Beyond the legal market, the rise of the "Dark Web" (starting with sites like Silk Road in 2011) created a massive, anonymous marketplace for illicit sales. However, selling controlled substances on public platforms like Craigslist remains highly illegal and can lead to serious criminal charges.
The history of buying and selling cannabis online is surprisingly long, beginning decades before the modern e-commerce era. The First E-Commerce Transaction
Today, the "story" of buying and selling weed online is split between legal, regulated markets and illicit "dark web" marketplaces.
In jurisdictions where cannabis is legal, businesses like Leafly allow users to browse strains, find local dispensaries, and order delivery online. Companies such as Namaste Technologies (through its subsidiary Cannmart) have historically secured licenses to facilitate online medical sales.
Even in legal areas, selling online is complex. Federal laws often prohibit shipping THC products across state lines, meaning sales are usually restricted to local delivery or in-state couriers.
