Dispensary drive-thrus could be coming to California

California marijuana customers may soon be able to roll up to dispensary drive-thru windows to buy cannabis products after the California Assembly passed a bill allowing the sales method.

The legislation, AB 2697, passed Monday in a 55-9 vote and now moves to the state Senate. If signed into law, the measure would allow licensed cannabis retailers and storefront microbusinesses to sell marijuana products “to a customer in a motor vehicle in a drive-through located on the premises.”

Introduced by Assemblymember Gail Pellerin, the proposal would still require businesses to secure approval from local governments before offering drive-thru service. The legislation previously advanced through the Assembly Appropriations Committee and the Business and Professions Committee before reaching the Assembly floor.

Pellerin said Monday that the measure “will expand access to legal cannabis products while strengthening the legal market’s ability to compete with the illicit market.” Supporters have also said the option could help medical marijuana patients and others with mobility challenges who may have difficulty getting out of their vehicles.

“California cannabis retailers lack a common and accessible transaction path for consumers afforded so many other retailers in California, including fast food, pharmacies, banks and even liquor stores,” Pellerin previously said, according to Marijuana Moment.

“While home delivery is legal, there are service area restrictions,” Pellerin added. “Allowing cannabis retailers to add the consumer-friendly option of a secured drive-through, if approved by the local jurisdiction, will enhance the consumer experience, increase safety at cannabis retailers, and help expand California’s legal cannabis marketplace.”

The California Narcotic Officers’ Association opposes the bill, warning that dispensary drive-thrus could increase impaired driving, crime risks and traffic safety concerns.

“Importantly, no similar statute authorizes drive-thru window liquor sales. Drive-thru window cannabis sales create a direct nexus between purchase and vehicle operations,” the police group said, Marijuana Moment reports. “This will increase the likelihood of drug-impaired driving incidents and deaths by encouraging the immediate or near-immediate consumption following the purchase of edible and high-potency products, resulting in dangerous impairment.”

California dispensaries are already allowed to offer curbside pickup under policies adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Golden State has long been at the forefront of marijuana legalization in the U.S. California legalized medical cannabis in 1996 and recreational marijuana for adults in 2016.

The Independent has contacted Pellerin and the California Narcotic Officers’ Association for comment.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies