As New Jersey’s legal cannabis market grows, more consumers are opting for home delivery. While convenient, cannabis delivery is tightly regulated—especially when it comes to verifying a customer’s age. For first-time buyers using delivery services, it’s important to understand why age verification and ID scanning are required during the process.

Legal Requirements for Age Verification

State law mandates that consumers must be at least 21 years old to purchase adult-use cannabis in New Jersey. Delivery drivers are required to confirm the age of each recipient before handing over any cannabis product. This is typically done by checking a government-issued photo ID at the time of delivery.

Acceptable forms of identification include:

• A valid U.S. or foreign passport
• A driver’s license from any U.S. state or territory
• A New Jersey state-issued identification card
• Other government-issued photo IDs showing the customer’s name, birthdate, and physical features

Importantly, these IDs must be physically presented—photos of ID cards are not considered valid. The law also prohibits delivery personnel from handing over cannabis to anyone other than the person who placed the order, even if someone else in the household is also over 21.

The Role of ID Scanning

In addition to visually inspecting IDs, many dispensaries and delivery services use ID scanning technology. Scanning adds an extra layer of accuracy, helping confirm that the ID is genuine and not expired. This technology checks barcodes and embedded data to ensure that everything lines up with the physical ID presented.

ID scanning helps eliminate human error and is especially useful in preventing the use of fake identification. In an industry where compliance is closely monitored, it also protects delivery services from violations that can result in fines or license suspension.

What Happens to Your Information?

Some customers may be concerned about privacy, but New Jersey regulations are clear: cannabis retailers and delivery drivers are not allowed to store or retain your ID or personal data beyond what’s required for the transaction. This means your ID is only used to confirm your identity and age in real time and is not saved or uploaded into any long-term system.

While some dispensaries may log basic details like a name and signature as part of the receipt or delivery log (to confirm the product was delivered to the correct person), no photographs or copies of your ID are allowed to be kept on file.

Why It Matters

These verification steps are in place not only to comply with state laws but also to keep cannabis products out of the hands of minors. They ensure that deliveries are conducted responsibly and that all participants in the supply chain—from dispensary staff to delivery drivers—are acting in accordance with public safety standards.

For new customers in New Jersey, knowing what to expect during the cannabis delivery process can make the experience smoother and more secure.