SOP: Cannabis Courier
The following is an SOP template that can be used to builds on for your unique operation.
Standard Operating Procedures
16.8.2.42 Cannabis Courier
Storage of Cannabis & THC Products 4
Use of Video & Audio Recording Devices 4
Batch Tracking & Record Keeping 6
Compliance & Regulatory Requirements 6
Drivers & Vehicles in Traceability 8
Vehicle Pre-check Inspection 8
Pre-Check Inspection Checklist 8
Pre-Check Inspection Process 8
Synopsis
Topic
Policies and Procedures for Operating Courier Services
Scope
Warehousing and distribution for cannabis and non-cannabis products.
Purpose
To provide a detailed plan for safety and security in compliance with NMAC 16.8.2.42
Applicability
16.8.2.42 APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR CANNABIS COURIER LICENSE:
A. An initial application or renewal for cannabis courier licensure shall include the following:
(1) Contact information for the applicant, to include:
(a) applicant’s full legal name;
(b) applicant’s date of birth, if applicable;
(c) applicant’s mailing address;
(d) applicant’s contact telephone number;
(e) applicant’s contact email address;
(f) physical address and mailing address, if different; and
(g) demographic data pursuant to the Cannabis Regulation Act;
(2) proof the applicant is at least 21 years of age, which shall include identification issued by a federal or state government that includes the name, date of birth, and picture of the applicant or controlling person;
(3) criminal history screening documents as set forth in 16.8.2.9 NMAC and the Cannabis Regulation Act;
(4) a detailed description of any criminal convictions of the applicant, including the date of each conviction, dates of incarceration, probation or parole, if applicable, description of the offense, and statement of rehabilitation of each conviction;
(5) certification the applicant will adhere to courier requirements pursuant to the Cannabis Regulation Act, the Lynn and Erin Compassionate Use Act, or division rules;
(6) certification the applicant will adhere to cannabis transport requirements pursuant to the Cannabis Regulation Act, the Lynn and Erin Compassionate Use Act, or division rules;
(7) certification the applicant will adhere to security requirements pursuant to the Cannabis Regulation Act, the Lynn and Erin Compassionate Use Act, or division rules;
(8) certification the applicant will adhere to quality assurance requirements pursuant to the Cannabis Regulation Act, the Lynn and Erin Compassionate Use Act, or division rules;
(9) certification the applicant has never been denied a license or had a license suspended or revoked by the division or any other state cannabis licensing authority or a detailed description of any administrative orders, civil judgements, denial or suspension of a cannabis license, revocation of a cannabis license, or sanctions for unlicensed cannabis activity by any state licensing authority, against the applicant, controlling person, or a business entity in which the applicant or controlling person was a controlling person within the three years immediately preceding the date of the application;
(10) certification the applicant is not licensed under the Liquor Control Act;
(11) an attestation of the following statement: Under penalty of perjury, I hereby declare that the information contained within and submitted with the application is complete, true and accurate. I understand that a misrepresentation of fact or violation of these rules may result in denial of the license application or revocation of a license issued; and
(12) payment of any required fees as set forth in 16.8.11 NMAC.
B. Verification of information: The division may verify information contained in each application and accompanying documentation by:
(1) contacting the applicant by telephone, mail, or electronic mail;
(2) requiring a face-to-face or virtual meeting and the production of additional documentation; or
(3) consulting with state or local governments.
[16.8.2.42 NMAC – N, 12/28/2021]
Scheduling & Delivery
Delivery Agreements
CDM offers contracted courier services for both B2B and B2C clients. As a managed services provider we are contracted by businesses to pick up, fulfill and deliver products while adhering to all NMAC guidelines as well as local state and federal law.
All delivery agreements between a retail cannabis licensee and a cannabis courier licensee shall be disclosed to the division. The division shall be notified in writing of a new delivery agreement or modification to a delivery agreement prior to delivery of cannabis or cannabis products under a new or modified delivery agreement.
Scheduling
CDM accepts contracted work via phone, email or through our company website.
