Delivery manifests are a foundational part of cannabis transportation, ensuring every movement of product is legally accounted for. Whether moving cannabis from a dispensary to a customer’s home or between facilities, manifests serve as a compliance safeguard and an operational roadmap. These documents are required by law in every regulated market and play a vital role in preventing product diversion, theft, and unauthorized sales.

A delivery manifest functions as a legally binding log of the who, what, when, and where of a cannabis delivery. State agencies like the Nevada Cannabis Compliance Board (CCB) or California Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) require operators to submit manifests prior to transport. Law enforcement and inspectors may request to see this documentation at any time during the delivery process. Failure to comply can result in violations, fines, or even license suspension.

Each delivery manifest must contain detailed and accurate information to ensure full traceability. While specific requirements vary by state, the following elements are commonly included:

• Scheduled Delivery Timeframe – Lists the expected time window for delivery.
• Driver Credentials – Includes the name, license or badge number, and a copy of the state-issued ID or agent registration.
• Vehicle Information – Contains vehicle make, model, license plate number, and official registry with the licensed business.
• Delivery Origin and Destination – Identifies both the shipping facility and the delivery address.
• Itemized Inventory – Details every product, including strain or product name, SKU, quantity, THC potency, weight, and batch or lot number.
• Manifest or Order Number – A unique ID used for tracking through both internal logs and state seed-to-sale platforms.
• Customer Verification – For consumer deliveries, the recipient’s name and medical or adult-use ID number may be required.
• Signature Logs – Requires signatures from both the driver and recipient, either physically or electronically.

These requirements exist to support three primary compliance objectives:

1. Theft and Diversion Prevention – With products tracked from pickup to drop-off, there’s little room for unauthorized changes to route, quantity, or recipient. Manifests deter employee misconduct and ensure accountability throughout the trip.
2. Regulatory Readiness – State agencies and law enforcement officers frequently check manifests during inspections or roadside stops. Having accurate and up-to-date documentation on hand helps avoid legal issues and demonstrates operational responsibility.
3. Seed-to-Sale Tracking Alignment – Most manifests sync with systems like METRC, BioTrack, or Leaf Logix. This integration allows for real-time inventory control and ensures no product is unaccounted for in official records.

Delivery teams must be trained to carry and protect delivery manifests at all times during transport. Any deviation from the route, delivery window, or item list must be properly documented and, in some jurisdictions, re-approved by the regulatory authority before continuing. Skipping steps or altering details without authorization can result in enforcement action.

Maintaining clean and compliant manifests reflects a company’s commitment to operating within the legal framework. Accurate logs protect licenses, keep inventory under control, and reassure regulators and customers alike that cannabis is being handled with the security and professionalism the industry demands.