. People now have to stay at their homes. Meanwhile, the delivery business has become a hot-button issue in the cannabis industry.  

Cannabis delivery is running in parallel with other commercial spaces (food, home goods). Therefore, cannabis has now become a delivery-preferred domain, along with discussed demand curves. 

The following allow cannabis delivery under a specific regulatory guideline. Marijuana delivery is possible via a retail license or a specific delivery license:

• Arizona,
• Arkansas,
• California,
• Colorado,
• Maine,
• Maryland,
• Massachusetts,
• Michigan,
• Nevada,
• New Mexico,
• New York,
• Oregon,
• Rhode Island,
• Thailand, and
• Vermont.

Let’s consider Massachusetts, for instance. The city is now on the verge of passing its new delivery regulations.

Other states, such as Alaska and Washington, have casually allowed a gray-market approach. The loose regulatory language there greenlights the delivery of cannabis “gifts.” In Pennsylvania, for example, a delivery structure was launched quickly. The aim was to accommodate the backstep from the pandemic.

Each state is pursuing a slightly different approach. There’s an evident eagerness to develop a licensing structure. It is vital, too, to look around this market demand across the board.

How much can businesses earn by making a cannabis delivery app?

The revenue predictions for the recreational and medical Marijuana markets keep rising. Additionally, each one is larger than the previous analysis.

• We analyzed ArcView Market Research and BDS Analytics report. It suggested that worldwide legal sales of cannabis will touch $40.6 billion by 2024, grabbing a CAGR of 24.5%.
• The U.S. will register for about $30 billion or 73% of the global cannabis distribution market in 2024.
• Various organizations project recreational cannabis sales to reach $26.7 billion by 2024
• Moreover, medical cannabis sales will touch $13.9 billion.

Let’s take a look at a statistic by Statista.

44% of medical marijuana users choose a cannabis delivery service to buy their bud in the U.S.

The legalization has only ramped up since then. The numbers have only continued to increase. Henceforth, making the market ripe for cannabis delivery.

Case Study

Eaze Solutions Inc. has claimed that they can sell $1 billion worth of bud per year by 2020. That could be a hopeful boast from Eaze. Current trends point the worldwide cannabis revenue to reach $146.4 billion by 2025.

The legal cannabis market includes all CBD and THC-related products. That also includes a range of strains, extracts, and consumables. All the products are delivered right to someone’s door. The cannabis delivery sector is a shining beacon calling for all retailers. They should act before the market gets saturated.

Overall, the cannabis industry is hurling forward in sales and business opportunities. The delivery service is certainly one we should be keeping our trust in. Whatsoever, it promises the highest growth and robust revenue.

Why is Cannabis Delivery a booming business in 2024?

Starting up a cannabis delivery business has never looked this exciting. It is proving to be fruitful for the newbies as well as existing retailers.

We saw a record surge in physical sales in all the product sectors. Experts suggest businesses shift to online ordering and delivery services. It can be for the duration of the pandemic. Moreover, it can possibly be longer. That depends on if businesses want to sustain the shift in buying habits permanently. 

Promises sustained business in 2024

Our customers informed about a 20 to 30 percent increase in deliveries in the previous weeks. Additionally, some cannabis delivery apps saw twice the amount of previous signups. Cities across the United States are featuring cannabis distribution to be “essential.” That means they will remain open as other businesses. At the same time, restaurants and gyms are ordered to close. The industry certainly isn’t shrinking. It’s probably changing shape.

Fulfill consumer preferences

A 2019 poll by BDS Analytics displayed that:

67 percent of consumers prioritized dispensary’s location while selecting where to shop from.

Growing demand for cannabis

If your product goes everywhere your customers are, it satisfies that Amazon-age needs. Consumer preferences are evolving to favor online shopping. Moreover, it’s unlikely they’ll change back.

