WASHINGTON — Many companies are making it easier for customers to get their products — even Starbucks will start delivering next year. But while it may be convenient, some things shouldn’t be shipped in the mail.
For example, even though D.C. voted to legalize marijuana this week, it’s not a good idea to deliver pot right to your home.
“In fact, the US Postal Service intercepted 20 percent more parcels containing marijuana in 2013 than in 2012. Seizures led to 14 percent more indictments and arrests for mailing controlled substances,” says Quentin Fottrell, a consumer reporter for Marketwatch.
He says you should also avoid buying prescription medication online. The FDA says illegitimate websites offer fake or outdated pills.
“If you are ordering prescription medication online, the FDA recommends people see their doctor before they do so. And make sure any website you order medicine to have delivered is located in the U.S. and is licensed by the state board of pharmacy in the state where the website actually operates,” he says.
Other items to avoid having delivered to your home: fireworks (they are dangerous to ship and might be illegal to own), fried foods (your fries may get soggy), and firearms.
Follow @WTOP on Twitter and WTOP on Facebook.
