Michigan Marijuana Businesses Deemed Essential Amid COVID-19 Stay-At-Home Order
Yesterday, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer issued a stay-at-home order to all Michigan residents. The order went into effect early this morning, at midnight.
There were exceptions to this order, with certain, ‘essential’ businesses being allowed to remain open throughout the duration of the stay-at-home order.
Now, it is clear that Cannabis Provisioning Centers are included among the list of essential businesses in the executive order.
However, though they are considered essential, there is a change to how dispensaries will be allowed to operate; they will only be allowed to accept curbside pickup and delivery orders.
(Photo by Chris Hondros/Getty Images)
“Studies have shown that cannabis can reduce anxiety and stress and we believe continued access to this product during this time is pertinent,” Michigan Cannabis Industry Association Executive Director Robin Schneider wrote to Whitmer last week. “More importantly, patients with cancer, AIDS, chronic pain, seizures, and pediatric patients have reduced or replaced pharmaceuticals, including opiates, with medical cannabis.”
“In-person transactions within the licensed facility or establishment are prohibited,” Marijuana Regulatory Agency spokesman David Harns said. “Additionally, licensees must comply with social distancing requirements for staff within the facilities and establishments.
“Licensees must designate only as many employees as necessary to show up to work to cover supplies and provide services and to maintain the value of inventory in general.”
The essential designation applies to both recreational and medical cannabis businesses statewide. For information about how to order under these changed rules, call your provisioning center before you visit.
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