Last updated 6/18/2026
We work with more than 2,500 US cannabis dispensaries. Here are our top recommendations for ID scanners to keep dispensaries compliant.
Legalization of both adult use and medical cannabis has continued across the US. 24 states offer recreational cannabis, and 42 offer medical cannabis.ย More than 67% of Americans now support federal legalization. The industry employs more than 243,000 full time workers.
However, the industry remains tightly regulated. All states have extremely stringent regulations for age verification, security, and marketing towards minors. In some states, fines for underage sales can be as high as $100,000. And states such as Nevada and Illinois mandate ID scanning as a prevention method. You can view our full list of cannabis age verification laws here.
Most dispensaries elect not to leave their license up to visual ID checks. Instead they employ ID verification software that rapidly, electronically verifies the ID or passport. All of our ID scanners are compatible with cannabis POS platforms such as Dutchie, Blaze, Treez, Sweed, and more. Data from the scanned ID can be sent via webhooks into your POS platform.
Most affordable ID scanner for dispensaries โ Unitech TS200
The TS200 is a lightweight, fast Windows-compatible scanner with no image capture
This Windows-compatible device is one of our most popular ID scanners for dispensaries. It incorporates a sleek design with a foolproof UX โ no hardware driver or firmware required โ simply plug it in, connect it to VeriScan and start scanning. The Unitech TS200 is compatible with all IDs which contain a 2D barcode (PDF417) or machine readable zone (MRZ).
Best handheld ID scanner for dispensaries โ Unitech EA660
The EA660 is an affordable handheld ID scanner for scanning on-the-go
The Unitech EA660 handheld ID scanner is lightweight and powerful. It is ideal for high-volume dispensaries, or dispensaries where the check-in attendant is mobile and not sitting behind a desk.
It runs on Android 12 and is compatible with VeriScan for Android. The benefit of running VeriScan on a dedicated handheld ID scanner is the auto-focus laser attached to the front of the device. The laser easily focuses on the 2D barcode (PDF417) or MRZ for rapid scanning.
It features all day battery life with the ability to swap batteries quickly.
Best passport scanner for dispensaries โ Thales AT10K
The Thales AT10K can authenticate both IDs and passports, which makes it ideal for dispensaries operating in global environments like Vegas or NYC
The Thales AT10K is their latest flatbed scanner, succeeding the AT9000. It has a glass flatbed surface that allows for scanning both drivers licenses and IDs, as well as passport books. The AT10K uses white light, ultraviolet light, and infrared light during the scanning process, which allows for deeper ID authentication and fake ID detection, providing a level of accuracy beyond more lightweight devices.
As a bonus, the Thales AT10K is one of the only devices certified by the State of Nevada Cannabis Control Board for use as an ID authentication device.
Best ID authentication device for dispensaries โ Thales CR5400
The Thales CR5400 is a reliable drivers license and ID authentication device for dispensaries
The Thales CR5400 is our favorite ID authentication device for dispensaries, due to its small footprint, USB-power source (only 1 cord needed!) and rapid ID authentication. It is a drop-in duplex scanner, which takes images of both sides of the ID simultaneously. This helps eliminate user error and speeds up the authentication process in high volume scenarios.
However, while the Thales device can read MRZ on smaller ICAO-sized cards (such as green cards), it cannot accommodate passport books.
What are the 5 most commonly used scanners for dispensaries?
- For best-in-class ID authentication: E-Seek M500
- For lightweight ID authentication: Thales CR5400
- For handheld ID scanning: Unitech EA660
- For self-service check-in: Unitech RT112
- For rapid ID and passport scanning (and affordability): Unitech TS200
Feel free to contact us and a professional expert will assist you in deciding which scanner is right for you.
