To be clear, CBD does not cure COVID.

And the scientific study conducted didn’t actually come to that specific conclusion. Yet, leave it to social media to twist the study’s results and turn it into sensationalistic fodder.

What the Study Said

The study, conducted by a team of researchers from Oregon State University and the Oregon Health & Science University, found that CBDA and CBGA inhibited the spread of COVID in in vitro lab (petri dish) tests.

Because CBDA and CBGA are the raw forms of CBD and CBG and come from federally legal hemp, the team was able to do the research. And they discovered that at high levels of potency, CBDA and CBGA were able to reduce viral infections by half. And that’s definitely good news!

The results were published in the Journal of Natural Products and suddenly, CBD was a miracle cure. For about 48 hours, that is. Until the study was taken in context.

No, CBD Does Not Cure COVID

In the study, the researchers mixed live samples of the COVID virus with CBDA, CBGA, and a neutral control in a petri dish. And that’s the key point. A petri dish. No humans were involved in the study. In fact, it wasn’t even tested on lab mice.

And any researcher will tell you that what happens in a petri dish doesn’t necessarily translate into a real world scenario. Presenting cells in a culture to chemicals is not the same as something being digested by the human body.

Along with the vagaries of going through the digestive system, these chemicals also come into contact with the immune system and other detoxification systems. These all contribute to the interaction of the chemicals with the body. So it’s a much more complex journey than a simple introduction in a test tube.

Overhyping the Results

While the Oregon study is a “promising” first step, it in no way points to CBD as a cure. And yet, humans are always grasping for a quick “just add water and stir” solution. So the results of the studies have also inadvertently presented a risk.

Rather than get a vaccination proven to be effective against serious illness from COVID, some people may choose to opt for CBDA oil instead. Or, on the other end of the spectrum, there’s also the chance that CBD could be completely written off as just another overhyped miracle cure like Ivermectin.

The same thing happened several decades ago when high-dose cannabis was championed as a cancer-fighting medicine. And the ongoing studies on the impact of cannabinoids on cancer are promising. Plus, the benefits of using marijuana for treating the symptoms of cancer and chemotherapy are impossible to deny.

Yet over the decades, oncologists and scientists have made the same discovery that what happens in a petri dish isn’t the same as what happens in the human body. And they’ve had to repeatedly witness cancer patients with treatable malignancies buck conventional cancer treatments for cannabis “solutions.”

So yes. The Oregon study is a great first step. And surely there will be more studies addressing cannabinoids and their impact on COVID. But it does not cure COVID any more than bleach does.

And that’s a fact.

Keep Up With the Latest in Cannabis News

Though we’d love to be able to say otherwise, it’s clear that CBD does not cure COVID. But that sure doesn’t negate you from enjoying its many other benefits!

And if you’d like to stay current with what’s new and developing in the world of cannabis, keep regularly checking back with our blog.

The post CBD Does NOT Cure COVID appeared first on GROW Cannabis Marketing.

For years, Olga and Igor Kovalchuck have been developing and testing a novel cannabis strain to see if they could create a strain that that would combat cancer and inflammation.

Then that whole pandemic thing hit and they shifted their focus on how cannabis could fight COVID-19. They’ve made some interesting findings.

But don’t pull out the bong/doobie/vaporizer just yet.

Cannabis Could Fight COVID-19… Sorta

In their studies, Olga and Igor found that THC may just help to treat some potentially lethal complications of COVID-19. It all comes down to how it works with the immune system.

The study, which was performed on mice, found that THC could prevent the harmful immune response in the body that kicks on when trying to fight COVID-19. This response is known as Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) and it can be fatal.

At the very least, it can leave lasting pulmonary scarring.

With ARDS, the body’s immune system goes into massive overdrive. In its efforts to kill the disease, it also begins to destroy the lungs and other organs. The researchers saw enough evidence in the mice that THC could lessen this that they’re now recommending health professionals start human trials of the treatment.

