Some Massachusetts Marijuana dispensaries turn to making hand sanitizer

At least 14 marijuana dispensaries in Massachusetts have agreed to make hand sanitizer as part of efforts to help fight the coronavirus pandemic.

The dispensaries, organized by the Commonwealth Dispensary Association (CDA) and in partnership with the Massachusetts Health & Hospital Association (MHA), received approval from the Baker administration, Department of Public Health and Cannabis Control Commission to produce hand sanitizer. The dispensaries said they will assume all the costs for the production, and will donate the sanitizer free of charge.

“When John Hillier, who’s on the CDA Board, brought the feasibility of producing hand sanitizer to our attention, members jumped at the opportunity to partner with MHA to make this happen,” said CDA President David Torrisi, in a release. “I am incredibly proud of members who are allocating time and resources to produce hand sanitizer… to help clinicians in the fight against COVID-19.”

Together, the dispensaries estimate they can produce 5,000 gallons of hand sanitizer a week. Using guidelines from the World Health Organization, the dispensaries will fill five gallon jugs and then transport them to the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) for distribution to hospitals.  [Read more at Boston Business Journal]