Americans Are Stockpiling Marijuana as Coronavirus Spreads

Medical and recreational cannabis users in Massachusetts are preparing for the coronavirus epidemic by stockpiling marijuana as a self-quarantine period looms.

The marijuana dispensary New England Treatment Access (NETA) has stopped allowing walk-ins due to a major increase in customers, WGBH reported. The dispensary is now requiring customers to place their orders in advance and then pick it up.

“In light of the current environment, we will remain open,” NETA noted, “but will move to Reserve Ahead only starting on Saturday.”

Many dispensaries across the country are enhancing their marijuana delivery and store pick-up operations now that many Americans are attempting to comply with the government’s recommendation of “social distancing” by 6 to 10 feet.

“I can’t stockpile my so-called traditional medications that are issued by a pharmacist at CVS or Walgreens,” said a medical marijuana patient at NETA. “But I feel way more confident in my ability to take care of myself through the purchase of cannabis, through medical marijuana products, because I can do that myself.”

Dozens of states are now forcing non-essential businesses such as restaurants, bars and gyms to close while allowing essential businesses such as banks, hospitals and pharmacies to remain open. It is presumed that states will categorize medical marijuana dispensaries as essential businesses because, like pharmacies, they provide medicine to patients.