This new information has brought a lot of traffic to local dispensaries such as the Greenhouse in Walled Lake. People want to know how cannabis can help them. While owner Jerry Millen and his staff are quick to share that they are not doctors, they do have plenty of anecdotal information to pass.

Here is the caveat though:

This in NO WAY means that anyone who currently has an active COVID infection should institute recreational use of cannabis to self-medicate. THC can actually suppress the immune response. Thus, using it in the early phases of an infection could hinder the body’s response to COVID-19 and render the infection worse rather than better.

Cannabis and Cytokine Storm Syndrome

Igor and Olga weren’t the first to suggest how cannabis could be beneficial in the fight against COVID complications though.

If you haven’t yet heard of cytokine storm syndrome, it’s the inflammatory response to the COVID-19 virus where white blood cells are activated and release inflammatory cytokines. This, in turn, activates more white blood cells.

The syndrome causes symptoms like fatigue, fever, and vomiting. But if the syndrome continues to advance, breathing becomes difficult and then impossible without a ventilator. Not having access to a ventilator is certain death.

Dexamethasone, a common corticosteroid, has been used to treat inflammation for COVID patients. But a study done in August in Israel showed that a specific terpene formulation combined with CBD is twice as effective as the dexamethasone in treating cytokine storm syndrome.

Blocking the Virus

Finally, way back in June, two Canadian researchers found a specific strain of cannabis could be helpful in the fight due to its ability to block the virus from entering the body through ACE2 receptors.

There’s a lengthy and scientifically-worded explanation in the study that explains how it does this. But since we’re cannabis marketing experts and not scientists, suffice it to say that modulating the ACE2 levels in the tissues most susceptible to the disease could be a solid strategy for decreasing that susceptibility.

Whatever the case, it’s important to remember that cannabis is still federally prohibited and has therefore not been approved as a prevention or treatment for COVID-19.

We’re just stating the facts.

Are You Looking to Boost Your Cannabis Marketing Efforts?

While we can’t send potential clients your way based on the mere claim that cannabis could fight COVID-19, we can help leverage your marketing and public relations efforts to get you noticed.

Contact us today to see how we can put our skills and expertise to work for you.

The post Cannabis Could Fight COVID-19 appeared first on GROW Cannabis Marketing.

If not, it’s time you did. It’s essential to your cannabis marketing efforts.

Cannabis CSR is especially important right now during this COVID crisis. (No, it’s not over – even if your favorite restaurant has opened again.)

We’ll take a look at different CSR efforts and why they matter even more right now.

What Exactly Is CSR?

In a nutshell, CSR is the humane and, frankly, common-sense idea that businesses should act responsibly toward customers and employees, conduct ethical operations, and serve as a positive force in the community. Imagine that.

To fine tune the concept further, cannabis companies, government agencies, and lawyers from around the world came together to settle on four principles to guide CSR in the cannabis industry:

• responsibility
• collaboration
• transparency
• continuous improvement

They touched upon ethical business practices, promoting responsible product use, and minimizing greenhouse gas emission. You know. Pretty much everything that money-hungry corporate entities don’t value.

What Your Cannabis CSR Efforts Might Look Like

CSR covers a lot of different areas, so you need to give some serious thought to the principles you deem most important. There are many facets to your business. Which will enable your company to perform well financially while still operating in a socially and environmentally responsible framework? You should also ask your employees what is most important to them.

It is of particular importance that businesses that are able to give back during the pandemic do just that. This could entail providing hazard pay to those who make deliveries or even offering free delivery. The best way to improve CSR is to keep it people-centered and mission-focused.

Your CSR policy doesn’t need to be a big and sweeping reform. You may start by focusing on employee wellness or providing something for the community, for example. Start small. Then measure and evaluate the success and impact of your strategies; increasing support when viable.

It’s best to focus on the areas you know you can positively impact. Furthermore, it’s perfectly fine to reveal and promote any charitable work and/or responsible business practices in which you partake. Consumers want that information and will shop based on it. Just don’t be obnoxious about it.

When done effectively, CSR doesn’t have to cost a lot and could actually save you money in the long-run.