Schedules are made based on availability on specified time and dates, and subject to change.
If scheduling allows, same day services will be offered and provided.
Delivery Routes
Delivery routes will be planned based on location, travel distance and delivery time windows provided by clients; licensed couriers shall only deliver packages of cannabis or cannabis products to the address provided by the licensee on a specified date.
Courier Pick-up
Upon arrival, the courier will sign into the visitors sign in sheet and obtain a visitors badge.
Before acceptance, the courier will verify shipper and consignee information; and ensure that cannabis and THC products are not individually packaged or without labels in accordance with the Cannabis Regulation Act and division rules.
Verification of Shipper
At the time of acceptance, the courier shall verify the shipping party's identity by requiring presentation of the photo identification issued by a licensee with employee ID number; or government or state issued photo ID; Shipping party will be required to sign and date acknowledging notice of acceptance.
Shipping Containers
After acceptance; the shipment will be placed in a fully enclosed and pre-sanitized polyurethane shipping container outfitted with steel latches and steel tension locks with openings along the hatchway to insert and loop a tamper proof plastic security seal; the security seal will be verified by the shipping party and courier and placed inside the vans secure area; a locking steel caged formed inside the transport vehicle.
B2B Deliveries
At the time of delivery, upon arrival, the courier shall verify the receiving party's identity by requiring presentation of the photo identification issued by a licensee with employee ID number; or government or state issued photo ID; Receiving party will be required to sign and date acknowledging notice of acceptance.
B2C Deliveries
At the time of delivery, upon arrival, the courier shall verify the recipient’s identity by requiring presentation of the recipient’s photo identification issued by a federal or state government that includes the name, date of birth, and picture of the intended recipient. Identification must match the pre-verified identification of the consumer who placed the order for delivery. The courier shall not deliver cannabis or cannabis products to any person whose identity is not verified in accordance with this rule. Upon delivery to the intended recipient, the courier shall certify having verified the recipient’s identification in accordance with this rule for each transaction. The courier shall view proof of the order generated at the time of the order and receive the signature of the consumer who ordered the cannabis or cannabis product.
Verification of Products
At time of delivery, after the receiver has been verified, the courier will ask the receiver to verify seal number and confirm contents by providing a copy of the shipping manifest and confirming items and quantities as noted on manifest; upon completion both courier and receiving parties will sign and date confirmation of delivery manifest for records.
Incomplete Deliveries
Deliveries that cannot be completed by the scheduled time period shall be returned to the shipping party for re-delivery; if shipment cannot be returned in a timely manner, the shipment will remain encased inside the shipping container; stored and locked in transport vans locker and kept in 24-hour video monitored garage on a private non-residential lot, and held for re-delivery the next day.
Transportation Limits
Couriers are prohibited from delivery to an individual consumer of more than two ounces of cannabis, 16 grams or cannabis extract and 800 milligrams of edible cannabis; or 6 clones; Maximum total retail value of THC products in couriers vehicle at one time shall not exceed that of $10,000; All THC products must be packaged and labeled in accordance with CCD regulations; perishable, time sensitive and temperature controlled THC edible products shall not be transported to consumers; courier vehicle shall not be left unattended when THC product is on board.
Track & Traceability
Deliveries will be created, manifested and transferred via BiotrackTHC Traceability Software. Manifest will include appropriate courier and vehicle information, origin, destination and dates
Drivers
Couriers will be unarmed dressed in civilian attire with photo ID containing name and employee ID number. All couriers must be at least 21 years of age, have a valid driver's license and must follow all NM DOT laws for transport and road safety.
Vehicles
A fully insured and registered plain unmarked four-door vehicle, outfitted with an alarm system, GPS monitoring, rear and front facing exterior cameras, interior facing camera in driver's cabin and a shipment facing camera in a steel lockable cage where shipments are kept during transport.
Storage & Security
Storage of Cannabis & THC Products
THC will be stored in a walk-in vault; a 12x12x12 enclosure made of solid steel ¾ inch concrete bricks with a 24x72, ¾ inch thick door outfitted with locks on the outside. The vault is enclosed inside of a solid building with lockable doors.
