Cannabis Dispensaries Among Grocery Stores and Doctors’ Offices as “Essential” Businesses

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, many states in the U.S. have deemed medical marijuana organizations “essential” businesses. The state of California took the lead by being the first to declare cannabis an “essential” business. California Governor Gavin Newsom categorized cannabis dispensaries in like manner of pharmacies, keeping medicinal – as well as recreational – dispensary sales open and implementing safety measures such as delivery, curbside pickup, increased sanitation, and social distancing when physically in shops.

Of the 33 states which have legalized medical marijuana, the majority have voiced that patient access to marijuana is essential for health-related reasons. Randal Meyer, the Executive Director of the Global Alliance for Cannabis Commerce, stated,

“In the 33 states that have legalized medical cannabis, patients need to purchase medicine for cancer, epilepsy, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other conditions. There is a good reason for cannabis retailers to be treated like pharmacies. The basis is medical.”

– Randal Meyer

Many states, such as Arizona and Alaska, have not explicitly named cannabis companies in their stay-at-home orders or lists of essential businesses. However, in states legalizing medical marijuana use, cannabis dispensaries remain open — with safety measyres put in of course. For example:

• Arizona dispensaries are operational and many cannabis retailers can be found in the state’s categorization of “essential” businesses as part of the healthcare sector.
• State-licensed cannabis companies in California are allowed to continue their operations.
• Both medicinal and recreational marijuana retailers in Colorado remain operational under executive order, but medical dispensaries remain open while recreational dispensaries are confined to curbside pickup.

The guidelines and stipulations for cannabis companies’ operations vary from state to state amid the COVID-19 pandemic, but rules and regulations are centered mainly around safety measures that promote social distancing between retailers and consumers and increased sanitation practices.