Giving Back to the Community Is Key

When U.S. leaders agreed that cannabis should be regarded as essential during the pandemic, it was a red-letter day. Can you imagine this happening ten years ago? Or five years ago?

A lot of marijuana and CBD-based businesses didn’t take this for granted. They saw it as an opportunity to continue helping out the communities where they operate. Some poked around their greenhouses for protective gear, others made hand sanitizer.

There were even those who were ready to outfit their facility should there be a need to house COVID patients if the hospitals hit capacity.

And it wasn’t just lip service. These companies placed a premium on CSR long before the word corona was associated with anything but beer. So if you have not yet done the same with your cannabis business, now is the time.

Don’t let it get away.

Are You Getting the Most from Your Marketing?

The stresses and challenges that have resulted from the current pandemic provide the ideal chance to demonstrate your cannabis CSR efforts.

So if your current marketing and public relations strategies aren’t getting you the attention and the press you deserve for those efforts, contact us today.

And you’ll be one big step closer in standing in the spotlight while assisting your community to thrive right now.

The post The Importance of Cannabis CSR Policies During COVID Crisis appeared first on GROW Cannabis Marketing.

We all know by now that cannabis has a slew of medicinal and therapeutic benefits. It’s anti-anxiety, anti-pain, immune-modulating, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory.

That’s a pretty impressive laundry list given the times.

Still, the first line of defense against the scourge that is COVID-19 is avoiding lung irritation. So smart cannabis consumption during COVID-19 could mean no more passing the kouchie by the left-hand (or any other) side.

At least for now.

The Problem with Smoking and E-Cigarettes

It should come as no surprise that any inhaled substance can affect the respiratory system.

Smoke of any kind can cause lung irritation and microscopic injury to the pulmonary epithelium. These tiny cells line most of the respiratory tract and you want them operating effectively. Well, only if you want to breathe.

You may be thinking, “Well, smoking weed is not as bad as smoking cigarettes. And people are still doing that.” But here’s the thing. Cannabis inhalations tend to be about 66% larger in puff volume than tobacco. Plus, the inhaled volume is around 33% more. And let’s not forget that cannabis smokers hold their breath three to four times longer than tobacco smokers. So there’s that.

E-cigarettes aren’t much better though. Exposing lung tissue to such vape aerosols can increase the release of inflammatory compounds. This creates strain on the lung tissue by forcing it to go into overdrive and mount an immune response.

Then, of course, there’s the coughing that comes with inhaling any product. And dispersing COVID-19 pathogens into the air through coughing is something we ALL want to avoid.

Vaping with a Flower Vaporizer

If you’re finding the notion of giving up inhaling too terrifying right now, but want to challenge your lungs as little as possible, then your best bet is to use a flower vaporizer.

You’ll want to keep the following common-sense harm reduction methods in mind:

• Vaporize outside and away from other people
• Wash your hands before and after each use
• Take small “sips” of vapor for more control and less coughing
• Between inhalations, sterilize the mouthpiece with an alcohol swab
• Keep the temperature as low as possible

This last point is critical.

The key to a healthier draw is temperature control. The lower the temperature, the less likely you are to damage fragile lung tissue. Vaporization occurs in the 350-400 degree range. (By contrast, a joint burns at around 950 degrees.)

The ideal temperature to get the most benefit of the flower with the least risk to your lungs is 390 degrees. So if you don’t have a vaporizer with temperature control technology, it’s definitely worth the investment to get one now.

Consider Oral Forms of Cannabis

This is a time of uncertainty. Many of us fear for our own health or the health of a loved one. Particularly if you or a loved one has underlying health conditions and/or is working on the front line.

We want something to ease our anxiety and give us peace. Cannabis does just that. It interacts with GABA receptors in our brain by reducing that fight-or-flight response many of us currently experience as a constant.

In other words, it tells our body to power down and relax.

But if you’re now feeling apprehensive about inhaling cannabis (not sorry), then consider exploring oral forms of cannabis instead. There are a wide variety of options including capsules, tinctures, edibles, and drinkables.

