Why So Many LA Dispensaries Still Only Take Cash (And What’s Changing)
Jordan Keller
Published on August 25, 2025
Jordan Keller loves breaking down cannabis news so everyone can understand what’s going on—without the boring politics talk. He’s been following the industry for years, writing about everything from legalization updates to the coolest new strains on the market. When he’s not covering cannabis, you’ll find him exploring new cities, sipping good coffee, or catching live music with friends.
If you’ve tried to order weed online in Los Angeles, you’ve probably run into the same problem: most dispensaries still don’t take cards. Even with the rise of weed delivery in LA, plenty of shops stay cash-only, forcing customers to hit the ATM before they can buy.
It feels outdated in a city where you can pay for food, parking, or even laundry with your phone — but when it comes to cannabis, many dispensaries are still stuck in the past.
The Cash-Only Problem
The root issue is federal law. Because cannabis is still illegal nationally, most major banks and payment processors avoid the industry. Without mainstream banking access, a lot of Los Angeles dispensaries stick to cash-only sales.
For consumers looking for dispensary delivery in Los Angeles, this creates real friction. If you don’t have cash on hand, you’re either paying ATM fees or canceling your order.
What’s Starting to Shift in LA
In the past year, more dispensaries have started offering debit and credit card payments for cannabis delivery in Los Angeles. Smaller processors and fintech companies are stepping in to fill the gap left by traditional banks.
That means customers who want to buy weed online in LA are finally starting to get a smoother checkout experience — whether for pickup or delivery.
Why It Matters for Cannabis Shoppers
Safety: Carrying cash isn’t ideal, especially late at night in LA.
Convenience: Ordering weed online in Los Angeles only works well if you can pay digitally.
Fairness: Eliminating ATM fees means customers pay closer to what’s on the menu.
The Bottom Line
Cash-only dispensaries in Los Angeles haven’t disappeared, but the trend is clear: more shops are moving toward card payments. For anyone trying to order weed online in LA, that shift makes the experience feel like any other type of delivery — straightforward, fast, and reliable.