Top 10 cannabis delivery apps in 2024

By now, you understand that the weed delivery business means easy money. You might want to know how to get started. Keep reading till the end to discover how. 

Firstly, your app must be easy to use. It begins with the customer first. If you have them hooked on your app, they’ll grow sales for your business. Let’s say they have easy access to hash via your platform. The customer will simply, select and add to the cart. With a successful transaction, your customer is happy. And in translation, you made a sale.

In the long run, it means never-ending benefits for your business. It is very on-grounds with on-demand grocery or food delivery apps.

Let’s take a quick look at these top cannabis apps. These apps are already serving in the market. Firstly, we’ll understand what they do best. And then, we’ll recreate the magic.

1. PotBot

PotBot is a medical marijuana delivery app designed specially for people who are unaware about which strains would be helpful for them. The app has an algorithm that suggests which strain and consumption type is best suited for the patient.

The app also provides medical recommendation and the ability to know which strain is available in the user’s locality.

Launch year	2016
Owner	Potbotics Inc.
iOS rating	4.5/5
Android rating	3.4/5
Price	Free

2. Eaze

Eaze is a well-known app that delivers marijuana for medical purposes. It follows a format similar to Uber. It has a simple user interface, where the customer just needs to place the order and track the same until it is delivered.

Additionally, it has features like news and updates about cannabis, real-time order tracking, etc.

Launch year	2014
Owner	Eaze Solutions Inc.
iOS rating	4.7/5
Android rating	4.5/5
Price	Free

3. Leafly

Leafly is a one-stop destination for cannabis. It contains all the details about cannabis and its various strains. Users can also find marijuana that is available nearby and place the order for the same. It provides the facility to locate a legal doctor, clinic, pot dispensary, etc.

Launch year	2010
Owner	Leafly Holdings Inc.
iOS rating	4.8/5
Android rating	4.7/5
Price	Free

4. Weedmaps

Weedmaps is a cannabis app that brings different brands and companies under one roof. The users get a wide variety of brands to choose from. They can find nearby doctors, dispensaries, deliveries, etc. and stay updated about the latest cannabis information using this app.

Launch year	2008
Owner	WeedMaps Technology Inc.
iOS rating	4.9/5
Android rating	4/5
Price	Free

5. Vana

Vana, formerly known as Muncheez, is a marijuana marketplace app that allows users to buy their favorite weed product from trusted and licensed sources. It also allows users to connect to local doctors, dispensaries, etc.

Owner	Vana Technologies Inc.
iOS rating	4.4/5
Price	Free

6. Duby

Duby is an app that allows retail cannabis dispensaries or shops to advertise their products on the app. The dispensaries can use this app to create awareness about their products. The users can find a variety of cannabis on this app due to the presence of multiple retailers.

Launch year	2015
Owner	Duby LLC
iOS rating	2.1/5
Android rating	2/5
Price	Free

7. CannaBuzz

CannaBuzz is a social media app that allows its users to interact with one another and get the latest information about marijuana and cannabis products. The users can also share photos and videos with each other.

Launch year	2019
Owner	CannaBuzz App LLC
iOS rating	4.2/5
Android rating	3.6/5
Price	Free

8. WeedPro

WeedPro offers the delivery of marijuana at the user’s doorstep. The user can also get in-depth information about weed in just a few clicks. They can also make notes using Evernote, which they can refer to later for information about usage, side effects, etc.

Owner	Denovo Studios LLC
iOS rating	4.5/5
Android rating	4.5/5
Price	Free with in-app purchases

9. Weden

Weden is an app designed to allow delivery of food products made of marijuana. The app is simple to use and the users can access a variety of menu and food options. Its special features make re-ordering simple and blogs give detailed information about marijuana.

Launch year	2019
Owner	ManifestSeven

10. MassRoots

MassRoots app provides professional evaluation of various marijuana products. This enables the users to make informed decisions while purchasing marijuana. The app facilitates delivery of marijuana products and enables users to learn more about the same.