If you’re new to this world, you’ll need some time for experimentation. But seriously, do you have somewhere else you need to be right now?

Begin with a dosage of 5 mg and work your way up from there. Just keep in mind that ingesting can take an hour or two before you start to feel the full effects. So start low and go slowly. And time your dosing accordingly.

Try CBD As Well

Finally, don’t forget about CBD – THC’s straight laced sibling.

Though it’s not psychoactive and won’t get you high, it can be a powerful anti-inflammatory. And since chronic inflammation plays a key role in all diseases, keeping it at a low is crucial for reducing symptoms.

In addition, CBD has antiviral and antibacterial properties. It has also been shown to reduce stress and anxiety and help users relax. At this stage of the game, anything that reduces inflammation or stress in your body and mind benefits your immune system.

And a strong immune system is everything right now.

Smart Cannabis Consumption During COVID-19 Is Essential

Whether you’re using cannabis to relieve pain, keep calm, sleep, or even to get motivated, it can be a therapeutic component of your self-care regimen.

Just remember that smart cannabis consumption during COVID-19 includes that which takes your health and the health of others into consideration.

So keep calm and carry on consuming.

And for the latest on COVID-19 and how it pertains to the cannabis industry, keep checking back with us.

The post Smart Cannabis Consumption During COVID-19 appeared first on GROW Cannabis Marketing.

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act provides for a Paycheck Protection Program for companies with 500 or fewer employees. It will offer a significant amount of forgivable loans to these businesses.

Good news, for sure.

The problem is, “Businesses Engaged in any Illegal Activity” are ineligible for this help. Cannabis companies fall into that category. And dispensaries could hit pretty hard.

That’s why it’s important to support cannabis companies during lockdown.

Feel Secure in Curbside Pickup

Folks still want their marijuana. Dispensaries and retailers want to be able to provide it for them. And they certainly don’t want to shutter.

In these times of social distancing, of course you want to feel safe and avoid the further spread of this virus. But you may be feeling disinclined to go out and get recreational marijuana.

Keep this mind though. With curbside pickup, you’re not only going to be able to get cannabis without contact, but you’ll be supporting dispensaries who really need the income right now.

And it’s not just dispensaries feeling the burn.

Businesses That Service the Cannabis Industry Stand to Suffer

That’s right.

It’s not just growers and dispensaries that are feeling the burn. Ancillary firms that contribute to them with products or services are also excluded from receiving benefits.

The SBA has a rather extensive list that includes, “businesses that provide testing services, or sell or install grow lights, hydroponic or other specialized equipment, to one or more Direct Marijuana Businesses; and businesses that advise or counsel Direct Marijuana Businesses on the specific legal, financial/accounting, policy, regulatory or other issues associated with establishing, promoting, or operating a Direct Marijuana Business.”

So despite the fact that all of these state-legal marijuana companies are permitted to operate, the federal government who still deems marijuana as an illicit drug has no intention of stepping in to help right now.

The Irony Is Disturbing

On some level, it comes as no big surprise that businesses such as dispensaries and cultivation facilities that deal directly with marijuana would be excluded.

But an indirect marijuana business that derived any of its gross revenue from the previous year – or any startup that projects to derive any of its gross income for the upcoming year – from sales to direct marijuana businesses may also lose out on the benefits.

The exception is companies that provide general services such as plumbing, electric, or tech support. But that means a multitude of companies such as law firms, accounting firms, advertising and marketing firms, HVAC companies, lighting companies, etc. could be deemed ineligible.

And these companies pay Social Security and Medicare taxes, unemployment taxes, and federal corporate taxes. When it comes to emergency loans, they deserve to be treated like any other business.

Help Is on the Way…?

Dealing with the repercussions of COVID-19 is tough enough without having to be subjected to this.

At this stage of the game, advocates are pushing for Congress to add language to future coronavirus-related spending legislation that would free up access to SBA services for all state-legal marijuana businesses.

