At the time of writing this, many are adjusting their lives to account for current restrictions due to the virus COVID 19. Unlike any other virus in recent history, this one has caused mass closures, cancellations, and shortages in many sectors. During any extra precautionary health situations, natural and homeopathic products always increase in sales. Cannabis is no exception. While we knew that legal cannabis sales were nowhere near a plateau, in the past few weeks the US has seen a significant increase in sales amidst the quarantine scares. Cannabis consumers often consider having access to cannabis dispensaries – necessary.
Sales were up across the board on cannabis products, and people are buying more than they normally would in a single purchase. Roy Bingham, CEO of BDS Analytics, which collects cannabis industry data, had stated there’s a 10 percent increase in the number of purchases nationwide and a 20 percent increase in the amount of products people are purchasing. With fears of shut-downs customers are purchasing products that they know and like. Not only does cannabis help in times of stress and anxiety, but those who use cannabis to manage a medical condition are amongst those that are especially worried.
In a letter to California Governor Gavin Newsom, signed by several dozen local cannabis businesses, implored him not to cut off consumer access to cannabis during this time. “As retail businesses, like pharmacies, that provide medicinal and therapeutic products to millions of Californians, licensed cannabis dispensaries should not be included in any future guidance or order to shut down,” the letter stresses.
Cannabis companies were delighted at first with the self-quarantine efforts leading to a rush to the dispensaries, but as the seriousness of the virus has grown more, adjustments have been taking place. Whether it is by scaling back sales projections or switching to online orders with curbside delivery, cannabis executives and regulatory agencies are jumping into action. Regulators in San Francisco took the most drastic ahead of any other California locality, telling all cannabis shops and delivery services on March 16, 2020, to halt all sales because cannabis companies were classified as “nonessential” services.
Essential businesses can remain open even as nonessential companies are forced to close to help contain coronavirus outbreaks. Not even a week later, more states and local officials are declaring medical cannabis dispensaries as “essential” services akin to pharmacies. Many customers rely on cannabis products to relieve conditions such as chronic pain, severe epilepsy, and post-traumatic stress disorder. However, like in New York and Nevada, the acknowledgment of medical cannabis dispensaries as “essential” is happening in a patchwork way across the country. It’s uncertain how many jurisdictions will adopt that view.
In a similar patchwork pattern, med/rec dispensaries are suspending recreational cannabis sales in an effort to decrease the risk of exposure for medical cannabis cardholders. Dispensaries in several states have been granted emergency permissions to temporarily allow home delivery for patients and/or curbside pick-up options. In the last two decades, the US has gone from cannabis prohibition to states recognizing that access to legal cannabis, especially during a pandemic – is ESSENTIAL.
At this time, should me a little cheaper! I am on SSI $ my money only gos so far! We need this & hope people dont abuse this right, NO HOARDING
One of the major concerns surrounding cannabis legalization is the impact that cannabis can have on one’s driving abilities. This is also why medical cannabis patients are not permitted to drive after having consumed cannabis. Fortunately, recent research Lambert Initiative has proven that the cannabidiol (CBD) active component of cannabis does not impact one’s ability…
It’s said that “the stars at night are big and bright deep in the heart of Texas“. If you happen to live in Dallas, Texas, you might be able to enjoy those stars a little bit more. Cannabis helps many people slow down, feel better, and enjoy life. Unfortunately, some places still support draconian federal…
When the COVID-19 first began to travel across the globe, many would not have thought that a year later, there would still be reinforced lockdowns, mandatory masks, and continued social distancing. However, as this continues to be a new reality, many are buckling under the pressure, or separation, or stress, or anxiety over the current…
Virginia’s governor expedites the date for recreational legalization. New Yorkers are now free to enjoy the pleasures of cannabis, and the University of Connecticut launches cannabis cultivation courses for non-degree-seeking students. Learn more here! Virginia has moved up the date for adult-use cannabis legalization And cannabis in New York has become unleashed This is Lo…
Back in the day, when it came to cannabis comedies, you pretty much only had Cheech and Chong. Cheech and Chong pioneered an era of cannabis comedy that helped to break down a stigma, or did it? The Cheech and Chong movies led to the making of other iconic stoner comedies. Some of these movies…
During the process of cultivating cannabis, the plants undergo processing which includes drying. These processes may lead to the accumulation of pathogens…
Cultivating cannabis at home is a very therapeutic and rewarding process. It also requires a lot of work, contrary to popular belief….
What weed will get you the highest and what products have the highest price? This is a very common question with a…
