Are there times when you shouldn't have to verify your age? Sure, if you're buying in person at a physical store, the cashier checks your ID—same thing. Online, there's no exception for age checks. The only real variation is in how the verification is done.

Some states have stricter rules, like requiring an adult signature at delivery. That's not a verification failure; it's an extra layer of protection. If your order arrives and the driver asks to see your ID, that's normal—it means the retailer is following the law all the way to your door.

Another exception: if you're a business buying wholesale, you might not face the same age check as a consumer. But even then, distributors should verify that the business is licensed. If you're a retailer yourself, you'll want to know what to expect—that's covered in our age verification guide for distributors.