Whether that happens remains to be seen.

But eleven senators did recently send a letter to a key committee asking that they add a provision that allows marijuana businesses to access federal loan services in an upcoming annual spending bill.

So there’s that.

Support Cannabis Companies During Lockdown

By all means, loans should absolutely be made available to all cannabis companies from the SBA.

But federal prohibition continues to make things very difficult.

So in the meantime, you can support cannabis companies during lockdown by continuing to purchase marijuana at dispensaries.

It’s the best way to ensure that the dispensaries and the companies that support them will still be around once the lockdown ends.

We hope that this lockdown ends soon. But in the meantime, turn to us for the latest on COVID-19 and its impact on the cannabis industry.

The post Support Cannabis Companies During Lockdown appeared first on GROW Cannabis Marketing.

During tough times, folks instinctively hunker down together to deal.

With a viral outbreak, we don’t have that option. So people are turning instead to cannabis consumption during COVID-19 to lessen their stress.

It’s not a hug exactly.  But it can provide a break from the chaos and mayhem.

Still, many questions have arisen around cannabis use that involve safety issues and straight-up etiquette.

1. Should You Be Smoking Marijuana?

Obviously, this is a personal choice.

But we will tell you that overall there was an 18% increase in orders for edibles as the virus approached. Meanwhile, orders for flower dropped 21%.

This seems to indicate that, given COVID-19’s attack on the lungs, some consumers are opting to smoke less. It’s not a bad idea at this point.

Research shows that COVID-19 affects the respiratory tree of the body. These are the passages that direct air into the tiny air sacs deep in our lungs.

As a body infected with the virus attempts fo fight it, inflammation occurs in the airways and causes damage. That damage can increase the risk for complications.

That means that smoking or vaping marijuana, along with smoking cigarettes or living in a polluted environment, will make it harder for the lungs to process the virus effectively.

Fortunately, there are other ways to partake.

You could take your current stash and bake with it. Or switch over to purchasing just edibles at this point.

Consider CBD products as well. Although non-psychoactive, it does a bang-up job at relieving stress and anxiety.

What If You Have Roommates?

If you’re just not on board with switching to edibles and you have roommates, you’re going to need to be sure they’ll cool with you consuming it.

With everyone grouped together in isolation, roommate relationships can easily get pushed to their breaking point. Don’t let it be over cannabis consumption.

So be courteous. If you must smoke or vape, do it near an open window. Or if you live in a state where it’s legal, take it outside with you on one of the countless walks you’ll be taking today.

How Do You Manage When Living with Parents?

Roommates are one challenge. Boomer parents can be another altogether.

Especially if they’re not down with your consumption.

Again, experts discourage smoking and vaping. In the case of living with your parents, now is the ideal time to shift to sub-lingual tinctures and edibles. Your parents are far less likely to know that you’re embibing.

As we mentioned above, you could try CBD if you you’re using it purely for relieving stress and anxiety. You may even be able to get your boomer parents on board.

One additional consideration in this situation is keeping your parents protected from COVID-19. You may want to ask a friend to go pick up the products for you and then drop them off without any contact.

This is to ensure there’s a limited amount of interaction between you and other people who might be infected.

Which brings us to our final question.

Is It Actually Safe to Go to a Dispensary?

Dispensaries in Michigan have been declared essential businesses. But they are relegated to the same rules as restaurants.

That means that you’ll need to pick up your goods curbside at your chosen dispensary.

There is also the option to deliver.

You’ll definitely want to avoid the black market during this pandemic. There’s simply no way to know whether it’s free of contagions.

The rule of thumb, as with anywhere else right now, it to be cautious about where you guy.

No Need to Quit Cannabis Consumption During COVID-19

If cannabis consumption during COVID-19 is helping you to get through the challenges, then there’s no need to give it up.

Just be mindful about your roomies, your parents, and your lungs.

And when this mess has passed, you’ll be able to pass your joint around again.

For the most up-to-date info on cannabis and COVID-19, keep checking back with our blog.

