Marijuana Dispensaries Prepare for the Omicron Coronavirus Variant

The COVID-19 omicron variant has been found in the United States. And now, cannabis retailers are wondering how the changing pandemic situation will influence their workflow. 

Most retailers are ready to do anything to keep their dispensaries working. The fact is that a lot of companies adapted to the new pandemic rules by introducing online ordering and curbside pickup. They survived during the pandemic and have been hardened by it.

The Industry Executives’ Comments

Johnny Delaplane, co-owner of San Francisco retail stores Project Cannabis and Berner’s on Haight, said that they follow the San Francisco Department of Public Health requirements as they were valuable as a response to the pandemic situation. They still wear masks, use personal protective equipment (PPE), and follow the Department of Public Health orders. 

He also added that they had not changed their COVID-19 protocols due to the new coronavirus variant and when there was the delta variant. They just kept their social distances, wore masks and PPE. 

Ellen Rosenfeld, president of the Massachusetts-based The Commonwealth Cannabis Company, has little doubt that the governor will close any cannabis retail store. They also practice social distancing, curbside pickup, and protect staff with measures such as obligatory vaccination. 

Samuel Richard, executive director of the Arizona Dispensaries Association, ensured that “operating within a pandemic atmosphere is not something that is new to us. Operating with extremely dynamic conditions, both from state regulators, as well as just current events, is absolutely something that our retailers are extremely comfortable doing.”

Jason Erkes, chief communications officer at the Cresco Labs, commented, “we’ve been dealing with this now for two years and aren’t changing our business strategy from variant to variant.” 

He added that a virus would continue to be around, and people adapt. They constantly study their safety standards, ensuring they do everything they can to protect both employees and customers.