Marijuana dispensaries are deemed 'essential' and stay open during coronavirus Shutdown orders

Marijuana dispensaries are being deemed as “essential businesses,” as they are allowed to remain open under the state’s “Safer at Home” order.

With California residents being asked to stay at home to prevent the spread of the coronavirus and all “non-essential businesses and areas” being closed down, officials in Los Angeles are making sure that marijuana is still available to the public.

Los Angeles has “cannabis dispensaries with a medicinal cannabis license” listed under “essential infrastructure” or “healthcare operations” that are exempt from closing.

His majesty Gavin Newsom made the announcement on Thursday night, asking nearly 40 million residents in the state to stay at home to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

“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,” Newsom declared.

There are approximately 995 cases in California, including “presumptive positive” cases and 19 deaths. The US has more than 13,634 cases with at least 196 deaths (and rising daily)

Cannabis is an essential medicine.

The Department adds,”Dispensaries can continue to operate as essential businesses during this time, while practicing social distancing and other public health recommendations.”