Uber has added cannabis to the list of items that customers and order through its app in Ontario, Canada. However, they can order cannabis only through its click-and-collect service. This means Uber will not deliver cannabis to customers and they themselves will have to pick it up within an hour. Before accepting the cannabis, the person will have to show their ID. This is mandatory and is required by regulations. Commenting on the development, Uber said that it would continue to monitor opportunities closely all the developments related to it. “We will explore opportunities in other regions. The company will operate in areas where federal laws will allow it to function.” Uber said including cannabis in the app will put an end to the illegal market.

It must be noted that Uber has already started alcohol delivery in the United States. However, it has faced a set of regulatory hurdles. The company had announced its plan to purchase Drizly for USD 1.1 billion in stock and cash. Drizly is an alcohol delivery company. The cannabis business is among the first few options that these companies are exploring. This is because the cannabis business is booming and these companies are seeing a good prospect. According to a report, the global legal marijuana market is expected to be over USD 70.6 billion by the end of 2028. Reports suggest that sales of recreational cannabis across several states have already registered an increase of almost 50 per cent.

There are around 17 states that have legalized the use of cannabis for recreational purposes. The list includes Washington DC. This comes in the backdrop of huge public support for it. A survey suggests that most people in the United States feel that marijuana should be made legal. Companies are waiting for approval to start the delivery of cannabis in the United States. The demand for cannabis increased when people were forced to stay indoors after the onset of the coronavirus pandemic.