Virginia During Lockdown: What Cannabis Consumers Must Know

The virus pandemic that swept the world is now being addressed by the United States federal and local governments. With hundreds of thousands of people infected by the virus and tens of thousands dying due to complications stemming from COVID-19, state officials are taking necessary steps to protect their residents and to mitigate the spread of the disease.

In Virginia, Governor Ralph Northam declared a state of emergency on March 12. It wasn’t until March 30 when state officials released a stay-at-home order. If you are a cannabis consumer in Virginia, you might be curious as to what this lockdown entails. Here’s what you need to know:

The Basics of the Virginia Lockdown

Before we talk about what the order means for medical marijuana cardholders, it is important to explain what the lockdown entails. Because of the pandemic, schools have not been operational since March 13 and many more establishments have followed suit.

However, it is important to know that Governor Northam’s stay-at-home order lasts until June 10. This is known as the longest lockdown order in the US. The order prohibits residents from leaving their homes for anything aside from essential grocery list and other vital purposes.

What This Means for Cannabis Consumer

Now that you know what the order entails, you might be wondering how it can affect your day-to-day life. As a medical cannabis cardholder, this means:

• Adhering to the stay-at-home order. – The months-long lockdown means that you will need to stay inside your home at all times, except for essential purposes. Social distancing is also encouraged to further minimize the possibility of contracting the virus. Should you need to go out to purchase medical marijuana, make sure to wear protective gear such as a mask and even a pair of gloves.

 

• Difficulties in accessing cannabis medical products. – While you might be able to go out for essential runs, you might have difficulty finding medical cannabis. This is because a lot of establishments have ceased operations. Some even had to close shop because of the economic impact of the pandemic.

 

• Calling your dispensary. – Make it a point to contact your local cannabis dispensary before going out. This way, you will not risk exposing yourself to the virus for nothing. However, if you find that your dispensary is not operational during these times, you might want to look for others near you that still caters to customers.

 

• Getting in touch with the DHP. – The Department of Health Professions is in charge of approving medical marijuana applications. Because of this, you want to reach out to the DHP to get information about your affirmative defense

 

The lockdown caused by pandemic has certainly affected a lot of lives. From people who lost jobs to those who lost access to their medical treatments and aids, residents need to find a way to cope with this public health emergency. As a marijuana consumer, knowing this essential info can help you protect yourself.