As of April 22, we have witnessed 806,034 confirmed cases of coronavirus all across the United States. The global pandemic has already claimed 44,247 lives in the country so far. As of now, the USA has emerged as the epicenter of the virus where thousands of people are getting infected from COVID-19 and scores of people are dying every day. Countries all across the globe are now leaving no stone unturned to create a vaccine that will help in fighting against the virus.
Impact of COVID-19 on the Cannabis Industry
When it comes to the cannabis industry, the virus has so far not impacted the industry. There have been various reports from North America that consumers have resorted to bulk purchasing of cannabis from the dispensaries. It led to a massive sale of cannabis that broke all records.
According to reports, governments in various regions of the USA have decided to let the cannabis stores remain open. It is apparently a recession-resistant tendency that has been reflected in the liquor and tobacco industry.
However, the continuation of the existing success will depend on an operational global supply chain with unhindered access to cultivation products, many of which are produced in China. The supply chain has reportedly suffered a major impact from the novel coronavirus outbreak as many factories remain shut, ports and transportation routes are closed. Another report revealed that a whopping 94 percent of the fortune 1000 companies have been facing supply shortage.
What is medical cannabis?
Cannabis, also known as marijuana, can be described as a plant that includes biologically active ingredients available in the parts of leaves, buds, flowers, and their extracts. Medical cannabis goes a long way in curing pain, loss of appetite, and nausea, among others. A large number of people suffering from diseases like cancer, multiple sclerosis, or AIDS also resort to medical cannabis. THC and CBD have emerged as two of the highly biologically active chemicals that have their presence in cannabis. It is worth noting that THC can influence the way you think, act, or feel. It may leave you feeling intoxicated or high, while CBD can significantly alleviate your pain and other symptoms.
What is the difference between medical and recreational cannabis?
- Medical weed includes a higher amount of CBD than recreational cannabis. It implies that when you consume it, you may not get the “High” that is linked with recreational cannabis. However, there is no precise difference between the flowers and concentrates of medical weed and recreational. Medical edible potency is largely more than the recreational one.
- The THC content remains higher in recreational weed in comparison with the medical. It implies that individuals prefer this variety more for its high effect than the benefits.
- You will require a recommendation for medical marijuana while anyone can buy recreational marijuana. Meanwhile, you are supposed to have a suitable condition to receive a medical marijuana recommendation that needs to be renewed consistently. Meanwhile, you will not require a recommendation for recreational marijuana.
- You must be more than 18 years old to buy medical marijuana from any dispensary. However, there are some specific situations wherein individuals less than 18 can apply for a medical marijuana card. It may vary from state to state. Meanwhile, you must be above 21 to buy recreational marijuana from a dispensary.
Can cannabis be helpful for COVID-19?
There is no doubt that medical cannabis and CBD have proved useful in curing stress, epilepsy, and muscular dystrophy, among others. The other thought prevailing right now that cannabis may prove helpful in killing or curing coronavirus or other kinds of viral infections is incorrect. On the contrary, if you end up consuming it, it may affect your respiratory functioning and enhance an individual’s susceptibility to contracting coronavirus.
How to get medical cannabis in the time of COVID-19?
Officials in the USA have estimated that medical cannabis dispensary as essential and allowed them to remain open. Amid coronavirus threat, more needs to be done to make it convenient for dispensaries to offer patients with medical cannabis without compromising the health of employees and patients. The State Health Department has already lifted some restrictions on home delivery of medical cannabis. It will prove beneficial in allowing dispensaries to serve the patients.
Medical cannabis an essential service
As a large number of residents in the USA have officially registered as medical marijuana patients, the COVID-19 outbreak has forced some states to declare cannabis an essential component of health care.
Conclusion
Therefore, we can conclude here that as of now, coronavirus has not caused any substantial impact on the sale of cannabis. And, it has not yet impacted the industry so far. The coming days, however, may prove crucial amid the supply issues that the industry may face. You can visit CoinNewsSpan for more interesting and vital information related to cannabis and cryptocurrencies as both have a lot of common things.