Launch year	2013
Owner	MassRoots Inc.
Price	Free

Business Models of Cannabis Delivery

There are three business models:

Cannabis Delivery Business Model 1: Delivery Partnership

In this business model, your job is of a delivery accomplice. You need to work in a state of harmony with dispensaries. It will enable seamless deliveries when the client puts in a request. You can charge a commission for each transaction. 

Cannabis Delivery Business Model 2: Executive Outlet Model

The executive outlet model is beneficial for attracting clients. A shop can attract new clients via this model. When a client raises a request through your store’s app, it will reflect in your platform. So, you can dole out a delivery specialist likewise. It will assist you with getting an edge over your rivals.

Weed Delivery Business Model 3: Aggregator Model

Here, you function as the central source between the dispensaries and clients. Your job is to acquire the two players one spot. In an aggregator model app, users can browse through the dispensaries catalog. Additionally, they can submit an in-app request. This request will reflect in the dispensary’s dashboard.

How does a cannabis mobile app work?

A cannabis delivery app has several users like customers, outlets/dispensaries and drivers. The app functions using data inputs from all these users.

Below is the technical functioning of a cannabis delivery app:

1. User login/registration: Firstly, the user logs in or registers on the app using his/her credentials and personal details. Using this information, the app creates an account of the user.
2. Profile verification: When a user logs in for the first time, the app verifies his/her identity. The user needs to upload a valid ID for the verification.
3. Order placement: The customer selects the outlet from which he/she wishes to order. He/she then goes through the various options available and places the order. The payment is done as per the payment mode selected.
4. Stock update: After the order is placed, the app notifies the outlet about the same. The outlet then updates the quantity of stock available after the order. After this, they start packaging the order.
5. Driver update: Once the order is placed, an available driver gets notified. He/she then accepts the order and the app marks him/her as unavailable.
6. Delivery: The driver picks up the order from the outlet and updates the same on the app. The app shows that the order is out for delivery to the customer. The customer can track the order from the in-app GPS. After the driver delivers the order, he/she marks the same as ‘delivered’ on the app.
7. Feedback and customer support: After delivery, the app allows the customer to provide feedback about the product, the outlet, and the driver. The customer can also return or exchange the product if he/she is unsatisfied.

Steps to Cannabis Mobile App Development

 There are five basic steps to successfully developing a cannabis delivery application. You can start following these and build your project. It is safe to say that a marijuana delivery app is an easy business to set up.

Step 1: Analyze Your Market and the Legalities

Check out if the market that you’re diving into allows for the Cannabis trade. The future looks promising for legalized Marijuana. But currently, the plant has plenty of restrictions. Therefore, you should be careful of the legal aspects of the business. That means receiving all the essential licenses and permits from the administrations.

Additionally, you should also analyze the demands in your target market. You should not end up swatting flies online!

Step 2: Strategize on the Business & Revenue Plan

You can have multiple choices for the business plan. The business models revolve between the delivery executive, retail outlet, or aggregator framework. You are free to choose the one that serves your business optimally. You can also derive the best revenue plan for yourself from scratch. (Psst, our marketing experts can help you with that! Get in touch)

Step 3: Raising Capital

A great business empire requires outstanding tools and resources. We mean everything from operations to technology pillars. A good option would be to pitch to investors in the initial stages of ideation. By the time your working model (prototype) is finished, you should connect to interested firms and Angel investors to raise funds. But, to accomplish this, you’ll need a detailed business and revenue plan. Moreover, you need quite an impressive prototype.

Step 4: Developing the App

App development for your business is the real deal now. It has the potential to make or break your business plan. 

• Document your ideas before you consult a professional. Let them know about your expected outcomes.
• Brainstorm before wireframing and finalizing the prototype.
• Test the prototype for all use cases. It must consider all probabilities. You may seek reviews from your business partners or consultants. It is rather an important step to consider to avoid iterations in the future. (Otherwise, it can be expensive on time and labor for iteration in the future.)

