NEWS
US: California’s dispensaries to remain open amid state-wide shutdown
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Officials in Los Angeles are ensuring that medical cannabis remains available to patients throughout the shutdown period.
Dispensaries are being deemed as ‘essential business’ and are being allowed to remain open as part of the ‘Safer at Home’ order issued last week.
Stores are listed as ‘essential infrastructure’ or ‘healthcare operations’ and are exempt from closing, meaning patients can access their medicinal cannabis safely providing they observe measures such as social distancing.
California Governor, Gavin Newsom, asked the almost 40 million residents in the state to remain at home this week.
The public appeal came after it was revealed that there were more than 1,500 COVID-19 cases by Monday.
“There’s a mutuality, and there’s a recognition of our interdependence, that requires of this moment that we direct a statewide order for people to stay at home.”
Dr. Barbara Ferrer, Los Angeles County Public Health Director, is asking Los Angeles dwellers to practice social distancing and limit non-essential activities.
“It is critical that everyone practices social distancing, obey the Safer at Home Health Officer Order and assume that anyone can have COVID-19, and anyone could unintentionally infect others.”“Please know that the actions you take today to stay 6 feet away from others and limit all non-essential activities outside your home are the best way for us to slow the spread of COVID-19 and save lives.”
Sales of medical cannabis in California, Nevada, Washington State and Oregon have spiked as high as 56% in recent weeks as American patients rush to stock up amid fears of total lockdown.
While some small businesses have been struggling to remain open, sales in Washington have increased by 75% and Oregon by 33%.
New York will also keep dispensaries open, however small businesses are struggling to cope with demand and customers are facing long delays or queues.