The post The Challenges of Cannabis Consumption During COVID-19 appeared first on GROW Cannabis Marketing.

So could cannabis facilities become makeshift hospitals for COVID-19?

They’re already considering it in Canada. It’s something we should start considering here in the states as well.

And why not? If distilleries can help out by making hand sanitizer, why not take advantage of the unique features cannabis facilities have to offer?

With Modifications Cannabis Facilities Become Makeshift Hospitals

In Canada, as in the United States, the strain of the coronavirus is threatening healthcare systems.

There is a seemingly never-ending quest for more beds, additional space, and safe locations where those who are infected with COVID-19 can be treated.

So the idea of using cannabis facilities is not so far-fetched.

Here’s the thinking:

1. There Are Many of Them

With such a wide range of locations throughout the country, a vast number of communities could be served. This is especially key in smaller communities where the hospitals will hit capacity much more quickly.

2. They Have Security in Place

Because of the nature of their product – something that was once an illicit drug – cannabis facilities are well equipped with facility security, access monitoring, and control.

Patients and healthcare workers could feel secure in these environments while battling this deadly virus.

3. The Shift Could Happen Quickly

Many cannabis facilities are either recently renovated or brand new.

As such, they possess certain features that make it easy to quickly set up a makeshift hospital.

Access-controlled rooms could be used for patient separation and staging. They also have excellent air filtration and distribution – an important factor when dealing with an airborne virus.

So Could Cannabis Facilities Become Makeshift Hospitals?

We feel that it’s definitely worth considering. We have nothing else to lose at this point.

The federal government – along with those on the local and state levels – are already offering access to coronavirus recovery measures for other sectors. For instance, Tesla is making ventilators.

Of course, since cannabis continues to be illegal on the federal level in the United States, it’s highly unlikely they’ll provide funding.

But it’s possible that local and state governments could secure funds to expedite this process.

Cannabis companies are already braving the front lines to make marijuana available for their customers.

This is just another way they can help in the battle against COVID-19.

How Are You Navigating the Isolation?

We hope you’re finding creative ways deal with this unsettling situation. And that you have plenty of cannabis to ease your anxiety.

If we continue to practice social distancing, maybe it won’t get to the point where cannabis facilities become makeshift hospitals.

But it would be nice to know that they’re there. Just in case.

To keep up with the events surrounding cannabis and COVID-19, keep checking back with our blog.

The post Could Cannabis Facilities Become Makeshift Hospitals for COVID-19? appeared first on GROW Cannabis Marketing.

What can we do? This act of social responsibility may feel punitive but it’s a necessary evil right now.

Saddle up, y’all. We’re in for even more. Today, Michigan passed a shelter in place order that will close everything deemed non-essential.

And if you’re a cannabis enthusiast, you’re probably wondering, is cannabis considered essential in Michigan?

For those who rely on medical marijuana to ease their symptoms, the answer is a definitive yes.

The Path of COVID-19 through Michigan’s Cannabis Industry

In the past couple of weeks, people here in Michigan have been stock-piling marijuana just in case the state went into lockdown.

This was a boon for dispensaries and other businesses that saw a serious uptick in sales.

Then last week, the governor started placing restrictions on what could be open. Dispensaries still made the cut, but they started curbside pickup, limited the number of people inside their stores at one time, and imposed stricter sanitary standards to protect medical users.

But what does today’s order mean for cannabis businesses?

Is Marijuana Deemed Essential?

Last week, dispensaries appealed to Gov. Whitmer to deem cannabis an “essential” so that they won’t have to shut down.

In their letter, they called on the governor to give doctors permission to “evaluate patients and write recommendations for both new medical marijuana patients and renewing patients using telecommunications.”

They believe continued access to cannabis during this time is pertinent and should therefore be considered essential. Especially given the fact that patients with chronic pain or seizures, as well as pediatric patients, have reduced or even replaced pharmaceuticals (such as opiates) with medical marijuana.

As marketing and public relations experts in the cannabis industry, we were predicting that – at the very least – medical marijuana patients would still have access to their medicine.

