During the COVID-19 pandemic, most cities and states have issued stay-at-home orders. However, the government has remained essential businesses open. That generates a question, do cannabis dispensaries come under the essential business category?
Yes! They are open. However, restrictions and guidelines for dispensaries and consumers may vary from state to state depending on the local conditions. Let’s have a look at the rules and regulations regarding the opening of cannabis dispensaries in different states during the COVID-19 lockdown.
Marijuana Dispensaries in Arkansas
The state’s health department confirmed that medical marijuana dispensaries are open.
However, the sales of marijuana dispensaries have increased over the past few weeks.
Marijuana Dispensaries in Arizona
The coronavirus lockdown didn’t affect the growth of the medical marijuana program in Arizona. The dispensaries are open, and qualified patients are buying more cannabis products.
However, many dispensaries have changed their hours of operation. For the safety of the public, many have installed air filters, hand sanitizing systems, and also are now offering home delivery services.
Marijuana Dispensaries in California
During the lockdown conditions, cannabis dispensaries remain open in California. However, rules and regulations may vary from county by county and city by city. For instance, the San Francisco Department of Public Health tweeted, “cannabis is an essential medicine for many San Francisco residents. Dispensaries can continue to operate as essential businesses during this time while practicing social distancing and other public health recommendations.”
In San Diego County, retail stores are open during the COVID-19 pandemic. The dispensaries are offering curbside pickup services.
Marijuana Dispensaries in Colorado
In Colorado, recreational dispensaries are open. Most stores allow walk-ins. However, consumers can also order cannabis products online and get them delivered to their homes.
Marijuana Dispensaries in Delaware
In Delaware, marijuana dispensaries will be treated as retail stores during the COVID-19 pandemic and are kept open.
Marijuana Dispensaries in Florida
During this hard time, medical dispensaries are open in Florida. The state health department is allowing patients to renew their medical marijuana cards. They are suggesting telemedicine over physical visits. Using telemedicine services, it’s easy to see a doctor through a digital device. The MMJ recommendation letters in PDF formats are delivered through the emails.
Marijuana Dispensaries in Hawaii
In Hawaii, all the 13 dispensaries have remained open during the COVID-19 pandemic. The dispensaries are listed among the essential services as per Gov. David Ige’s stay-at-home orders.
For all dispensary locations, the social distancing rule is applicable. There are strict rules for cleaning the most frequently touched surfaces such as counters.
The Pono Life dispensary on Maui has designated a private place for serving elders and individuals with special needs.
Most dispensaries have launched take-out service, allowing customers to place orders ahead of time and pick up quickly.
Marijuana Dispensaries in Illinois
During the pandemic, Illinois has kept cannabis stores open. However, the state has closed bars and put restrictions on restaurants for taking out. However, the dispensaries need to follow all the preventive measures, including limiting the number of patients at a time, to ensure the safety of the visitors.
On March 17, the state announced offering curbside pickup services for medical users in all licensed dispensaries. Thus, you can place an order ahead of time, drive to the dispensary, and get your order ready at the dispensary gate.
Marijuana Dispensaries in Louisiana
Medical dispensaries are open in the state. They have issued guidelines regarding limiting restaurants and bars.
Marijuana Dispensaries in Maine
Medical dispensaries are listed among the essential businesses and are kept open during the COVID-19 outbreak.
However, many cities in the state have closed restaurants and bars to avoid large crowds.
Marijuana Dispensaries in Maryland
Medical dispensaries are open.
In the state, many dispensaries have updated their policies regarding delivering cannabis products. For instance, Health for Life Maryland provides pickup services.
The Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission has issued the COVID-19 health and safety instructions such as maintaining at least 6-feet distance, regular cleaning & disinfecting, etc.
Marijuana Dispensaries in Massachusetts
Only medical dispensary sales are allowed. Recreational sales are banned currently. To access state-licensed dispensaries, you must have a doctor-signed medical marijuana card.
Also Read- Here Are Four Things You Need to Learn Before Getting a Marijuana Card
However, some stores have modified their policies, such as adding online ordering services.
Marijuana Dispensaries in Michigan
Marijuana stores are open. All the licensed dispensaries in the state are allowed to offer delivery services during the pandemic. The government is urging consumers to use online and delivery services to avoid close contact, thus reducing the risks of the COVID-19.
Marijuana Dispensaries in Missouri
Cannabis dispensaries are listed among the essential businesses and are kept open.
Marijuana Dispensaries in Nevada
During the COVID-19 crisis, the state allows the sale of medical and adult-use cannabis products through delivery services only.
Marijuana Dispensaries in New Hampshire
The state allows cannabis delivery and curbside pickup.
Marijuana Dispensaries in New Jersey
The state has closed bars and restaurants for take-out services while marijuana dispensaries are open. However, some dispensaries are taking precautions to ensure the safety of consumers, such as limiting purchases.
Marijuana Dispensaries in New York
Medical marijuana dispensaries are open. Dispensaries are allowed to provide curbside pickup services for patients and caregivers.
Marijuana Dispensaries in New Mexico
Medical dispensaries are open for patients to get the medicine for managing their conditions.
Marijuana Dispensaries in New Ohio
Medical dispensaries are open, however, they need to follow certain instructions to ensure safety. The dispensaries provide curbside pickup.
Marijuana Dispensaries in Oregon
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the government has ordered closing the non-essential businesses, avoiding public gatherings. Cannabis stores come under essential businesses and are kept open. However, dispensaries need to ensure physical distancing and can offer delivery services.
Marijuana Dispensaries in Oklahoma
Medical dispensaries are open. No delivery services, but curbside pickup is allowed.
Marijuana Dispensaries in Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, medical dispensaries are considered essential businesses and are kept open during the coronavirus crisis.
Marijuana Dispensaries in Rhode Island
Medical dispensary sales are allowed during this time.
Marijuana Dispensaries in Washington State
Marijuana stores are open but have some restrictions. In the state, the government has issued stay-at-home orders while residents can go out to purchase essential items. However, retail stores are required to limit customers and maintain other COVID-19 safety precautions.
Marijuana Dispensaries in Washington DC
The regulators have deemed cannabis dispensaries essential. They have also added delivery services for the consumers.
The Takeaway
Marijuana dispensaries are deemed essential in many US states and are kept open during the coronavirus outbreak. Consumers can visit the dispensaries and buy marijuana products. However, many dispensaries are modifying their policies, including offering curbside pickup and home delivery services to ensure the safe delivery of the products.
During the outbreak, we urge you to stay at home and prefer online services over dispensary visits. However, before going out, wear the safety mask and the glove, and avoid handshakes. Stay safe. Stay healthy.