A research study published in JAMA Pediatrics shed light on the realities of age verification practices and potential youth access to online cannabis dispensaries. The analysis of 80 online dispensaries in 32 states revealed that most online cannabis retailers lacked adequate age verification procedures.
The researchers used Google search queries, including the searches “marijuana online” and “order weed online,” to identify online cannabis dispensaries that sold to consumers between July 1, 2022, and June 15, 2023. Compiled data included the following:
The study found 22 online dispensaries (27.5%) had delivery options for cannabis products across state lines. Twenty-one dispensaries (95%) offered delivery to states with cannabis laws that contrasted with the dispensary’s home state laws. A significant number of dispensaries accepted non-traceable payment methods, which contributed to undetected transactions by minors. Sixty-seven dispensaries (83.8%) accepted non-traceable payment methods such as cash, prepaid cards, or cryptocurrency.
The study indicated that roughly 1 in 5 online dispensaries did not require formal age verification during the order and transaction process. Fifty-four dispensaries (67.5%) stated policies regarding prohibiting sales to minors. Of these, 13 (24%) did not ask users to verify their age to access the website, and 13 (24%) did not check documentation before purchasing or delivering the product.
56 (70.0%) websites prompted users to click yes to confirm the customer’s legal age. However, only 3 (3.8%) asked for a specific birthdate. The study also showed many dispensaries do not request official documentation to enter the website. Fifty-three dispensaries (66.3%) required age verification when completing a purchase or on receipt of cannabis product delivery. The most common age verification methods included government-issued identification (50%), a medical cannabis card identification number (26.3%), and self-reported birthdate (10%).
The researchers advocated for more stringent age verification procedures before cannabis purchases online. In addition, they recommended the establishment of more intensive surveillance practices of online cannabis dispensaries.
Sources: Eureka News Alert, JAMA Pediatrics