• Start building a presence across social platforms to engage more audiences. It would be like a pre-launch teaser for your application. You can collect customer insights and incorporate them. Yes, it is possible in the development stage.
• Post-app-development, testing phase is an important part. The development team or testing team is active in this phase too. Every use case is tested to ensure no bugs or lags.
• Once you launch, keep up the user experience and analyze metrics. Go through the app’s feedback to make vital updates on evolving your app in the right direction.

Tip: Never compromise with the quality. Continue testing the app to optimize it gradually.

Step 5: Managing the app

Once the app is ready and your venture is up running, you should zero in on managing your app. Additionally, you can use various analytical tools to come up with ways to improve app performance. Implement those updates in the future.

Step 6: Productivity Boost (Updates)

One of the most crucial things to stress when you’re handling such a project is productivity. From the ordering function to delivery, each pillar of your structure should stand strong.

• Hassle-free GPS Tracking
• Instant notifications
• Quick transactions
• Refunds

All features should be smooth and not clunky.

You can get new tools and assets to assist the evolution of your on-demand service to keep up with the changing on-demand economy.

Technology stack required for cannabis mobile app development

Below is the tech stack that you will need to develop your cannabis delivery app.

Platforms	iOS, Android, Web Application
Front end developer	React, Java, HTML, CSS, Angular, Swift
Back end developers	Python, Node.js, Laravel
Payment processing	PayPal, Braintree SDK, Stripe API
Cloud Environment	Google Cloud
Push notifications and in-app messages	Batch
Database	MongoDB
Social media login	Google, Facebook, Twitter API
Location tracking	Google Maps SDK for Android, MapKit framework for iOS

Panels of a cannabis delivery app

The panels considered at this stage are a variable of your business plan. For the sake of demonstration, we’ll be considering the larger picture. Typically, you will need four different panels. 

All panels would require core features for the management of on-demand cannabis delivery.

We examined the working of top marijuana delivery apps. The list of features and panels we will mention are somewhat similar. But the buck doesn’t stop there. To make your app exclusive, you need to have add-ons. E.g., fast delivery and drive-through pick-up. It again depends on your business model. 

An outstanding cannabis mobile app development company will add every feature customizable via the admin panel.

Below is a detailed overview of each panel we discussed above.

1. User Panel

The user panel or the customer app is the product which the end-user would use. The typical highlights are:

• Chatbot support
• Real-time delivery-tracking, and
• Order status

Features of the User app

• Live order tracking
• Order status
• Registration/Login
• Effortless reach
• Doctor search
• Prescription upload
• Store selection
• View pharmacy’s profile
• Smart search
• Usage information
• Item sorting/filtering
• Cart
• Upload Identity proof
• Special order instructions
• Schedule delivery
• Payment options
• Order history
• Re-order
• Reviews and ratings(for store and driver)

2. Outlet/Dispensary panel

The dispensary panel is for the dispensaries or retail outlets. 

1. It allows them to update their stocks. 
2. It is a one-view of real-time orders.

Store owners can also present listings of all strains available. The panel is incorporated with inventory management software. It helps to maintain an online portfolio of dispensaries. If you start a cannabis delivery business for your dispensary, you can get it customized with one/multiple stores.

Features of the dispensary panel

• Strains upload (with pictures)
• Stock availability
• Driver location
• Driver contact
• User ID download
• Driver ID download
• In-app customer contact
• Order specific requests
• Earnings
• Order history
• Rewards and discounts
• Invoice generation

3. Driver Panel

The driver panel helps the delivery person(driver) to check the complete details of the order and delivery address. The core features include maps, parking locations, store contact information, etc. The driver panel can be made as an independent app. It can further be used to upload identification and get those I.D.s verified. We can also think of a simpler driving app version to simplify the process.