We were pleased when we heard the governor’s final decision.

So Is Cannabis Considered Essential in Michigan?

The answer is yes. Dispensaries will be permitted to continue their curbside operations for BOTH medical and recreational marijuana.

Among those singing their praises to the governor for this decision is Jerry Millen of the Greenhouse in Walled Lake.

“Governor Whitmer is doing a great job caring for people throughout the state of Michigan,” said Millen. “Giving medical marijuana patients and others the opportunity to continue obtaining various cannabis products for their needs is so very important. On behalf of all of my patients and other customers, we owe her a great deal of gratitude during this difficult time for all of Michigan’s residents.”

Although the law goes into effect at midnight tonight, you can begin ordering today at greenhousemi.com. The entire back parking lot at the facility will be converted into an area for pick up.

The Greenhouse is open Monday through Saturday from 10am to 8pm, and Sunday 10am to 6pm.

Thank You, Governor Whitmer

We’re also grateful that the governor responded to the question, is cannabis considered essential in Michigan with a resounding yes.

After all, not only do medical users rely on it as their medicine, but many casual consumers use it to help them sleep and/or manage their anxiety.

And right now, we can use all the help we can get.

To stay up to date on COVID-19 and its impact on cannabis industry, keep checking back with our blog.

The post Is Cannabis Considered Essential in Michigan? appeared first on GROW Cannabis Marketing.

It’s not a bad idea.

After all, having to deal with a viral outbreak like this is unprecedented in our era.

So there’s always the that chance dispensaries will have to close their doors too.

Dispensaries Selling Recreational Marijuana Experiencing Crowds

This past weekend, the Green House in Walled Lake had their grand opening for selling recreational marijuana.

And there was a good crowd.

Of course, some of that could have been because it was the first day of recreational marijuana sales there. It was also the weekend before St. Patrick’s Day.

But it’s safe to assume that were also people there who were stockpiling in light of the COVID-19 virus.

Even in other locations where recreational marijuana has been available for a while, dispensaries have seen an uptick in their business as well.

Trying to Avoid a Dire Situation

For some folks, running out of their recreational marijuana would be drag, to be sure. If they’re used to the calming high that comes with regular use, they’ll feel uncomfortable for a while if they run out.

So it makes sense that they would be stockpiling it. Especially given the rise in anxiety due to the spread of the COVID-virus and all the uncertainty that surrounds it.

For medical marijuana patients though, the situation is much more dire should they run out of their medicine.

For those customers, purchasing a few months worth of marijuana products will be necessary in managing chronic pain or symptoms during potential quarantine.

It becomes even more important when you consider the fact that many of these patients may not be able to get to the pharmacist or to doctor’s appointments in order to get their regular prescriptions refilled or renewed.

Plus, you can’t stockpile traditional pharmaceuticals. Even in this state of emergency.

So having that extra cannabis on hand could make all the difference.

Dispensaries Taking Necessary Precautions

As of the date of this post, dispensaries remain open.

But they’re taking COVID-19 very seriously. Employees wear latex gloves, and bottles of hand sanitizer and disinfectant spray sit beside each checkout station.

Facilities are cleaned overnight and daily in response to concerns about the virus.

To further limit contact with others, they are also putting quick in-an-out checkout methods into place. It is possible that they’ll soon have to move to a “reserve ahead only” status – as have many dispensaries on the east cost.

But for the time being, you can still go into the dispensaries to secure your cannabis. So don’t hesitate!

Stocking up on Cannabis Makes Sense

Whether you’re a medical marijuana patient or just a cannabis enthusiast, it’s feeling more and more like stocking up on cannabis is a wise decision.

Nobody knows what’s coming next in term of this virus – or for how long we might have to avoid contact with one another.

Ease the anxiety of all of this with marijuana. And we’ll see you on the other side of this!

Keep checking back with our blog to get the latest updates.

The post Should You Be Stocking up on Cannabis? appeared first on GROW Cannabis Marketing.