SpeedWeed
TypePrivate
IndustryDelivery, Healthcare
FoundedOctober 2011
Founders
Headquarters
Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Areas served
Los Angeles, Orange County, California
ServicesDelivery
Revenue$2.5 million dollars (2014[1])
Members24,000 (2014[1])
Number of employees
50 (2014[1])
Websitewww.speedweed.com

SpeedWeed is an American cannabis delivery company headquartered in Los Angeles, California. Founded in 2011 by AJ and Gene Gentile, the company is one of the largest in the industry[2] and services more than 20,000 clients in over 6,000 square miles within Los Angeles and Orange County.[3]

History

Brothers AJ and Gene Gentile began working in the cannabis business together with the start of an edible company named Baked Bears. The brand was picked up by dispensaries around the L.A. area. Shortly after, the brothers changed their focus from production to delivery. The Gentile's and AJ's wife Jen, decided that they would create a delivery company that would be in compliance with all of the L.A. regulations. Before launching the delivery service in 2011, AJ studied the operations manuals from delivery services such as Papa Johns, Domino's , and FedEx,[4] and developed SpeedWeed's business plan.

Operations

The company uses a spoke-hub distribution method[5] which helps keeps delivery times consistent across the service area. The company allows members to place an order by phone or internet and all deliveries are tracked remotely from a distribution center to ensure delivery.[6] Los Angeles and other California cities have allowed all delivery services to operate without interruption.

Membership

All users are required to register for the service online and be above the age of 18. Additionally, all users need to possess a current State issued ID and current doctors recommendation for medical cannabis.[7] Notable clients include the rapper Sky Blu[6] and comedian Joe Rogan.[8] Brands included in delivery are the made in-house Baked Bears as well as several other brands such as, Golden Gateway, Cheeba Chews, Kiva, Sensi Chews, Edipure and Honey Vape Vaporizers.

Opposition

While there are no direct protests against the company or its competitors, the topic of cannabis legalization in the United States remains controversial. While some states have legalized the use of cannabis fully, California remains a state that has only legalized medicinal usage. In 2013, Proposition D, a law aimed at reducing the number of dispensaries in Los Angeles was passed,[9] while the law shut down many illegal dispensary storefronts it has led to an increased number in delivery services. This has led California cities such as Riverside, to ban cannabis delivery altogether.[8] In September 2015 with planned measures to legalize medical cannabis looming, California lawmakers reached a new deal on legislation to regulate medicinal cannabis.[10] Due to the confusion associated with lawfully accessing and distributing medicinal cannabis, the company keeps lawyers on retainer to help mitigate any legal issues.[3]

References

  1. 1 2 3 Meagher, Rob (February 2015). "What do you get when you combine a Logistics Company, a Technology Company, and a Medical Marijuana Distributor? SpeedWeed". Cannabis Business Executive. Retrieved September 10, 2015.
  2. ↑ Lewis, Amanda (May 1, 2014). "Weed on Wheels:Marijuana Delivered to Your Door in 40 Minutes or Less". LA Weekly. Retrieved October 17, 2015.
  3. 1 2 Sumner, William (March 26, 2015). "Speed Weed Blazes Trail in Los Angeles". Marijuana Investor News. Retrieved October 17, 2015.
  4. ↑ Massar, Carol (July 23, 1015). Taking Stock: How SpeedWeed Delivers Pot to Your Front Door (Television segment). Los Angeles: Bloomberg Business.
  5. ↑ Lyons, Dan (July 8, 2015). "Uber for Weed". GQ. Retrieved October 17, 2015.
  6. 1 2 "In Hollywood, we ride along with the weed deliveryman to the stars". Fusion. August 12, 2014. Retrieved October 17, 2015.
  7. ↑ "SpeedWeed Member Guidelines". SpeedWeed. Retrieved October 17, 2015.
  8. 1 2 Pierson, David (July 12, 2014). "Medical Marijuana Delivery Services are On a Roll". LA Times. Retrieved October 17, 2015.
  9. ↑ Weise, Karen (May 22, 2013). "Los Angeles Votes to Scale Back Its Marijuana Merchants". Bloomberg Business. Retrieved October 17, 2015.
  10. ↑ Cadelago, Christopher; Koseff, Alexei (September 10, 2015). "Lawmakers Announce Deal on Medical Marijuana Legislation". The Sacramento Bee. Retrieved October 17, 2015.
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