Are You Paying Hidden Fees on Your Cannabis Delivery Order?

For many cannabis consumers, delivery offers a convenient way to access products without visiting a dispensary. But with convenience sometimes comes confusion—especially when it comes to hidden fees. Are there extra charges tacked onto your delivery order that you’re not seeing upfront? The answer is: sometimes, yes. And it’s worth knowing what to look for before confirming your purchase.

Delivery Fees: The Most Common Extra Cost
Many dispensaries charge a flat delivery fee, typically ranging from $5 to $15, depending on your location and how far the driver must travel. Some services waive this fee if your order reaches a minimum spend—often $50 to $100. However, be aware that some third-party platforms or marketplace apps may add their own fee on top of what the dispensary charges, making it feel like you’re double-paying for delivery.

Service Fees: The Sneaky Surcharge
Some cannabis delivery platforms or point-of-sale systems include what’s known as a “service fee” or “technology fee.” This can range from 1% to 5% of your total order and is usually listed in the fine print at checkout. These fees are generally meant to cover operational costs, like online payment processing or software maintenance, but they’re not always transparently disclosed unless you’re looking closely.

Tips and Gratuity: Sometimes Optional, Sometimes Pre-Added
Tipping your driver is always appreciated, and many platforms allow you to add a tip at checkout. But in some cases, the platform automatically includes a tip or default suggestion (e.g., 15%-20%) without clearly stating it. Be sure to review your final total to avoid tipping more than you intend—or less than you’d like.

Taxes and Regulatory Fees
While not exactly “hidden,” state and local cannabis taxes can quickly inflate the final cost of your order. In states like California or Massachusetts, taxes can exceed 20% when combining excise tax, local tax, and state sales tax. These taxes are often added at checkout, so your cart may look cheaper than your final receipt.

Minimum Order Thresholds and Small Order Fees
If your order doesn’t meet a platform’s minimum requirement, you may be charged a small order fee. This is commonly seen in cities where fuel costs or delivery logistics are higher. Watch for alerts about minimum order requirements before you complete your purchase.

How to Protect Yourself From Surprise Charges

Review the full breakdown before placing your order—look for separate line items beyond just the product total.
Check the dispensary or platform FAQ section, which often explains their fee structure.
Compare delivery platforms—some may offer the same product for less, with clearer pricing.
Ask your budtender or chat support directly if any fees aren’t showing on the summary.

Being aware of potential fees helps avoid frustration and ensures you stay within your cannabis budget. Transparency in cannabis delivery is improving, but until it becomes an industry standard, knowing what to watch for puts the power back in your hands.