Cannabis delivery services in the U.S. generally offer several payment options, though limitations and availability vary by state due to differing regulations and banking access.

Cash on Delivery (COD)

Cash remains the most universal and straightforward choice. Delivery drivers simply collect payment at the customer’s door. This method doesn’t depend on any banking infrastructure and is available nationwide. However, it’s less convenient and raises safety concerns around handling large amounts of cash.

Cashless ATMs / Point‑of‑Banking (Debit‑Swipe Withdrawals)

Many dispensaries use “cashless ATMs” — also called “point‑of‑banking” — which allow customers to swipe a debit card, withdraw an amount (often rounded), and have those funds go to the retailer. While it mimics an ATM transaction, it effectively facilitates payment for cannabis.

However, major card networks like Visa and Mastercard have warned about this workaround, calling it a disguised purchase and flagging it as non‑compliant. Some banks are limiting or shutting down support for such systems. As a result, availability may differ by state or even by dispensary.

PIN Debit Transactions

In-store PIN debit systems route through real debit networks rather than credit card rails. Some states see common use of PIN debit, though processors often classify cannabis as “high-risk,” leading to sudden shutdowns.

ACH / Pay-By-Bank Services

A growing number of delivery services offer bank-to-bank payments via ACH. These are often integrated using platforms like Plaid (e.g., Dutchie Pay) or proprietary setups like CanPay, Hypur, and Tokken. They let customers securely link their bank accounts and pay digitally, offering a cash-free experience that feels like Venmo or PayPal—but with proper banking compliance.

Closed‑Loop Wallets, Gift Cards, Cryptocurrency

Some dispensaries roll out closed-loop digital wallets or gift cards that can only be redeemed at their locations. Cryptocurrency is occasionally accepted as a niche option, but volatility, limited adoption, and lacking infrastructure keep it on the fringes.

Are These Options the Same in Every State?

While the five categories above appear across many states, availability differs significantly:

• States like Colorado, California, Oregon, and Nevada have relatively mature markets with access to ACH systems (e.g., CanPay, Hypur) and some cashless ATM systems.
• States with newer, more regulated markets—like New York or New Jersey—may limit cashless ATM offerings and rely more heavily on bank transfer and ACH solutions.
• Local banking partnerships matter. Some banks and credit unions have licensing to work with cannabis businesses, while large banks still often refuse cannabis accounts.

Even within a single state, delivery providers vary: some still offer cash only, others add ACH or debit, and a few emphasize mobile‑wallet type systems. Legacy credit card acceptance remains exceedingly rare and often involves creative workarounds like virtual wallets, as seen in a New York dispensary charging a 4.2 % fee.

Why the Differences?

1. Federal Banking Restrictions: Cannabis remains federally illegal (Schedule I/III), so most banks avoid cannabis-related transactions.
2. Card Network Rules: Visa and Mastercard prohibit cannabis purchases. Cashless ATM and PIN-debit are under scrutiny as workarounds.
3. State-Level Banking Policies: Some states have cultivation-friendly credit unions and smaller banks that choose to work with cannabis businesses under FinCEN guidance, while others don’t.

Final Takeaways

• Cash-on-delivery is nearly universal—simple, reliable, but can be inconvenient or insecure.
• Cashless ATMs / Point-of-Banking work in many markets but face uncertainty from banking networks.
• PIN-Debit and ACH systems offer growing alternatives, with ACH gaining popularity via platforms like CanPay, Hypur, Tokken, and Dutchie Pay.
• State variations mean what’s available in one market may not exist in another.
• Credit cards remain largely unavailable except via complex virtual-wallet systems with extra fees and hoops.

In summary, cannabis delivery payments are evolving—but still lag mainstream retail. As federal banking reforms (like Safe Banking) progress, broader adoption of digital payments is expected. Until then, customers should expect a mix: cash, debit‑roundabout, or ACH at best.