If for any reason outside of the consignees or couriers ability to complete a delivery, and the product cannot be returned to the shipper in a timely manner, the shipment will be stored overnight in the aforementioned vault until delivery can be re attempted the next day. Deliveries will not be stored for longer than 24 hr period.
Use of Video & Audio Recording Devices
Video and audio recorders will be in use during entire delivery process and any subsequent holding as follows; Couriers may be outfitted with lapel recording devices as an added security for verifying identities; Transport Vehicles, A plain unmarked Ford Transit van outfitted with rear and front facing exterior cameras, interior facing camera in driver's cabin and a shipment facing camera in a steel lockable cage where shipments are kept during transport.
Record Retention
Delivery records, including audio and video recordings, certification of delivery, the cannabis and cannabis product delivered, the date of delivery, and the time of delivery, shall be maintained by the cannabis courier for a minimum of 12 months; records will be stored both physically and digitally.
Security During Transport
Manifested THC products will be placed inside a fully enclosed polyurethane case outfitted with steel latches and steel tension locks with openings along the hatchway to insert and loop a locking plastic security seal.
Security seals: A serial number coded plastic seal will be placed along the opening hatchway of each case to be varied by shipping party and courier at time of pick up, and receiving party and courier during delivery.
Seal will be applied by the courier and verified by the shipping party at time of pickup, and broken by the courier after being verified by the receiving party.
Verification
Each licensee or licensee employee will sign the manifest to verify that the seal is correct including name, employee identification number, date and time.
Payments
A courier may accept payment for services using any legal method of payment or payment on delivery
Inventory Management
Ensure an adequate supply of pre-rolled joint cones, cannabis flower, filters, and any additional materials (e.g., crutches, packaging).
physically weigh the amount of flower you would like to use for pre rolls.
record your weights and set it aside for further processing.
Workspace Preparation
Clean and sanitize the manufacturing area, including surfaces, tools, and equipment, to maintain a hygienic environment.
Set up the necessary equipment, such as rolling trays, rolling machines (if applicable), and weighing scales.
Cannabis Flower Preparation
Select high-quality cannabis flower based on established criteria (e.g., strain, potency, freshness).
Inspect the flower materials for any large stems, seeds or debris; this may require the use of hand tools such as trimmers, grinders and tweezers.
Grind the cannabis flower to a consistent and desired particle size, ensuring even distribution within the joints.
Your final material should be a coarse ground flower free of any debris that may cause obstruction or damage to the product.
Store ground cannabis flower in a designated container, properly labeled with strain information and expiration date.
Record weight.
Pre-Rolled Joint Assembly
Take a pre-rolled joint cone and insert a filter or crutch to provide stability and improve smoking experience.
Fill the pre-rolled cone with the appropriate amount of ground cannabis flower, ensuring consistent packing density.
Use a hand tool to gently pack in the cannabis until, leaving enough paper to seal the joint.
Use a rolling machine or manual rolling technique to shape the joint, ensuring a tightly rolled, uniform appearance.
Seal the joint tightly by folding down the paper at the end of the joint in-ward and onto itself, ensuring it is secure and free from loose ends or excess paper.
Quality Control
a. Inspect each pre-rolled joint for physical appearance, including shape, size, uniformity and damage.
Conduct random weight checks to ensure consistent filling and adherence to designated weight standards.
Document any quality issues or deviations from established standards and take appropriate corrective actions.
Conduct regular inventory checks to ensure stock availability and quality control.
Packaging & Labeling
Place each pre-rolled joint in a designated packaging material, such as a tube or sealed pouch, to maintain freshness and protect from contaminants.
Label each package with the necessary information, including strain name, THC potency, weight, and any required regulatory labels.
Ensure compliance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements for packaging and labeling.
Batch Tracking & Record Keeping
In Biotrack, assign a unique batch number to each lot of pre-rolled joints.
