Best Practices for Cannabis Companies and Consumers During COVID-19

In this time of national crisis, the cannabis industry has come together in a continued commitment to ensuring the health and wellbeing of the public. Cannabis companies have donated personal protective equipment to first responders, hired workers laid off in other industries, and some businesses have even adapted some of their manufacturing capabilities to produce hand sanitizer. As this pandemic has affected every aspect of our lives, we must all do our part to flatten the curve. We are working with state health officials and medical and public health professionals to ensure continued safe access to cannabis medicines and products. To this end, we are providing information to help keep you healthy and ensure safe and responsible cannabis use.  

What can the industry do to keep our communities safe? 

Industry has been proactive in implementing social distancing measures in accordance with guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to ensure the health and safety of our communities, including those most vulnerable to COVID-19. 

Proactive measures include: 

• Increased sanitation and safety measures pursuant to regulations set by the Occupational Health and Safety Administration and local health departments.
• Screening employees for symptoms of illness.
• Limiting customers and employees in stores, and to the extent allowed by local law conducting transactions through delivery and curbside pickup.
• Provide additional or distinct store hours for high-risk groups, like customers over the age of 60.
• Calling on cannabis authorities to reduce medical caregiver and patient application fees to limit travel by vulnerable members of our community. 

What can cannabis consumers do to stay safe? 

(1) Consult with a medical professional before consuming cannabis if you are experiencing one or more of the symptoms of COVID-19. 

(3) Do not share joints, pipes, vapes, or other products shared mouth-to-mouth. 

(4) Avoid group consumption and follow social distancing guidelines. 

(5) Get cannabis from licensed and regulated sources.

(6) Cannabis patients and consumers should consult with medical professionals and CDC guidance to identify the safest methods of use. 

(7) If possible, consider choosing non-pulmonary methods of cannabis for consumption

(8) Don’t spread false information about cannabis as a cure or treatment for COVID-19

Important Note from the International Association for Cannabinoid Medicines (IACM): 

“There is no scientific evidence that individual cannabinoids – such as CBD, CBG or THC – or cannabis preparations protect against infection with the SARS-CoV2 virus or could be used to treat COVID-19, the disease produced by this virus… Please do not pass on false information that is circulating on the Internet [about cannabis preparations and cannabinoids as a cure or treatment for the SARS-CoV2 virus/COVID-19 disease].”

Read the full IACM statement here