Uber CEO says company could get into cannabis delivery as states across US vote to legalise

New York became latest of 16 states to legalise cannabis last month

Uber could start delivering cannabis when allowed to do so by federal regulations, says its CEO.

Despite now being legal in many states across the United States the drug remains illegal at the federal level.

The federal government has allowed states to legalise its use with minimal interference and so far 16 states and the District of Columbia have done so.

“When the road is clear for cannabis, when federal laws come into play, we’re absolutely going to take a look at it,” Dara Khosrowshahi told CNBC.

New York became the latest state to legalise marijuana’s sale on 31 March when governor Andrew Cuomo signed it into law.

Cannabis delivery services are available in California, Nevada and Oregon for anyone over 21.

Until federal law changes Uber says it will concentrate on its current delivery options, food and alcohol.

“We see so much opportunity out there, and we’re going to focus on the opportunity at hand,” added Mr Khosrowshahi.

Uber’s stock price jumped more than 2 per cent on Monday after the company announced record gross ride-share bookings for the month of March.