Maintain accurate records of batch information, including strain, weight, potency, packaging, and any quality control results.
Keep detailed records of ingredient sources, lot numbers, and any other relevant information for traceability and accountability purposes.
You should now have a quantity of pre-rolls in your biotrack inventory equal to your physical inventory
Compliance & Regulatory Requirements
Adhere to all applicable legal and regulatory requirements governing the manufacturing and packaging of pre-rolled joints.
Stay updated on changes in regulations and adjust manufacturing processes as necessary.
Scheduling & Delivery
Delivery Agreements
THE COMPANY offers contracted courier services for both B2B and B2C clients. As a managed services provider we are contracted by businesses to pick up, fulfill and deliver products while adhering to all NMAC guidelines as well as local state and federal law.
All delivery agreements between a retail cannabis licensee and a cannabis courier licensee shall be disclosed to the division. The division shall be notified in writing of a new delivery agreement or modification to a delivery agreement prior to delivery of cannabis or cannabis products under a new or modified delivery agreement.
Scheduling
THE COMPANY accepts contracted work via phone, email or through our company website.
Schedules are made based on availability on specified time and dates, and subject to change.
If scheduling allows, same day services will be offered and provided.
Delivery Routes
Delivery routes will be planned based on location, travel distance and delivery time windows provided by clients; licensed couriers shall only deliver packages of cannabis or cannabis products to the address provided by the licensee on a specified date.
Courier Pick-up
Upon arrival, the courier will sign into the visitors sign in sheet and obtain a visitors badge.
Before acceptance, the courier will verify shipper and consignee information; and ensure that cannabis and THC products are not individually packaged or without labels in accordance with the Cannabis Regulation Act and division rules.
Verification of Shipper
At the time of acceptance, the courier shall verify the shipping party's identity by requiring presentation of the photo identification issued by a licensee with employee ID number; or government or state issued photo ID; Shipping party will be required to sign and date acknowledging notice of acceptance.
Shipping Containers
After acceptance; the shipment will be placed in a fully enclosed and pre-sanitized polyurethane shipping container outfitted with steel latches and steel tension locks with openings along the hatchway to insert and loop a tamper proof plastic security seal; the security seal will be verified by the shipping party and courier and placed inside the vans secure area; a locking steel caged formed inside the transport vehicle.
B2B Deliveries
At the time of delivery, upon arrival, the courier shall verify the receiving party's identity by requiring presentation of the photo identification issued by a licensee with employee ID number; or government or state issued photo ID; Receiving party will be required to sign and date acknowledging notice of acceptance.
B2C Deliveries
At the time of delivery, upon arrival, the courier shall verify the recipient’s identity by requiring presentation of the recipient’s photo identification issued by a federal or state government that includes the name, date of birth, and picture of the intended recipient. Identification must match the pre-verified identification of the consumer who placed the order for delivery. The courier shall not deliver cannabis or cannabis products to any person whose identity is not verified in accordance with this rule. Upon delivery to the intended recipient, the courier shall certify having verified the recipient’s identification in accordance with this rule for each transaction. The courier shall view proof of the order generated at the time of the order and receive the signature of the consumer who ordered the cannabis or cannabis product.
Verification of Products
At time of delivery, after the receiver has been verified, the courier will ask the receiver to verify seal number and confirm contents by providing a copy of the shipping manifest and confirming items and quantities as noted on manifest; upon completion both courier and receiving parties will sign and date confirmation of delivery manifest for records.
Incomplete Deliveries
Deliveries that cannot be completed by the scheduled time period shall be returned to the shipping party for re-delivery; if shipment cannot be returned in a timely manner, the shipment will remain encased inside the shipping container; stored and locked in transport vans locker and kept in 24-hour video monitored garage on a private non-residential lot, and held for re-delivery the next day.
