Uber teams up with Tokyo Smoke to allow pot purchases through app

Uber Technologies Inc. and Tokyo Smoke are teaming up to provide a new way to order cannabis in Ontario.

Starting Monday, Uber Eats has a dedicated section on its digital marketplace for Tokyo Smoke’s virtual stores.

Uber Canada says Ontarians can place an order from Tokyo Smoke’s flower collection and unique accessories on the Uber Eats app, and then pick up their purchase at the respective Tokyo Smoke stores.

“Tokyo Smoke is thrilled to partner with Uber Canada on this innovative offering for our customers, bringing them high quality products and the very best customer experience,” said Mark Hillard, VP Operations, Tokyo Smoke in a news release. “As a market leader in innovation and a platform used by so many Canadians, we believe this is the ideal next offering that can be done safely and conveniently on the Uber Eats app.”

In the app, consumers can select the ‘cannabis’ category or search for ‘Tokyo Smoke’.

They will then have to confirm their age before a menu pops up.

Uber Canada says orders will be fulfilled within an hour from when the order is placed.

When consumers arrive at the store, the staff will check their ID to ensure they meet the age limit for purchasing cannabis.

“We are partnering with industry leaders like Tokyo Smoke to offer safe, convenient options for people in Ontario to purchase legal cannabis,” said Lola Kassim, General Manager of Uber Eats Canada in a news release. “By combining a streamlined ordering process through the Uber Eats app with Tokyo Smoke’s in-person pickup service, we’re creating a new end-to-end experience for responsible cannabis ordering across the province.”

The company says the collaboration is an effort to help combat the underground illegal market, which still accounts for over 40 per cent of all nonmedical cannabis sales nationally.