Features of the driver app

• Registration/Login
• Documents upload
• Profile verification status
• Availability status
• Instant notifications
• Upload invoice
• Navigation to store and user
• In-app calling/texting
• Phone number masking for security
• Order history
• Earnings
• Delivery status

3. Admin Panel

The admin panel is where you would be able to allocate tasks to drivers and one place with every information about every order.

The admin panel also should be equipped with customer support handling. The top on-demand app development companies incorporated it naturally.

Integrate the app with multiple algorithms. Optimization is beneficial in the long run. Thus, allocation and user requests can be fulfilled at top priority. And you will also cut down on operational costs.

Features of the admin app

• Driver management
• Dispensary management
• Profile verification
• Complete order history for users, dispensaries, drivers
• Support channeling
• Manual order allocation
• Emergency push notifications
• Contacts of every user, restaurant, driver
• Reporting and analytics
• Marketing tools
• Performance monitoring
• Revenue management
• Listing management

Celebrities aren’t too far from this industry

The cannabis delivery business is so popular that famous celebrities have also stepped their foot into this industry. Here are a few celebrities who have started their own marijuana business.

1. Snoop Dogg

Famous rapper Snoop Dogg started his weed business called ‘Leafs by Snoop’ in Colorado in 2015. Since then, his business has grown considerably. His media company Merry Jane also has a CBD e-commerce platform.

2. The Game

West Coast rapper The Game has his cannabis venture called ‘Trees by Game’. This venture includes products like clothing line, rolling trays, tobacco wraps, cannabis flowers, and pre-rolls.

3. Wiz Khalifa

Wiz Khalifa started his venture called ‘Khalifa Kush Enterprises Oil’ in 2016. This venture sells flower, vapes, pre-rolls, edibles and concentrates made from specially bred Kush called ‘Khalifa Kush’.

4. Carlos Santana

Carlos Santana has a cannabis line called ‘Mirayo’. This venture encourages consumers to tap into higher consciousness with three categories of weed: Radiance (sativa), Symmetry (hybrid), and Centered (indica).

5. Tommy Chong

Tommy Chong’s cannabis venture called ‘Tommy Chong’s Cannabis’ is available in almost every US state where weed is legal. It provides cannabis flower, vape pens, topicals, elixirs, etc.

Why is Idea Usher the first choice for cannabis mobile app development?

Idea Usher assists businesses with tailor-made solutions specifically as per needs and requirements. With our 15 years of market dominance, we also specialize in Cannabis Delivery Applications. Whether you’re a start-up or an established venture, we have solutions to all your business and technology needs. We proudly possess a proven track record of having more than one million downloads on every app we develop. Contact us to know more!

Conclusion

In recent years, many countries took various measures to remove the ban on the selling and consumption of Marijuana. That, combined with the recent boost in e-commerce, is overall a blessing for Cannabis Entrepreneurs. Therefore, people looking to build on this opportunity should not wait anymore.

 Note: the following factors should be considered too:

• Determining the market
• Arranging the required licenses
• Taking care of all the legal aspects
• Finding the right developers
• Coming up with an optimal technological solution

There’s a lot that goes into the making of a successful On-Demand Cannabis Delivery Service. However, the right professionals will do the heavy lifting for you. Idea Usher has experienced app developers and is always up for technological challenges in order to assist you in the best way. Contact us today for a quote.

Frequently asked questions

Here are some interesting FAQs about cannabis mobile app development.

1. How long does it take to develop a cannabis app?

The time required to create a cannabis app varies depending on several factors. However, the MVP version can be created within six to eight months.

2. Which factors determine the cost of developing a cannabis app?

The cost of developing a cannabis mobile app depends on various factors like app platform, development tenure, app features, third-party integration, etc.

3. How to monetize a cannabis mobile app?

You can use the following monetization strategies for your mobile app:

• Charge fees for every order made through your app
• Provide paid promotion to cannabis vendors
• In-app advertisements of cannabis-related products