Transportation Limits
Couriers are prohibited from delivery to an individual consumer of more than two ounces of cannabis, 16 grams or cannabis extract and 800 milligrams of edible cannabis; or 6 clones; Maximum total retail value of THC products in couriers vehicle at one time shall not exceed that of $10,000; All THC products must be packaged and labeled in accordance with CCD regulations; perishable, time sensitive and temperature controlled THC edible products shall not be transported to consumers; courier vehicle shall not be left unattended when THC product is on board.
Track & Traceability
Deliveries will be created, manifested and transferred via BiotrackTHC Traceability Software. Manifest will include appropriate courier and vehicle information, origin, destination and dates
Drivers
Couriers will be unarmed dressed in civilian attire with photo ID containing name and employee ID number. All couriers must be at least 21 years of age, have a valid driver's license and must follow all NM DOT laws for transport and road safety.
Vehicles
A fully insured and registered plain unmarked four-door vehicle, outfitted with an alarm system, GPS monitoring, rear and front facing exterior cameras, interior facing camera in driver's cabin and a shipment facing camera in a steel lockable cage where shipments are kept during transport.
Drivers & Vehicles in Traceability
Adding Vehicles
From the Vehicle screen, click on the “Clear” button to clear all fields and enter the
following information:
Nickname: Enter a unique nickname with which you may easily identify the
vehicle within the system
Color: Enter the vehicle’s color
Make: Enter the vehicle's make
Model: Enter the vehicle's model
Year: Enter the vehicle’s year
Plate #: Enter the vehicle’s license plate numberVIN #: Enter the vehicle’s VIN.
Note that VINs are 17 digits for all vehicles post‐1981; Prior to 1981, the VIN can be between 10 and 17 digits.)
Adding Drivers
Vehicle Pre-check Inspection
Pre-Check Inspection Checklist
Exterior inspection
Interior inspection
Mechanical components
Safety equipment
Documentation and supplies
Pre-Check Inspection Process
Schedule regular pre-check inspections for all vehicles in the fleet, including daily or before each shift.
Assign a qualified and trained staff member to conduct the inspections.
Ensure that the inspection area is well-lit and provides adequate space for the inspector to perform the necessary checks.
Exterior Inspection
Check the vehicle's body condition for any damage, dents, or scratches.
Inspect the lights, including headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, and hazard lights, to ensure they are functioning properly.
Verify that the mirrors are clean, properly adjusted, and not damaged.
Inspect the tires for proper tread depth, inflation, and overall condition.
Ensure that the license plates and registration stickers are valid and displayed correctly.
Interior Inspection
Check the overall cleanliness of the interior, including the driver's area, passenger compartment, and cargo space.
Inspect the condition of seats, seatbelts, and floor mats for any damage or excessive wear.
Verify that all doors, windows, and locks are working correctly.
Test the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system for proper functioning.
Ensure that all interior lights and dashboard indicators are working correctly.
Mechanical Components
Check the engine oil level, coolant level, brake fluid level, and windshield washer fluid level.
Inspect the battery for any signs of corrosion, leaks, or loose connections.
Verify that all engine belts and hoses are in good condition and properly secured.
Test the brakes, including the handbrake and emergency brake, for proper operation.
Check the steering system and suspension components for any signs of wear or damage.
Safety Equipment
Verify the presence and functionality of safety equipment, including a fire extinguisher, first aid kit, and reflective warning triangle.
Ensure that the vehicle is equipped with a spare tire, jack, and lug wrench.
Check that the seatbelts and airbags are in working order.
Inspect the windshield wipers and washer system for proper functionality.
Documentation & Supplies
Ensure that the vehicle has all necessary documentation, including vehicle registration, insurance, and any required permits or licenses.
Verify the presence of necessary supplies such as cargo straps, tie-downs, and any specific equipment required for cannabis transportation.
Review and update the vehicle logbook or electronic tracking system with accurate vehicle information and inspection records.
Reporting & Follow-up
Document any observed issues or deficiencies during the pre-check inspection.
Immediately report any significant safety concerns or mechanical issues to the designated person or maintenance department.
Initiate the necessary repairs or maintenance procedures promptly and document the actions taken.
